Maternal Nutrition Research Articles

Sosialisasi Gizi dan Penyuluhan Keluarga Berencana Sebagai Upaya Menurunkan Angka Stunting di Desa Kemiri

Stunting is a chronic nutritional problem in young children that has serious implications for physical growth, cognitive development, and individual productivity. This condition is caused by a range of complex factors, including poor maternal nutrition and environmental conditions affecting quality of nutrition. The first 1,000 days of life represent a critical period for stunting prevention, as children's brain growth and development are particularly rapid during this time. Socialization regarding the importance of balanced nutrition and Family Planning programs is a strategic step to support optimal child growth and prevent stunting. This program begins with obtaining permits and coordinating with the Head of Kemiri Village to identify appropriate targets, as well as involving local neighborhood association in surveying facilities and infrastructure. The initiative aims to raise awareness in Kemiri Village about stunting and its prevention, and to educate the importance of balanced nutrition for supporting optimal child growth. Through socialization and counseling, it is hoped that the community will be able to recognize signs of stunting and take appropriate actions. This aligns with the village’s sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly in achieving the target of a hunger-free village. By reducing the prevalence of stunting, the quality of life for the community can be significantly improved.

Supplementation of l-arginine in pregnant gilts affects the protein abundance of DNMT1 in 35-day fetuses

Maternal nutrition is one of the main environmental factors regulating gene expression during fetal development through epigenetic modifications. Some nutrients, such as the amino acid l-arginine, are added to maternal diets to modulate gene expression, improve the reproductive performance of females, and enhance conceptus development. This study investigated the hypothesis that supplementation of pregnant gilts with l-arginine regulates gene expression in conceptuses through epigenetic mechanisms. For this, fetal programming phenotypic markers, the expression of key epigenetic genes, and the abundance of DNA methylation proteins (DNMT3A and DNMT1) were evaluated in 25- and 35-day conceptuses from gilts supplemented (ARG) or not (CON) with 1.0 % l-arginine during early gestation. At 25 days, there were no significant differences in phenotypic markers between CON and ARG embryos (P > 0.05). Similarly, no differences were found between CON and ARG fetuses at 35 days (P > 0.05). Maternal supplementation with l-arginine did not influence the expression of the evaluated key epigenetic genes in pig embryos or fetuses, nor DNMT3A protein abundance (P > 0.05); on the other hand, DNMT1 protein abundance was lower in ARG fetuses (P = 0.002). It is concluded that supplementation of l-arginine in pregnant gilts affects epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, in 35-day fetuses through regulation of DNMT1 levels. Further studies using transcriptomic and proteomic analysis could reveal additional epigenetic modifications in embryos and fetuses following maternal supplementation with l-arginine.

Nursing role in the care of a patient with threatened abortion in the obstetrics and gynecology service of a hospital

The threat of abortion is an alert with vaginal bleeding in the first twenty weeks, accompanied by physical and emotional suffering. The common complication is mild to severe anemia. There are no preventive measures to avoid it, so prenatal control is important so that the pregnancy is viable. In order to know the role of nursing in the care of patients with threatened abortion, a qualitative study was carried out, with a single clinical case design based on the Nursing Care Process method, applying as an instrument the evaluation guide of Marjory Gordon to a 22-year-old patient. 10 nursing diagnoses were identified, prioritizing the diagnosis: (00221) Ineffective maternity process r/c with insufficient prenatal care and inadequate maternal nutrition m/p inadequate prenatal management, ineffective management of bothersome symptoms during pregnancy and prenatal lifestyle inappropriate. The interventions carried out were satisfactory, since the patient improved the maternity process. Given the problem of hemorrhage complication, the results are still indefinite due to the few hours of intervention and evaluation. It is concluded that the role of nursing is essential in the assessment of pregnant women with threatened abortion; Knowing its evolution allowed administering care to resolve the process of ineffective motherhood and prioritizing individualized nursing care in the prevention of hemorrhage in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. In addition, in order to improve the skills of the nursing professional, NANDA I, NOC, NIC, and collaboration problems were used.

Maternal Malnutrition and Its Associated Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes and Childbirth in Dadu District, Sindh, Pakistan

Background: Maternal malnutrition poses serious risks to both mother and child, contributing to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as anemia, pre-eclampsia, and low birth weight. Addressing maternal malnutrition is essential for promoting healthy pregnancies and favorable birth outcomes. Methodology: The study involved 660 third-trimester pregnant women at a tertiary care hospital in Dadu district, Sindh, Pakistan. The aim was to identify the association patterns of maternal nutrition on birth outcomes to inform future programming. Data were collected using a mixed-methods approach with a snowballing technique. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed using R-Studio and Canvas software to analyze associations and differences related to maternal nutrition. Results: The majority of rural participants (84%) intended to deliver at DHQ Dadu, with 81% facing inconsistent family income sources, impacting food security and healthcare access. Maternal education positively correlated with healthcare service utilization, while maternal counseling had a weaker influence. Early pregnancies were prevalent, with 29% of women reporting their first pregnancy before age 20 and 6.7% before age 16. Iron and folic acid utilization was suboptimal (20.4%), and access to healthcare was hindered by distance, cost, and inconsistent coverage, particularly in rural areas. Maternal malnutrition was a significant concern, with 15.4% identified as acutely malnourished. Conclusion: The study highlights significant challenges, including socioeconomic disparities, early pregnancies, inadequate healthcare access, and poor maternal nutrition status. Targeted interventions such as improving healthcare infrastructure, enhancing maternal education, promoting early prenatal care, strengthening community-based nutrition programs, and leveraging social safety net programs can help mitigate adverse birth outcomes.

The Influence of Postpartum Stay on Maternal Nutrition, Relationships, and the Overall Experience of Childbirth in Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Background: The postpartum period is critically important for women, involving complex adjustments. Understanding their diverse experiences is essential for optimal postpartum care. This qualitative study aimed to explore postpartum experiences among women attending primary care facilities in Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Pakistan. Methodology: Using a qualitative approach, we conducted in-depth interviews with 20 women who had given birth within the past six months. Participants were purposively selected from family medicine clinics in Rawalpindi. An unstructured interview guide explored maternal nutrition, rest, bonding, newborn care, healthcare access, and cultural norms. Thematic analysis identified recurring patterns in the narratives. Results: Six themes emerged, revealing complex interactions between cultural norms, familial dynamics, and modern expectations. Maternal nutrition unveiled cultural influences on dietary choices. Rest highlighted tensions between tradition and responsibilities. Bonding emphasized familial support, while newborn care showcased family-guided practices. Healthcare access underlined the need for personalized services, and cultural traditions illuminated the balancing act between tradition and well-being. Conclusion: This study offers a comprehensive insight into postpartum experiences in Pakistan’s context. Cultural sensitivity in postpartum care is crucial, integrating tradition with evidence-based practices. Postpartum period is crucial for mothers, neonates, families and society as a whole as it can have long-term effects on all the lives involved.

Canadian Midwives' Experiences with Nutrition in Their Training and Practice: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Midwives are primary prenatal care providers well-positioned to offer nutrition advice to pregnant individuals; however, no Canadian study has assessed midwives' experience with nutrition education. The objective of this study was to investigate Canadian midwives' experiences with nutrition in their practice, their level of nutrition education, and their recommendations on select nutrition topics. This cross-sectional study used an anonymous online survey consisting of 4 sections: demographics, opinions on the importance of nutrition, nutrition recommendations for pregnancy, and nutrition topics that midwives would like more information on. Responses were recorded using Likert-type scales, multiple choice, or open-ended questions. Eligible participants, registered Canadian midwives, were recruited through advertisements in e-newsletters via national and provincial midwifery associations, social media posts, and emails to midwifery clinics. An independent samples t test compared differences in means for continuous outcomes, the χ2 test compared categorical variables, and the Mann-Whitney U test compared ordinal variables. A P <.05 was considered statistically significant. In total, 161 midwives completed the online survey. Most midwives (92.5%) indicated that nutrition for pregnancy was important, and 83.2% believed their role in providing nutrition information to pregnant women was important. Almost two-thirds (63.8%) of midwives received nutrition education. Comfort levels were highest (median = 4) when providing nutrition advice on healthy eating, weight gain, Listeria, anemia, heartburn, safe food handling, nutrition for breastfeeding, and weight gain for women with obesity. Almost all the midwives (99.4%) had provided nutrition information to pregnant women, and 85.2% of their recommendations aligned with Canadian guidelines and literature. Canadian midwives valued the importance of nutrition during pregnancy and their role in providing nutrition information to pregnant women. The level of comfort in advising on nutrition ranged from uncomfortable to very comfortable depending on the topic, and most (85.2%) of their advice aligned with Canadian guidelines and relevant literature.

A Systematic Review of Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation Trials Concerning Maternal Health

Background: Maternal nutrition is critically important for the well-being of both the mother and the developing fetus. Multiple micronutrient (MMN) supplements have the added advantage of addressing nutritional deficiencies. This study aimed to review the effects of MMN supplementation trials to prevent maternal and fetal complications from the preconception period to the post-natal phase by incorporating adequate micronutrients into the daily diet. Methodology: A comprehensive review of online literature was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Three databases—PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar—were searched for clinical trials from 2019 to 2023. MeSH terms such as "maternal," "micronutrient supplementation," "Pakistan," "trials," "clinical trials," and "micro-element supplementation" were used with Boolean operators "AND" and "OR." Titles and abstracts of the articles were screened initially, followed by full-text reviews in the second round. A total of seven articles meeting the inclusion criteria and diagnostic accuracy (STARD) were selected. Results: Risk of bias and quality assessment of clinical trials were evaluated using a 23-item questionnaire, with scores ranging from 0 to 2. Conclusion: Nutritional supplements were found to be most effective when taken daily for three months before conception and continued throughout the first trimester of pregnancy.

Promoting Breastfeeding and Complementary Feeding Practices for Optimal Maternal and Child Nutrition

This review article examines the critical role of promoting breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices in addressing maternal malnutrition and improving maternal and child health outcomes. It begins with an introduction highlighting the significance of these practices in achieving optimal nutrition, followed by a discussion of methodology involving a comprehensive review of existing literature and the interventions (Like PLA approach and awareness raising through 1000 days Window of Opportunity etc.) being implemented under the project “Improved Resilience through Food and Nutrition Security” by Farmers Development Organization. The purpose of the review is to underscore the importance of breastfeeding and complementary feeding in maternal and child health, offering insights into successful interventions, challenges, and recommendations for improvement. Results emphasize the profound impact of these practices, emphasizing the need for early initiation of breastfeeding and the introduction of nutritious complementary foods. In conclusion, the urgent need for concerted efforts to promote these practices is emphasized, with the potential for significant progress in enhancing overall public health through evidence-based intervention.

Improving Maternal Nutrition Through Food Security in Pakistan

Malnutrition casts a significant shadow over Pakistan's future, prosperity, and the well-being of its people. Compared to other developing nations, Pakistan stands out with one of the highest rates of malnutrition, affecting both children and women. Malnutrition in Pakistan is primarily due to food insecurity, compounded by low dietary intake among women, particularly pregnant and lactating women. This low dietary intake is linked to food insecurity, poor livelihood, and cultural barriers. Global guidelines emphasize the importance of meeting women's nutritional requirements through promoting a balanced and nourishing diet. The government of Pakistan, in collaboration with national and international organizations and funding agencies, has initiated various measures to alleviate prevalent nutritional concerns. Collaborative actions have been implemented to run various programs and interventions aimed at improving nutrition among children and women. Many effective approaches have been included in the Nutrition Strategy 2022-27. The Enough Food Model is one such tested approach designed to enhance food security and improve nutrition and livelihood by making families resilient. This model is being applied by national organizations in low-indexed areas with financial support from international organizations on a pilot basis and has achieved remarkable results. Like many other tested multi-sectoral nutrition approaches, the self-sufficiency or Enough Food Model is poised to be an effective approach for broader replication.

A Study of the Prevalence of Anemia in Children With Severe Acute Malnutrition at a Pediatric Tertiary Care Hospital in South India.

Introduction In developing countries such as India, severe acute malnutrition (SAM) has been a cause for great concern in the pediatric population. SAM is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in children less than 60 months of age and leaves them vulnerable to diseases due to a decrease in immunological response. Children with SAM are prone to infections, and due to nutritional deficiency, many have anemia whichmay be a direct or indirect cause of morbidity and mortality. They are affected by frequent respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted for a period of two months, from December 1,2023, to January 31, 2024, in children with SAM aged less than 60 months. A detailed history and demographic profile were taken and recorded in a predesigned proforma. Anthropometric measurements of the study subjects were recorded, and lab investigations included complete blood picture, serum iron, serum ferritin, serum folate, and serum vitamin B12 levels. The prevalence and severity of anemia were determined by assessing the hemoglobin levels. The data collected was analyzed in Excel sheets (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington, United States) and the results were depicted in the form of graphs. Results A total of 300 children were included in the study of which 22 children were aged less than six months and 278 children were in the age group of 6-60 months. The overall gender distribution was 124 (41.4%) males and 176 (58.6%) females. In the age group of <6 months, of the 22 children, six (27.27%) were females while 16 (72.72%) were male. In the age group of 6-60 months, of the 278 children, 170 (61%) were females while 108 (39%) were males. Of the total 300 children, 232 (77.3%) were found to be anemic, of which 54 (23.2%) had mild anemia, 162 (69.8%) had moderate anemia, and 16 (6.89%) had severe anemia. Low serum iron levels were detected in 134 (44.6%) with iron deficiency being more common in females; below-normal ferritin levels were seen in 153 (51%) cases. Folate levels were found to be deficient in 97 (32.3%) children while vitamin B12 levels were deficient in 186 (62%). Conclusion Anemia is a common occurrence in children with SAM. Prevention of anemia starts from the womb by improvement of maternal nutrition and iron, and folic acid supplementation during pregnancy. Exclusive breastfeeding up to six months of age and further continuation of breastfeeding coupled with initiation of home-available complementary feeding from the age of six months onwards go a long way in maintaining healthy nutrition status inchildren in the vulnerable age group of less than 60 months. Healthcare professionals should utilize thewell-baby and well-child visits to educate the parents and primary caretakers regarding the feeding practicesto prevent, detect, and treatanemia, which will help reduce the morbidity and mortality in children with SAM.

A STUDY REGARDING NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND AWARENESS DURING 1000 DAYS OF MOTHERHOOD

Pregnancy and lactation are among the most stressful periods in the life of a woman, particularly under conditions of poverty and mal nutrition, since the mother has to provide nutrition for her and the rapidly growing fetus. Pregnancy period is crucial for baby if proper care should not taken. Health of mothers directly depends on diet and nutrition which they consume. Knowledge of nutrition and nutrients must help to maintain good health during 1000 days. Present study was aimed to study about nutritional status and awareness during 1000 days of motherhood and nutritional status. For the study, total 152 urban area’s pregnant women were randomly selected from Mehsana city. The present study was conducted with a descriptive, and survey method research design for the assessment of the nutritional status of mothers. An ideal pre structured questionnaire was prepared with suggestions of experts and used for the data collection. The blood haemoglobin data was obtained from secondary data which mentioned in Mamata card of selected mothers. Suitable statistical test was applied. 61.18 % mothers were home makers. 57.14 % mothers consumed vegetarian diet.78 % had 11-12 g/dl i.e. normal level of haemoglobin. Majority of mothers were aware and had a knowledge regarding health and nutrition for pregnancy but less aware about good weaning practices.

A STUDY REGARDING NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND AWARENESS DURING 1000 DAYS OF MOTHERHOOD

Pregnancy and lactation are among the most stressful periods in the life of a woman, particularly under conditions of poverty and mal nutrition, since the mother has to provide nutrition for her and the rapidly growing fetus. Pregnancy period is crucial for baby if proper care should not taken. Health of mothers directly depends on diet and nutrition which they consume. Knowledge of nutrition and nutrients must help to maintain good health during 1000 days. Present study was aimed to study about nutritional status and awareness during 1000 days of motherhood and nutritional status. For the study, total 152 urban area’s pregnant women were randomly selected from Mehsana city. The present study was conducted with a descriptive, and survey method research design for the assessment of the nutritional status of mothers. An ideal pre structured questionnaire was prepared with suggestions of experts and used for the data collection. The blood haemoglobin data was obtained from secondary data which mentioned in Mamata card of selected mothers. Suitable statistical test was applied. 61.18 % mothers were home makers. 57.14 % mothers consumed vegetarian diet.78 % had 11-12 g/dl i.e. normal level of haemoglobin. Majority of mothers were aware and had a knowledge regarding health and nutrition for pregnancy but less aware about good weaning practices.

Food supplementation policy for pregnant women: analysis of coverage in Brazilian regions in the light of COVID-19

Objective: in the context of Brazil, a peripheral country, pregnant women are a vulnerable class. Proper nutrition and fetal health depend directly on maternal nutrition, which is often precarious. Thus, the food supplement, which has already changed the health scenario of malnutrition in children, is big important in the best Prenatal Care. The objective is to analyze the quality and supply of food supplementation for pregnant women in Brazil, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: analysis of public domain data, from pregnant women registered in the E-manager primary care system, between 2019 and 2021. Results: the micronutrients offered in Brazil in the public policy of supplementation for pregnant women are iron and folic acid, since 2005 until the present date. Data analysis showed that the offer of those both in the pre-pandemic year and in the pandemic was inadequate, reaching less than 20% of pregnant women in the five regions of the country, with only one state in the northeast region, of the 27 national states, having an adequate supply to 100% of pregnant women. Conclusion: supplementation rich in several micronutrients, used preventively during pregnancy, reduces maternal and fetal diseases. However, in Brazil, the supplementation policy during pregnancy is poor in quality, offering only folic acid and iron for years, as well as inadequate distribution of these. This fact proved to be unrelated to the health crisis of the pandemic, as it occurred since the pre-pandemic and worse in numbers before than during it. Therefore, a set of “poor quality and low supply” was identified in the supplementation of pregnant women in Brazil, which contributes to maintaining greater maternal-fetal and child morbidity and mortality.

Dietary diversity and associated factors among households and children in internally displaced person camps in Southern Somalia: A cross-sectional study.

The study aimed to assess household and child dietary diversity in Southern Somalia by identifying determinants of adequate dietary diversity in three internally displaced person (IDP) camps in Baidoa, Dayniile and Dharkanley. A total of 1655 female main caregivers with 2370 children (6-59 months old) were included. Data on household dietary diversity score and child dietary diversity score indicators were collected from all households. The questionnaire was read face-to-face to the female main caregivers. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with adequate dietary diversity, which was defined as the consumption of at least four food groups within 24 h before the survey. The proportion of households achieving adequate HDDS was high in all locations 95.8%, 96.9% and 89.0% in Baidoa, Dharkanley and Dayniile, respectively, and the total adequate household dietary diversity score (AHDDS) was 95.6%. The proportion of adequate child dietary diversity score (ACDDS) was achieved in 63.5%, 8.5% and 38.3%. The main factors associated with AHDDS were larger household size, greater wealth, attendance of antenatal care (ANC) and joint decision-making between husband and wife, while factors associated with ACDDS included ANC attendance, age, the consumption of ready-to-use therapeutic food and deworming tablets. These findings can guide future programmes and policies aimed at improving maternal and child nutrition in IDP camps in Somalia. By tackling these diverse factors, a promising pathway emerges to enhance the nutritional welfare of both households and children in IDP camps.

Organoleptic Assessment of Fish-Based Ready-to-Use Supplementary-Food (RUSF) Rich in Essential Fatty Acid for Pregnant Women to Prevent Stunting

Stunting is a critical health issue with short- and long-term impacts on health and economic outcomes. Insufficient nutritional intake during pregnancy and early childhood is a key factor contributing to stunting. This study examines the efficacy of fish-based Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food (RUSF) rich in omega-3 fatty acids in preventing stunting by improving maternal nutrition during pregnancy. One of the determining factors is insufficient food intake in quantity and quality during pregnancy and the early stages of introducing complementary foods alongside breastfeeding. Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (LCPUFAs) have been shown to positively influence health and linear growth for fetuses and children under two years of age. The use of fish-based functional food for pregnant women and children under two years to prevent stunting has not been widely carried out in Indonesia, in terms of the formulation, product types, or efficacy of Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food (RUSF). The stages of the research method were (1) identifying the content of omega-3 fatty acids and heavy metals in lemuru fish, (2) developing RUSF formulations based on snack bars and lemuru fish sausages made from omega-3-standardized raw materials, and (3) conducting acceptance tests of these RUSF products on children aged 6-35 months and pregnant women. This research is expected to develop nutritional supplements in the form of RUSF based on lemuru fish, mackerel, and tuna to serve as functional food products that help pregnant women prevent and control stunting.

Maternal high-fat diet alters Tet-mediated epigenetic regulation during heart development

Imbalanced dietary intake, such as a high-fat diet (HFD) during pregnancy, has been associated with adverse offspring outcomes. Metabolic stress from imbalanced food intake alters the function of epigenetic regulators, resulting in abnormal transcriptional outputs in embryos to cause congenital disorders. We report herein that maternal HFD exposure causes metabolic changes in pregnant mice and non-compaction cardiomyopathy (NCC) in E15.5 embryos, accompanied by decreased 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) levels and altered chromatin accessibility in embryonic heart tissues. Remarkably, maternal vitamin C supplementation mitigates these detrimental effects, likely by restoring iron, a cofactor for Tet enzymes, in a reduced state. Using a genetic approach, we further demonstrated that the cardioprotective benefits of vitamin C under HFD conditions are attributable to enhanced Tet activity. Our results highlight an interaction between maternal diet, specifically HFD or vitamin C, and epigenetic modifications during early heart development, emphasizing the importance of balanced maternal nutrition for healthy embryonic development.

Knowledge and practice of essential nutrition actions among pregnant women in Ibadan, South-western Nigeria

Background: Maternal nutrition during the first 1,000 days has important influences on children’s nutrition and pregnancy outcomes. This study therefore assessed the knowledge, attitude and practice of essential nutrition actions among pregnant women utilizing antenatal care services in Ibadan municipality, South-western Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women (15-49 years) receiving antenatal care (ANC) services across selected private and public health facilities. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on optimal dietary intake, prevention and control of anaemia and promotion of supportive lifestyle and care, according to the essential nutrition actions framework. Results: The mean age of respondents was 29.85±4.89 years while the mean gestational age of pregnancy at respondents’ ANC booking was 18.33±6.12 weeks. About one-third (33.60%) of the respondents had poor knowledge scores (mean knowledge score 5.70±1.50 out of 10), with no significant difference across type of health facility. Mean attitude score was 13.76±2.44 out of 20, while practice was generally poor (mean practice score 4.80±1.34 out of 10). Respondents attending larger tertiary hospitals for ANC had higher knowledge and practice compared to those who attended smaller primary health care centers/mission homes. Additionally, the time of booking, parity, and type of antenatal care center were statistically significant to knowledge and practice (p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: Antenatal care is still a valid platform for delivering maternal knowledge and encouraging practice of essential nutritional actions. It is recommended that expertise in tertiary hospitals be diffused to lower cadre of health care facilities to further strengthen ANC service delivery.

Creation of a novel zebrafish model with low DHA status to study the role of maternal nutrition during neurodevelopment.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a dietary omega-3 fatty acid, is a major building block of brain cell membranes. Offspring rely on maternal DHA transfer to meet their neurodevelopmental needs, but DHA sources are lacking in the American diet. Low DHA status is linked to altered immune responses, white matter defects, impaired vision, and an increased risk of psychiatric disorders during development. However, the underlying cellular mechanisms involved are largely unknown, and advancements in the field have been limited by the existing tools and animal models. Zebrafish are an excellent model for studying neurodevelopmental mechanisms. Embryos undergo rapid external development and are optically transparent, enabling direct observation of individual cells and dynamic cell-cell interactions in a way that is not possible in rodents. Here, we create a novel DHA-deficient zebrafish model by 1) disrupting elovl2, a key gene in the DHA biosynthesis pathway, via CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, and 2) feeding mothers a DHA-deficient diet. We show that low DHA status during development is associated with a small eye morphological phenotype and demonstrate that even the morphologically normal siblings exhibit dysregulated gene pathways related to vision and stress response. Future work using our zebrafish model could reveal the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which low DHA status leads to neurodevelopmental abnormalities and provide insight into maternal nutritional strategies that optimize infant brain health.

Maternal pre-pregnancy diet and prenatal depression: the mediating role of pre-pregnancy weight status and prenatal inflammation.

Depression is a common prenatal psychological complication. We aimed to investigate if maternal pre-pregnancy diet can impact prenatal depressive symptoms and the mediating role of pre-pregnancy BMI and inflammation. We used data (N 1141) from the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition cohort study. We calculated Mediterranean diet adherence (MED) and dietary inflammatory index (DII) scores using data from pre-pregnancy FFQ. In the third-trimester, we assessed depressive symptoms using Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) and inflammation through serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. BMI was calculated from self-reported pre-pregnancy weight. Race-stratified analyses (white and people of colour) were run. We observed no association between MED or DII tertiles and depressive symptoms. However, white participants in the MED tertile-3 had lower risk of depression (EPDS < 10) compared with tertile-1 (OR = 0·56, 95 % CI, 0·33, 0·95). White individuals in MED tertile-3 had lower BMI (MD = -1·08; 95 % CI, -1·77, -0·39) and CRP (MD = -0·53; 95 % CI, -0·95, -0·11) than tertile-1, and those in DII tertile-2 (MD = 0·44; 95 % CI, 0·03, 0·84) and tertile-3 (MD = 0·42; 95 % CI, 0·01, 0·83) had higher CRP than tertile-1. Among people of colour, neither MED nor DII was associated with BMI or CRP, but BMI was negatively associated with depressive symptoms (β = -0·25, 95 % CI, -0·43, -0·06). We found no association between diet and depressive symptoms through BMI or CRP, in either race. Pre-pregnancy diet might affect the risk of prenatal depression in a race-specific way. Further research is required to explore the racial differences in the association between maternal diet and prenatal depressive symptoms/depression risk.

Maternal nutrition knowledge and mothers ability to utilize mobile phone application for health information sharing at Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi City, Kenya

Maternal nutrition knowledge and mothers ability to utilize mobile phone application for health information sharing at Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi City, Kenya