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Maternal and Infant Nutrition Strategy

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A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition in Women".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (5 February 2024) | Viewed by 16549

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Prof. Dr. Ewa Wender-Ozegowska

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Guest Editor

Head of the Department of Reproduction, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
Interests: hyperglycemia, obesity and hypertension in pregnancy; rheumatologic disorders and pregnancy; reccurent pregnancy loss; ultrasound in pregnancy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. ANNUNZIATA LAPOLLA

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Guest Editor

Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padua, Italy
Interests: diabetes; obesity; gestational diabetes; diabetes in pregnancy; obesity in pregnancy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Pregnancy is a particular time in a woman's life when nutritional status influences her health and pregnancy outcomes as well as the health of her fetus-neonate.

Physicians and other healthcare providers need to be aware of nutritional needs during pregnancy, as they differ significantly from those of non-pregnant populations.

We are organizing a Special Issue (SI) on the new insights into the role of maternal nutrition in pregnancy. We invite manuscripts (original research or review articles) about the influence of maternal weight on pregnancy outcome, the role of nutrition during pregnancy in different groups of patients (malnourished, obese), as well as in various pathological situations (e.g., diabetes, hypertension).

We will discuss current recommendations concerning nutrition during pregnancy. We aim to cover pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic options, evidence-based treatment algorithms, and novel experimental therapies. We encourage authors to focus on strategies for preventing and reducing complications. In the field of environmental research, we seek papers about social, economic, and cultural changes in public health and their influence on nutrition during pregnancy, especially in the rapidly growing group of obese women.

We are also planning to invite authors that present the latest achievements in molecular biologies, such as assessing the gut microbiome in pregnancy. Papers combining a high academic standard with a practical focus are especially welcome.

Prof. Dr. Ewa Wender-Ozegowska
Dr. ANNUNZIATA LAPOLLA
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

pathophysiology of pregnancy
nutrition and its role in pregnancy
epidemiology of nutritional problems
obesity
education
complications
lifestyle

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 1812 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Randomised Controlled Trial of a Customised Text Messaging and Activity Monitor Program for Lifestyle Improvement after Gestational Diabetes

by Ngai Wah Cheung, David Simmons, Simone Marschner, Aravinda Thiagalingam, Dharmintra Pasupathy, Ben J. Smith, Victoria Flood, Mark McLean, Sarah J. Melov, Roslyn Hogan, Suja Padmanabhan, Anna Duke, Cellina Ching, Haeri Min, Justin McNab and Clara K. Chow

Nutrients 2024, 16(6), 820; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16060820 - 13 Mar 2024

Viewed by 619

Abstract

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is associated with a long-term risk of diabetes. We aimed to determine whether a text-messaging-based lifestyle support program would improve diabetes risk factors following GDM. Women with GDM were randomised following delivery to receive four text messages per week supporting a healthy lifestyle and parenting for 6 months, with feedback from an activity monitor (intervention), or to receive the activity monitor only (control). The primary outcome was a composite of weight, physical activity and dietary goals. There were 177 women randomised, with 88 intervention and 89 control participants. All the participants experienced COVID-19 lockdowns during the study. Six-month primary outcome data were obtained for 57 intervention participants and 56 controls. There were 7/57 (12%) intervention and 6/56 (11%) control participants who met the primary outcome (relative risk, 1.08; 95%CI, 0.63–1.85; p = 0.79). Two intervention participants met the dietary goals compared to none of the control participants (p = NS). The intervention participants were more likely to record >1000 steps/day (on 102 ± 59 vs. 81 ± 59 days, p = 0.03). When analysed monthly, this was not initially different but became significant 3–6 months post-partum. Interviews and surveys indicated that with the Intervention, healthier choices were made, but these were negatively impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. Participants found the messages motivational (74%) and the activity monitor useful (71%). In conclusion, no improvement in the diabetes risk factors occurred among the women receiving the text messaging intervention when affected by COVID-19 restrictions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal and Infant Nutrition Strategy)

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17 pages, 3529 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamics of the Gut Microbiota and Faecal and Serum Metabolomes during Pregnancy—A Longitudinal Study

by Ruili Pan, Min Guo, Ying Chen, Guopeng Lin, Peijun Tian, Linlin Wang, Jianxin Zhao, Wei Chen and Gang Wang

Nutrients 2024, 16(4), 483; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16040483 - 07 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1057

Abstract

Normal pregnancy involves numerous physiological changes, including changes in hormone levels, immune responses, and metabolism. Although several studies have shown that the gut microbiota may have an important role in the progression of pregnancy, these findings have been inconsistent, and the relationship between the gut microbiota and metabolites that change dynamically during and after pregnancy remains to be clarified. In this longitudinal study, we comprehensively profiled the temporal dynamics of the gut microbiota, Bifidobacterium communities, and serum and faecal metabolomes of 31 women during their pregnancies and postpartum periods. The microbial composition changed as gestation progressed, with the pregnancy and postpartum periods exhibiting distinct bacterial community characteristics, including significant alterations in the genera of the Lachnospiraceae or Ruminococcaceae families, especially the Lachnospiraceae FCS020 group and Ruminococcaceae UCG-003. Metabolic dynamics, characterised by changes in nutrients important for fetal growth (e.g., docosatrienoic acid), anti-inflammatory metabolites (e.g., trans-3-indoleacrylic acid), and steroid hormones (e.g., progesterone), were observed in both serum and faecal samples during pregnancy. Moreover, a complex correlation was identified between the pregnancy-related microbiota and metabolites, with Ruminococcus1 and Ruminococcaceae UCG-013 making important contributions to changes in faecal and serum metabolites, respectively. Overall, a highly coordinated microbiota–metabolite regulatory network may underlie the pregnancy process. These findings provide a foundation for enhancing our understanding of the molecular processes occurring during the progression of pregnancy, thereby contributing to nutrition and health management during this period. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal and Infant Nutrition Strategy)

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16 pages, 447 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Micronutrient Gaps and Supplement Use in a Diverse Cohort of Pregnant Women

by Sarah A. Crawford, Alexandra R. Brown, Juliana Teruel Camargo, Elizabeth H. Kerling, Susan E. Carlson, Byron J. Gajewski, Debra K. Sullivan and Christina J. Valentine

Nutrients 2023, 15(14), 3228; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15143228 - 20 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1692

Abstract

Background: Micronutrition in pregnancy is critical to impact not only fetal growth and development but also long-term physical and psychiatric health outcomes. Objective: Estimate micronutrient intake from food and dietary supplements in a diverse cohort of pregnant women and compare intake to the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). Design: Secondary analysis of women enrolled in a multi-site clinical trial of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation who provided their dietary intake using the diet history questionnaire-II (n = 843) or multiple 24 h recalls (n = 178) at baseline and their intake of nutritional supplements at baseline through 30 days postpartum. Participants/Setting: 1021 participants from the parent trial who had reliable data for dietary intake, supplement intake, or both. Main outcome measures: Micronutrient intake from dietary and supplement sources and percentage of intakes meeting the DRIs for pregnancy. Statistical analyses performed: Percent of participants whose intake was below the estimated average requirement (EAR) or adequate intake (AI) and above the tolerable upper limit (UL). Results: Dietary intakes of choline, folate, iron, vitamin D, zinc, vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium, were below the AI or EAR for 30–91% of the participants; thiamin and vitamin B6 were also below the AI or EAR for non-Hispanic/Latina women. Supplement intake improved the intake for most; however, 80% of the group remained below the AI for choline and 52.5% for potassium while 30% remained below the EAR for magnesium. Folate and iron intakes were above the UL for 80% and 19%, respectively. Conclusions: Dietary supplements, despite their variability, allowed the majority of this cohort of pregnant women to achieve adequate intakes for most micronutrients. Choline, magnesium, and potassium were exceptions. Of interest, folate intake was above the tolerable UL for the majority and iron for 16.8% of the participants. Clinicians have the opportunity to address the most common nutrient deficits and limits with advice on food sources that provide choline, magnesium, and potassium and to ensure folate is not overabundant. More research is needed to determine if these findings are similar in a cross-sectional population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal and Infant Nutrition Strategy)

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14 pages, 1861 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationships between Dietary Patterns and Erythropoiesis-Associated Micronutrient Deficiencies (Iron, Folate, and Vitamin B₁₂) among Pregnant Women in Taiwan

by Noor Rohmah Mayasari, Chyi-Huey Bai, Jane C.-J. Chao, Yi-Chun Chen, Ya-Li Huang, Fan-Fen Wang, Bayu Satria Wiratama and Jung-Su Chang

Nutrients 2023, 15(10), 2311; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15102311 - 15 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2178

Abstract

Globally, anemia affects 56 million pregnant women, especially women with a low household income. Functional erythropoiesis requires a constant supply of micronutrients, and the demands significantly increase during fetal development. This study aims to identify dietary patterns for preventing gestational erythropoiesis-associated micronutrient deficiencies (e.g., iron, folic acid, and vitamin B₁₂). A Nationwide Nutrition and Health Survey in Pregnant Women, Taiwan (NAHSIT-PW), was conducted between 2017 and 2019. Data on baseline information, diet, anthropometrics, and blood biochemistry were collected during a prenatal visit. Dietary patterns were identified using a reduced rank regression (RRR). Erythropoiesis-related micronutrient deficiencies were defined as single, double, and triple micronutrient deficiencies of an iron deficiency, folate depletion, and a vitamin B₁₂ deficiency. In total, 1437 singleton pregnancies aged ≥20–48 years were included in the analysis. Prevalences of normal nutrition, and single, double, and triple erythropoiesis-related micronutrient deficiencies were 35.7%, 38.2%, 18.6%, and 7.5%, respectively. Anemic pregnant women with a low household income had the highest prevalence rates of double (32.5%) and triple (15.8%) erythropoiesis-related micronutrient deficiencies. Dietary pattern scores were positively correlated with nuts and seeds, fresh fruits, total vegetables, breakfast cereals/oats and related products, soybean products, and dairy products but negatively correlated with processed meat products and liver, organs, and blood products. After adjusting for covariates, the dietary pattern had 29% (odds ratio (OR): 0.71; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.055–0.091, p = 0.006)) and 43% (OR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.41–0.80, p = 0.001)) reduced odds of having double and triple erythropoiesis-related micronutrient deficiencies for those pregnant women with a low household income. For those women with anemia, dietary patterns had 54% (OR: 046, 95% CI: 0.27–0.78) and 67% (OR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.170.64) reduced odds of double and triple erythropoiesis-related micronutrient deficiencies. In conclusion, increased consumption of breakfast cereals and oats, nuts, and seeds, fresh fruits and vegetables, soybean products, and dairy products may protect women against erythropoiesis-related micronutrient deficiencies during pregnancy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal and Infant Nutrition Strategy)

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14 pages, 8588 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Maternal Ketogenic Diet on NLRP3 Inflammasome Response in the Offspring Brain

by Sevsen Altınöz, Serap Cilaker Micili, Sıla Soy, Defne Engür, Bora Baysal and Abdullah Kumral

Nutrients 2023, 15(8), 1994; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15081994 - 21 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1635

Abstract

The effects of maternal diet on the neuroimmune responses of the offspring remain to be elucidated. We investigated the impact of maternal ketogenic diet (KD) on the NLRP3 inflammasome response in the offspring’s brain. C57BL/6 female mice were randomly allocated into standard diet (SD) and ketogenic diet (KD) groups for 30 days. After mating, the presence of sperm in the vaginal smear was considered day 0 of pregnancy, and female mice continued their respective diets during pregnancy and the lactation period. Following birth, pups were further allocated into two groups and given either LPS or intraperitoneal saline on postnatal (PN) days 4, 5 and 6; they were sacrificed on PN11 or PN21. Neuronal densities were significantly lower globally in the KD group when compared to the SD group at PN11. Neuronal density in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and dentate gyrus (DG) regions were also significantly lower in the KD group when compared to the SD group at PN21. Following administration of LPS, the decrease in the neuronal count was more prominent in the SD group when compared to the KD group in the PFC and DG regions at PN11 and PN21. NLRP3 and IL-1β were higher in the KD group than in the SD group at PN21 in the PFC, CA1 and DG regions, and were significantly lower in the DG region of the KD group especially when compared to the SD group following LPS. Results of our study reveal that maternal KD negatively affects the offspring’s brain in the mouse model. The effects of KD exhibited regional variations. On the other hand, in the presence of KD exposure, NLRP3 expression after LPS injection was lower in the DG and CA1 areas but not in the PFC when compared to SD group. Further experimental and clinical studies are warranted to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the impact of antenatal KD exposure and regional discrepancies on the developing brain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal and Infant Nutrition Strategy)

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12 pages, 509 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Serum Levels of Ketone Bodies and Vitamin D, Thyroid Function, and Iron Metabolism

by Kiwamu Noshiro, Takeshi Umazume, Mayumi Inubashiri, Megumi Tamura, Masayoshi Hosaka and Hidemichi Watari

Nutrients 2023, 15(3), 768; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15030768 - 02 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2394

Abstract

Suicide due to postpartum depression is the most common perinatal-related death and is a social concern in Japan. Nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy may contribute to postpartum depression; therefore, we investigated the relationship between postpartum depression and nutritional status during pregnancy and postpartum. We focused specifically on ketone bodies because they are known to protect brain cells. The relationship between the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores and the serum levels of ketone bodies and vitamin D, thyroid function, and iron metabolism was examined. Overall, 126 pregnant women were identified for the study, and 99 were eventually included in the analysis. We defined an EPDS score of ≥9 as being positive for postpartum depression, and serum ketone levels were found to be higher in the group with an EPDS score of ≥9 during the second trimester; however, there were no other significant findings. We may be able to predict postpartum depression from a pregnant woman’s serum ketone levels in the second trimester. There was a positive correlation between the EPDS scores at 3 days and 1 month postpartum (r = 0.534, p < 0.001). EPDS scores assessed in the early postpartum period may be useful for the timely detection of postpartum depression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal and Infant Nutrition Strategy)

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29 pages, 484 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nutrient Supplementation during the Prenatal Period in Substance-Using Mothers: A Narrative Review of the Effects on Offspring Development

by Catherine A. Serwatka, Adrianne K. Griebel-Thompson, Rina D. Eiden and Kai Ling Kong

Nutrients 2023, 15(13), 2990; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15132990 - 30 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1299

Abstract

Substance use during pregnancy increases the risk for poor developmental outcomes of the offspring, and for substance-dependent mothers, abstaining from substance use during pregnancy is often difficult. Given the addictive nature of many substances, strategies that may mitigate the harmful effects of prenatal substance exposure are important. Prenatal nutrient supplementation is an emerging intervention that may improve developmental outcomes among substance-exposed offspring. We provide a narrative review of the literature on micronutrient and fatty acid supplementation during pregnancies exposed to substance use in relation to offspring developmental outcomes. We first discuss animal models exposed to ethanol during pregnancy with supplementation of choline, zinc, vitamin E, iron, and fatty acids. We follow with human studies of both alcohol- and nicotine-exposed pregnancies with supplementation of choline and vitamin C, respectively. We identified only 26 animal studies on ethanol and 6 human studies on alcohol and nicotine that supplemented nutrients during pregnancy and reported offspring developmental outcomes. There were no studies that examined nutrient supplementation during pregnancies exposed to cannabis, illicit substances, or polysubstance use. Implementations and future directions are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal and Infant Nutrition Strategy)

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14 pages, 1011 KiB

Open AccessReview

Effect of High Fat Diet on Disease Development of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Lifestyle Intervention Strategies

by Yingxue Han, Hao Wu, Siyuan Sun, Rong Zhao, Yifan Deng, Shenming Zeng and Juan Chen

Nutrients 2023, 15(9), 2230; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15092230 - 08 May 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4458

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine and metabolic disorder that affects premenopausal women. The etiology of PCOS is multifaceted, involving various genetic and epigenetic factors, hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian dysfunction, androgen excess, insulin resistance, and adipose-related mechanisms. High-fat diets (HFDs) has been linked to the development of metabolic disorders and weight gain, exacerbating obesity and impairing the function of the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis. This results in increased insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and the release of inflammatory adipokines, leading to heightened fat synthesis and reduced fat breakdown, thereby worsening the metabolic and reproductive consequences of PCOS. Effective management of PCOS requires lifestyle interventions such as dietary modifications, weight loss, physical activity, and psychological well-being, as well as medical or surgical interventions in some cases. This article systematically examines the pathological basis of PCOS and the influence of HFDs on its development, with the aim of raising awareness of the connection between diet and reproductive health, providing a robust approach to lifestyle interventions, and serving as a reference for the development of targeted drug treatments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal and Infant Nutrition Strategy)

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