Health UK (Commonwealth Union) – Pregnancy is described as a miraculous and transformative journey for any woman, marked by the development of new life within. Alongside the excitement and joy, it is crucial to prioritize proper nutrition to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and the growing baby.
Maintaining a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet is fundamental during pregnancy. A diverse and colorful plate ensures a broad spectrum of nutrients, promoting optimal health for both mother and baby.
Researchers have raised concerns that pregnant women and their unborn babies are not receiving crucial nutrients from modern diets, particularly as more individuals shift towards plant-based foods. A study examining the health of expectant mothers in high-income nations such as the UK, New Zealand, and Singapore revealed that 90 percent of them lacked essential vitamins vital for healthy pregnancies and fetal well-being. Conducted by scientists from the University of Southampton in collaboration with experts worldwide, the survey of over 1,700 women identified deficiencies in vitamins B12, B6, and D, as well as folic acid and riboflavin—nutrients abundant in dairy products. Professor Keith Godfrey, the lead author and an Epidemiology expert at the University of Southampton, emphasized the alarming prevalence of vitamin deficiencies among women attempting to conceive in affluent countries.
He also says “The push to reduce our dependence on meat and dairy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions is likely to further deplete expecting mothers of vital nutrients, which could have lasting effects on unborn children.
“Our study shows that almost every woman trying to conceive had insufficient levels of one or more vitamin, and this figure is only going to get worse as the world moves towards plant-based diets.
“People think that nutrient deficiency only affects people in underdeveloped countries – but it is also affecting the majority of women living in high-income nations.”
Published in PLOS Medicine, the study examined 1,729 women aged 18 to 38 at conception, following them through subsequent pregnancies. Researchers from the University of Southampton and its National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre, along with collaborators from the University of Auckland, National University of Singapore, and the Agency for Science, Technology, and Research in Singapore conducted the study.
The findings revealed that around the time of conception, nine out of ten women had marginal or low levels of folate, riboflavin, vitamins B12, and D. Additionally, many experienced vitamin B6 deficiency in late pregnancy.
Co-author Professor Wayne Cutfield, specializing in Paediatric Endocrinology at the University of Auckland, suggested that in addition to recommending folic acid for women planning conception and during pregnancy, expecting mothers should be advised to take over-the-counter multivitamins to mitigate nutrient deficiencies. He emphasized the significant impact of a mother’s well-being before conception and during pregnancy on the health, physical development, and learning abilities of the infant throughout their life.
Folic acid is essential in avoiding neural tube defects in the early stages of pregnancy. Green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, and fortified cereals are excellent sources. Many healthcare providers recommend folic acid supplements during the preconception period and early pregnancy.
The trial published in PLOS Medicine marked the pioneering demonstration that over-the-counter supplements can effectively diminish vitamin insufficiencies throughout the preconception, pregnancy, and lactational phases.
Associate Professor Shiao-Yng Chan of the National University of Singapore and Deputy Executive Director from A STAR’s Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS) says “As we continue to move towards diets with less meat and dairy products, leading to reduced intakes of vitamin B12 and other micronutrients essential for the child’s development, vitamin deficiencies will continue to grow unless women are supported with specific advice about nutrient-rich foods or start taking more supplements.”
