The Role of Nutrition in Pregnancy – MM1610
A woman’s suboptimal nutrition during pregnancy affects the development and health of her unborn child into adulthood. The process occurs via epigenetic changes that alter the ‘programming’ of developing organs and tissues. Suboptimal nutrition in utero can also result in these changes being transmitted to the woman’s grandchildren. Nutritional deficiencies can reduce a woman’s chance of conceiving and increase the likelihood of complications during pregnancy. The proportion of women with nutritional deficiencies is high. Nutritional testing and supplementation of women at risk is simple. Nutritional deficiency can also greatly increase the risk of cancer, mental illnesses and cardiovascular disease for the child in adulthood.
Modern Medicine – October 2016
