Title: Nutrition in pregnancy: mineral and vitamin supplements.

POPLINE Document Number: 299872

Author(s):

Ladipo OA

Source citation:

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2000 Jul;72(1 Suppl):280S-290S.

Abstract:

Pregnancy is associated with physiologic changes that result in increased plasma volume and red blood cells and decreased concentrations of circulating nutrient-binding proteins and micronutrients. In many developing countries, these physiologic changes can be aggravated by undernutrition, leading to micronutrient deficiency states, such as anemia, that can have disastrous consequences for both mothers and newborn infants. Multiple micronutrients are often taken by pregnant women in developed countries, but their benefits are limited, except for prophylactic folic acid taken during the periconceptional period. Women in developing countries may benefit from multiple-micronutrient prophylaxis in pregnancy, but the underlying basis and rationale for changing from supplementation with iron and folate to supplementation with multiple micronutrients has not been debated in the context of existing program objectives. There is an urgent need for this discussion so that both program effectiveness and program efficacy can be improved. (author's)

Keywords:

Developing Countries
Critique
Recommendations
Evaluation
Women in Development
Pregnant Women
Maternal Nutrition
Malnutrition
Food Supplementation
Vitamins and Minerals
Serum Iron Level
Program Effectiveness
Economic Development
Economic Factors
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Nutrition
Health
Nutrition Disorders
Diseases
Nutrition Programs
Primary Health Care
Health Services
Delivery of Health Care
Physiology
Biology
Hemic System
Program Evaluation
Programs
Organization and Administration