The Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) study is an ongoing prospective cohort study that recruits pregnant women early in pregnancy and, as of 2012, is following up their infants to 3 years of age. It has currently enrolled approximately 5000 Canadians (2000 pregnant women, their offspring and many of their partners). The primary aims of the APrON study were to determine the relationships between maternal nutrient intake and status, before, during and after gestation, and (1) maternal mood; (2) birth and obstetric outcomes; and (3) infant neurodevelopment. We have collected comprehensive maternal nutrition, anthropometric, biological and mental health data at multiple points in the pregnancy and the post-partum period, as well as obstetrical, birth, health and neurodevelopmental outcomes of these pregnancies. The study continues to follow the infants through to 36 months of age. The current report describes the study design and methods, and findings of some pilot work. The APrON study is a significant resource with opportunities for collaboration.

Future research should examine whether eating behaviours can be modified to reduce children's risk of becoming overweight or obese. In addition potential determinants of eating behaviours should be explored.

Bone mass of the whole body and spine was lower than expected for chronological age in approximately one third of pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis irrespective of gender or age. This may be explained by the observation of low bone turnover for developmental stage as indicated by bone biomarkers. Suboptimal status of vitamins D and K may be key causative factors of the low bone status for age.

In children with high-risk malignancies, MA resulted in significant increases in mean percent weight change compared to placebo. Further studies of MA should be pursued to better delineate the effect on nutritional status.