The developing foetus is particularly susceptible to growth retardation because of poor nutrition. During pregnancy the foetus relies on its nutrients from mother by delivery from the blood supply of the umbilical cord. The nutritional status of the mother is therefore of paramount importance because the health of the foetus will reflect the health of the mother. Although not a direct relationship, a general rule would be that any vitamin or mineral deficiency in the mother will result in an inadequate supply of that nutrient to the foetus. Likewise, when the infant is born, it is reliant on its mother for correct nutrition through consumption of breast milk. Therefore the nutritional status of the mother is highly important during this time. There is therefore a strong argument to ensure that the mother maintains a high quality diet before and during pregnancy and that women of childbearing age do not allow nutritional deficiencies to develop. Some nutrient deficiencies are known to cause severe retardation in foetal development.
Maternal nutrition is highly important during pregnancy. Poor nutrient status can lead to growth retardation and a low length for age score. Some nutrient deficiencies are known to cause serious birth defects. For example, a folic acid deficiency in the mother can cause a neural tube defect in the foetus.
Studies have looked at the relationship between maternal nutrient status and the health of their children. For example, in one study, researchers assessed the effects of a multinutrient supplement containing 13 essential nutrients, during pregnancy, on the growth of infants during the 2 year period following birth. The women were living in rural Bangladesh and were therefore at high risk of developing nutrient deficiencies. The results showed that the prevalence of stunting at birth, and at 1 and 3 months, was significantly lower in the mothers who consumed the supplement compared to the control group who received only an iron supplement. In addition, the length for age score in the children born to mothers talking the multinutrient formula were higher compared to the mothers taking the iron supplement. However, there was no difference between the infants in terms of their cognition (on those tests included). These results therefore suggest that multinutrient supplementation may optimise foetal and infant growth rates.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
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