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Preventive nutritional supplementation throughout thereproductive life cycle

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 April 2001

Joan Fernández-Ballart  and
Michelle M Murphy
Joan Fernández-Ballart*
Affiliation:
Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Rovira i Virgili University, Sant Llorenç 21, E-43201 Reus, Spain
Michelle M Murphy
Affiliation:
Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Rovira i Virgili University, Sant Llorenç 21, E-43201 Reus, Spain
*
*Corresponding author:Email jdfb@fmcs.urv.es
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Abstract

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Current interest in preventive nutritional supplementation strategiesduring the reproductive cycle in developed countries focuses mainlyon iron and folic acid. Iron deficiency is the most common cause ofanaemia. Inadequate iron nutrition is mainly a problem in developingcountries but it also seems to affect a large proportion of pregnantwomen in the industrialised world. There is no chance for dietmodification alone to meet iron requirements during pregnancy.However, dietary advice must be provided to increase iron intake andiron bioavailability. The best choice is prescribed supplementationadapted to the individual's needs.

Folic Acid supplementation during the periconceptional period reducesthe occurrence and recurrence of neural tube defects (NTDs).According to the updated edition of American Dietary ReferenceIntakes, recommended dietary allowance for folate for women ofchildbearing age varies throughout the reproductive cycle from 400μg day−1 of dietary folate equivalents (DFEs) fornon-pregnant women, to 600 μg day−1 DFEs for pregnantwomen and 500 μg day−1 DFEs in lactating women.Increasing dietary folate, fortifying staple foods with folic acidor use of folic acid supplements can increase folate intake.

Keywords

IronFolic acidPreconceptionPregnancyLactationSupplementationFood fortificationDietary advice

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
Public Health Nutrition , Volume 4 , Issue 6a , December 2001 , pp. 1363 - 1366
Copyright
Copyright © CABI Publishing 2001

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