Micronutrients Intake and Status during Pregnancy and Lactation

• Main Author: Rees, Gail (auth)
• Other Authors: Brough, Louise (auth)
• Format: Electronic Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI - Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute 2019
• Subjects: Biology, life sciences; neonate anthropometry; gestational duration; linear programming; women of reproductive age; infant; prenatal iron and folic acid (IFA) supplements; pregnant; infants; body mass index; pregnancy; bone health; dietary reference intakes (DRIs); supplements; Optifood; lactation; placenta; maternal; women; food-based recommendations; lactating; dietary intake; trace elements; selenium; serum 25-OHD; Malawi; energy intakes; gestational diabetes; iodine; fetal growth; folic acid; vitamin D; elemental metabolomics; maternal anemia; micronutrition; dietary intakes; deficiency; birth cohort; micronutrient; developmental origins of health and disease; low birth weight; breastfeeding
• Online Access: DOAB: download the publication; DOAB: description of the publication

Optimal nutrition is important during pregnancy and lactation for the health of both the mother and infant. Chronic deficiencies of both macronutrients and micronutrients are well established in developing countries. Although in developed countries overconsumption of macronutrients is a major issue, micronutrient deficiencies which occur concomitantly are no less of a concern. Furthermore in developed countries there is also the risk of excessive micronutrient intake from dietary supplements. Micronutrients have a role in fetal and neonatal health and also health in later life. Micronutrient deficiency or toxicity during pregnancy or early life can permanently affect developing tissues, resulting in adverse growth and development of the infant which is associated with chronic diseases in adulthood. An aberrant micronutrient intake during pregnancy or lactation can also have detrimental effect on the mother both in the neonatal period and in later life.