Malnutrition and Renal Function

Abstract

The in utero environment which is extremely susceptible to maternal influence plays an important role in the fetal growth and development. Maternal metabolic and endocrine function placental function as well as maternal diet can have critical effects on various aspects of developing structures and functions of the fetus. Both undernutrition and overnutrition can be classified as malnutrition because these two extremes of nutrition are commonly characterized by: (1) imbalances of nutrients (e.g., amino acids, vitamins, and minerals); (2) elevated levels of cortisol in blood; and (3) oxidative stress. Malnutrition (nutrient deficiencies or obesity) in pregnant women adversely affects the fetal health by causing or exacerbating a plethora of problems, such as anemia, maternal hemorrhage, insulin resistance, and hypertensive disorders (e.g., pre-eclampsia/eclampsia). Maternal malnutrition during gestation impairs embryonic and fetal growth and development, resulting in deleterious outcomes, including intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), low birth weight, preterm birth, and birth defects (e.g., neural tube defects and iodine deficiency disorders).