Leading scientists stress importance of micronutrient intake in pregnant women, infants

THE importance of adequate nutrition in the first 1,000 days of an infant’s development was emphasized by three scientists during an event hosted by DSM Nutritional Products. The intake of micronutrients during the period between pregnancy and a child’s second birthday is said to be critical to overall development toward the growing-up years.

The event, held alongside the 9^th Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) World Congress in Cape Town, South Africa, presented the lectures of Professor Keith West from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health; Henkjan Verkade, Professor of Pediatrics at the University Medical Center, Groningen, Netherlands, and Professor Weiguo Zhang, Director of Nutrition Science & Advocacy of DSM Nutritional Products, Human Nutrition and Health, Greater China.

According to Professor West, the quality of nutrition in the first 1,000 days can greatly impact a child’s ability to grow and learn^[1]. This is supported by research showing that children with adequate nutrition are 10 times more likely to avoid life-threatening childhood diseases^[2]. In the long-term, these children are also more likely to have healthier families of their own, be more productive, and incur lower healthcare costs^[3],[4].

Professor Verkade spoke on the importance of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) and its effect on a child’s long-term body composition and health. “Before birth, the foetus gets its nutrients from its mother’s diet. Therefore healthcare professionals strongly advise to guarantee sufficient LCPUFA levels, if needed through supplementation. After birth, the best way to optimize a child’s LCPUFA is through breast milk and making sure that the lactating mother has adequate LCPUFA intake via diet or supplements,” he said. 

Additionally, it is said that low birth weight can cause poor kidney development and an increased risk of hypertension, which is a main risk factor of cardiovascular disease later in life. In his lecture, Professor Zhang said: “Birth weight and preterm birth are impacted by environmental and genetic factors. However, having an adequate maternal status of micronutrients and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) can help decrease the risk of prematurity and increase birth weight.”

Vitamin deficiency in Southeast Asia

Studies show the widespread micronutrient deficiency in pregnant women in Southeast Asia. They are deficient in the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K, in minerals such as iron and zinc and in omega-3s. Maternal micronutrient supplementation leads to healthier gestation with extended gestational age, reduced preterm birth, and reduced low birth weight. These findings support multi-micronutrient use as a standard of care during pregnancy^[5]. Dr Manfred Eggersdorfer, Senior Vice President, Nutrition Science & Advocacy at DSM and Professor for Healthy Ageing at Groningen University concluded: “Malnutrition is still a prime cause of death and illness of young children across the world. Food fortification and dietary supplements are an effective and safe source of micronutrients to fill the maternal nutritional gap, leading to healthier infants. Where healthy nutrition is not available, the use of food fortification and dietary supplements is beneficial. Our mission is to help continue educating women of child bearing age and health care professionals about the benefits of fortified foods and inform food manufacturers about the opportunities for fortifying the diet.”