How Vegetable Smells During Pregnancy Affect Children's Food Preferences

May 13, 2026, 06:54
EuropeScience

Introduction

A study involving several universities shows that when mothers eat specific vegetable powders late in pregnancy, it can influence how their children react to those smells up to three years later.

Main Body

The research, led by Durham University and published in Developmental Psychobiology, tracked how children remember smells and tastes. Pregnant women were given capsules containing either carrot or kale powder. Researchers used ultrasound to watch the babies' facial expressions at 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. Later, they observed the children at three weeks after birth and again at age three, using cotton swabs with vegetable powders to see how twelve children reacted. The results showed a clear link between prenatal exposure and positive reactions. Children whose mothers ate carrot powder showed fewer negative reactions to the smell of carrots, and those exposed to kale showed a similar preference for that vegetable. This suggests that the environment in the womb allows babies to develop long-term memories of flavors, which may then influence what they like to eat in early childhood. However, the researchers emphasized that the study had a small sample size. Consequently, they stated that larger studies are needed to confirm these results. Furthermore, the team noted that these findings could be useful across different cultures to help improve public health through early dietary changes. The project was supported by Aston University and included partners from France, the Netherlands, and the UK.

Conclusion

The study concludes that what a mother eats during pregnancy may shape a child's future food choices, suggesting that a varied diet for the mother could encourage healthier eating habits for the child.

Learning

🚀 Moving Beyond 'And' and 'But'

At the A2 level, we often connect ideas with simple words like and, but, or so. To reach B2, you need Logical Connectors. These are 'bridge words' that show the exact relationship between two ideas.

Look at these three power-words from the text:

  1. Consequently →\rightarrow (Result) Instead of saying: "The study was small, so they need more research." B2 Style: "The study had a small sample size. Consequently, larger studies are needed."

  2. Furthermore →\rightarrow (Adding more info) Instead of saying: "And the findings are useful for health." B2 Style: "Furthermore, the team noted that these findings could be useful across different cultures."

  3. However →\rightarrow (Contrast/Change of direction) Instead of saying: "But the study was small." B2 Style: "However, the researchers emphasized that the study had a small sample size."

💡 Pro-Tip for Your Speaking

When you want to sound more professional or academic, stop using But at the start of a sentence. Use However followed by a comma. It immediately transforms your English from 'basic' to 'upper-intermediate'.

Example Transformation:

  • A2: I like carrots, but I hate kale.
  • B2: I enjoy eating carrots; however, I find kale quite unpleasant.

Vocabulary Learning

influence
to affect the way something develops or behaves
Example:The study shows that a mother's diet can influence her child's food preferences.
react
to respond to something
Example:Children react differently to the smell of carrots.
observe
to watch something closely
Example:Researchers observed the babies' facial expressions during ultrasounds.
exposure
the state of being exposed to something
Example:Prenatal exposure to certain smells can affect later preferences.
prenatal
occurring before birth
Example:Prenatal exposure was measured during the third trimester.
positive
expressing approval or favorable feelings
Example:The children showed positive reactions to kale.
negative
expressing disapproval or unfavorable feelings
Example:Fewer negative reactions were seen in children exposed to carrot.
preference
a greater liking for one thing over another
Example:The study found a preference for kale among exposed children.
environment
the surroundings or conditions in which something exists
Example:The womb's environment can shape memory formation.
long-term
lasting for a long period of time
Example:Long-term memories of flavors were recorded.
memories
something remembered
Example:Babies develop long-term memories of the smells they experience.
sample
a group of items selected from a larger set
Example:The study had a small sample size.
larger
greater in size or number
Example:Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
confirm
to establish the truth of something
Example:Further research can confirm the results.
findings
results or discoveries from a study
Example:The findings suggest early exposure matters.
cultures
the customs and social behavior of a particular group
Example:The findings could be useful across different cultures.
public
relating to or affecting the general population
Example:Public health can benefit from early dietary changes.
dietary
relating to diet
Example:Dietary changes can improve health outcomes.
partner
a person or organization that works with another
Example:The research had partners from France and the Netherlands.
encourage
to give support or confidence
Example:A varied diet could encourage healthier eating.