Impact of Micronutrient Status during Pregnancy on Early Nutrition Programming

Abstract

Background: Nutrition status prior to conception and during pregnancy and infancy seems to have an influence on the disease risk in adulthood (early nutrition/developmental programming). We aimed to review the current knowledge on the role of micronutrients in early nutrition programming and its implications for healthcare. Summary of Findings: Globally and even in high-income countries where a balanced diet is generally accessible, an inadequate maternal micronutrient status is common. This may induce health problems in the mother and foetus/newborn both immediately and in later life. Pregnant women and those who may become pregnant should aim to achieve a satisfactory micronutrient status from a well-balanced diet, and where necessary from additional supplements. Key Messages: We emphasise the need for a call to action for healthcare providers and policymakers to better educate women of child-bearing age regarding the short- and long-term benefits of an appropriate micronutrient status. The role of micronutrient status in early nutrition programming needs to be emphasized more to address the still limited awareness of the potential long-term health repercussions of suboptimal micronutrient supply during pregnancy.

Multiple Micronutrients and Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation during Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Study

“…Furthermore, supplementation with MMS during pregnancy, as in our study, can improve maternal and infant outcomes, leading to reductions in the incidence of pre-eclampsia [64], neural-tube defects [64,65], low birthweight and small-for-gestational age babies [3], limb reduction defects, and congenital urinary tract abnormalities [64]. There may also be long-term benefits in children [4] (e.g., cognitive development [66,67]). Although many of these results have been reported from low-to middle-income countries, micronutrient levels in pregnant women are often insufficient even in industrialized countries, where dietary resources are more readily available [12].…”

“…During pregnancy, an adequate maternal dietary intake is essential to meet the increased nutritional demands required to maintain metabolism and support fetal development [1]. Micronutrients such as folic acid and other B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin C, calcium, copper, magnesium, iodine, selenium, zinc, and iron all have vital roles throughout all stages of pregnancy [2][3][4]. Poor dietary intake or deficiencies in both micro-and macronutrients can have adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes and neonatal health [5], including an increased risk of neural tube defects, preeclampsia, miscarriage, and low birth weight [6,7].…”

Plasma concentrations of vitamin A and E and risk of dysglycemia in first-trimester pregnant Saudi women

“…A cohort study from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, estimated the prevalence of Pre-GDM and GDM to be around 4.3% and 24.2%, respectively, indicating a great burden of diabetes among pregnant women in Saudi Arabia [4]. Pregnancy is a period of specific nutritional needs to support health of the mother and the fetus [5]. Vitamin A and E are micronutrients needed to detoxify free radicals.…”

The Nutritional Behaviour of Pregnant Women in Poland

“…These can also be caused by excessive exposure to some chemicals, including those present in food [5]. According to the theory of metabolic programming, environmental factors and lifestyle, including diet, during the pregnancy of the mother, among other effects, has an influence on the health and disease risk in the later life of the offspring [6]. Obesity or malnutrition in a future mother is considered to be one of the most important factors determining intrauterine fetal development [7,8].…”