Maternal diet, nutritional status and infant birth weight in Malaysia: a scoping review

Abstract

Background Women’s diet and nutritional status during pregnancy are important in influencing birth outcomes. We conducted a systematic scoping review of the best available evidence regarding dietary intake of Malaysian pregnant women, and the associations of maternal diet, anthropometry, and nutrition-related co-morbidities with the infant’s birth weight (IBW). The study objectives were to examine: (1) the adequacy of micronutrient intake among pregnant women; and (2) the association of maternal factors (anthropometry, diet, plasma glucose and blood pressure) during pregnancy with IBW. Methods Eleven search engines such as Proquest, EbscoHost, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Wiley Online Library, PubMed, Google Scholar, MyJournal, BookSC and Inter Library Loan with Medical Library Group were extensively searched to identify the primary articles. Three reviewers independently screened the abstracts and full articles based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Extracted data included details about the population characteristics, study methods and key findings related to the review objectives. Seventeen studies published from 1972 to 2021 were included, following the PRISMA-ScR guideline. Results Studies showed that maternal micronutrient intakes including calcium, iron, vitamin D, folic acid, and niacin fell short of the national recommendations. Increased maternal fruit intake was also associated with increased birth weight. Factors associated with fetal macrosomia included high pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), excess gestational weight gain (GWG) and high blood glucose levels. Low pre-pregnancy BMI, inadequate GWG, intake of confectioneries and condiments, and high blood pressure were associated with low birth weight. Conclusion This review identified several factors such as the mother’s food habits, comorbidities, BMI and gestational weight gain as the determinants of low birth weight. This implies that emphasis should be given on maternal health and nutrition for the birth outcome.

Chrononutrition is associated with melatonin and cortisol rhythm during pregnancy: Findings from MY-CARE cohort study

“…During pregnancy, the food intake of women in terms of quality and quantity is a well-recognized determinant of maternal and infant outcomes, such as birth weight, gestation length and gestational weight gain (10). However, less is known about the relationship between maternal chrononutrition characteristics with pregnancy and infant outcomes.…”

Nutrient intake, oral symptoms, and oral health-related quality of life among antenatal mothers in Sarawak

“…This can be attributed to the relatively low awareness on vitamin D intake among antenatal mothers, which is related to lower educational background (Bukhary et al, 2016). In addition, the sun avoidant lifestyles and also Muslims who cover themselves (especially ladies) during outdoor activities have been shown to be related to vitamin D insufficiency (Mohamed et al, 2022). Meanwhile, majority of antenatal mothers in this…”

“…A healthy diet is important for the preservation of oral health and positive pregnancy outcomes. However, a scoping review reported that nutrient intake for most antenatal mothers, particularly iron, folate, vitamin D, and calcium were inadequate in urban and suburban areas of Malaysia (Mohamed et al, 2022). It is well established that nutrition and oral health has a bi-directional relationship in the general population (American Dental Association, 2021).…”

Assessing Factors Hindering Effectiveness of Family MUAC Program on Nutrition Surveillance and Early Detection of Malnutrition Cases Among Children Aged 6-59 Months in Banisa Sub County

“…Socioeconomic factors also play a significant role in the effectiveness of family MUAC programs. Mohamed et al (2022) found that maternal factors such as high pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), excess gestational weight gain (GWG), and high blood glucose levels were associated with fetal macrosomia, while low pre-pregnancy BMI, inadequate GWG, intake of confectioneries and condiments, and high blood pressure were associated with low birth weight. Chitekwe et al (2018) found that long distances between home and treatment centers, lower MUAC at admission, or having diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or cough during the treatment episode were factors associated 2017) also found that the prevalence of stunting, underweight, and global acute malnutrition rates was high among children in Kwale County, Kenya, with male children being associated with a significantly higher prevalence of stunting than females, and the prevalence of underweight and stunting increasing with age.…”