Food taboos risk health of pregnant indigenous women in Khagrachhari, study finds

A new study has revealed that nearly half of the pregnant women in the ethnic minority communities of Khagrachhari are following food taboos that may harm both maternal and child health.

The findings were shared today at a research dissemination event held at Super Specialised Hospital, BMU, ahead of Indigenous Peoples Day.

Conducted by Dr Labanya Tripura of the Department of Public Health and Informatics (DPHI), Bangladesh Medical University (BMU), and supervised by Dr Md Khalequzzaman and Prof Syed Shariful Islam, the research highlights deeply-rooted food restrictions among the Tripura, Chakma, and Marma communities during pregnancy.

Presenting the findings on behalf of Dr Labanya, Dr Khalequzzaman said, "The study identified 64 food items that ethnic minority women avoid during pregnancy. For example, they believe that cut fruits should not be given to a pregnant woman."

In addition, 46.6% of pregnant women reported currently following one or more food taboos. The most commonly avoided foods include pineapple (33.3%), papaya (20.0%), organic sweet potato (4.0%), pumpkin (2.6%), duck meat (2.6%)

Despite national economic progress, undernutrition among pregnant women remains a persistent issue in Bangladesh, particularly among indigenous populations. The study shows that food taboos—driven by cultural beliefs and misinformation—limit calorie intake and essential nutrients at a crucial time.

Using a mixed-method approach, the researchers conducted focus group discussions and face-to-face interviews with 75 pregnant indigenous women, all in their native languages, to gather insights into their current dietary practices.

The taboos are largely rooted in concerns for the unborn child. Many women believe that certain foods can cause low birth weight, deformities, skin rashes, convulsions and malaria or tetanus

Other taboos stem from fears about maternal complications like miscarriage, labor difficulties, anemia, or uterine ulcers.

The influence of family elders—especially mothers-in-law, grandmothers, and traditional birth attendants—plays a significant role in reinforcing these beliefs.

However, the researchers recommend culturally appropriate health education programmes to correct misbeliefs and promote nutrition among indigenous women during pregnancy and community-level awareness initiatives to break harmful food taboos.