Pregnancy is one of the most critical
periods in women’s life as they are particularly vulnerable to nutritional
deficiencies because of the increased metabolic demands imposed by pregnancy, involving
a growing placenta, fetus, and maternal tissues, coupled with associated
dietary risks. Adequate nutrition is exceptionally important during this period
to meet up with the diverse nutritional needs imposed by the physiological
condition. The optimal development of the infant depends on the mother’s diet
as any deficiency during this period cannot be averted.
Deficiencies do not occur overnight, but
if the body is repeatedly deprived of a specific nutrient, or combination of
nutrients, it soon becomes prone to illness and decreased physical and
cognitive performance. During pregnancy, the elevated demand for micronutrients
put pregnant women at even higher risk of micronutrients deficiency. For
instance, the requirement for some
micronutrients such as
calcium, copper, iron and
zinc are known
to increase during pregnancy
due to greater needs
of the mother
to increase her
body tissue reserves, and
to meet the
high metabolic demands and
development of the placenta and
fetus. Micronutrients play
an important role during
pregnancy and reduction
may cause physical abnormalities
and diseases which increase
the risk of
adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Causes of micronutrients deficiency
Deficiencies in maternal micro nutrient
status may be a
product of poor quality
diets, high fertility
rates, repeated pregnancies,
short intervals inter pregnancy and
increased physiological
needs. All of these factors may be aggravated
by inadequate healthcare systems with
poor capacity, poverty
and inequities, and socio-cultural factors
such as early marriage,
adolescent pregnancies and traditional
dietary practices.
Some micronutrient and their importance
Vitamin A
is important for lung development and maturation in the foetus and newborn.
Pregnant women are generally advised to avoid liver and liver products. Therefore,
beta-carotene remains an essential source of vitamin A in this condition.
Vitamin B9 (folate)
requirements increase to maintain blood plasma and red cell folate levels.
Women are recommended to start folic acid supplementation during
periconceptional period to reduce the risk of congenital abnormalities such as
neural tube defect (NTD) and congenital heart defects (CHD). Folate deficiency
also link to preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, fetal growth retardation, and
miscarriage, via accumulation of homocysteine.
Vitamin C
is needed in extra during pregnancy (as the foetus concentrates the nutrient at
the expense of the mother’s stores and circulating vitamin levels) and
breast-feeding.
Vitamin D- is
a fat-soluble vitamin whose source is either dietary intake or manufacture in
the skin with the aid of ultraviolet (UV). during pregnancy, vitamin D
deficiency could induce preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and preterm birth. Intake
is needed to reduce the risk of low calcium levels and bone diseases in the
mother, and to improve the vitamin D status of the fetus throughout the
developmental period.
Iron and iodine:
Iron is needed for the formation of red blood cells and to reduce the risk of
low birth weight while iodine is required for the production of thyroid hormone
affecting growth and development and prevention of cretinism. To compensate the
increased requirement adequate food intake or supplementation during pregnancy
is recommended.
zinc is
needed for cell
growth and for the production and functioning of DNA – the body's genetic
blueprint. Deficiency
increases foetal death due to spontaneous abortions or multiple congenital
anomalies, intrauterine growth retardation, reduced birth weight,
prolonged labour and preterm or post-term deliveries.
Calcium
Low Calcium intake could cause rapid
increase in bone resorption in the maternal body resulting in the increase of
future fracture and osteoporosis risks. Low intake also increases the risk of preeclampsia,
gestational diabetes and preterm birth and may induce impaired fetal bone
development.
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