Peer-reviewed article
Perspective: Treatment of Undernutrition in Pregnancy Requires Adequate Food and Inflammation Control.
Hendrixson DT, Lee A, Kleban E, Stephenson KB, Koroma AS et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001Undernutrition in pregnancy is a widespread problem in low- and middle-income countries that harms both pregnant women and their developing babies. Current international guidelines do not provide clear direction on how to treat nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy, and most research studies have produced unclear results. This paper reviews evidence on nutrition strategies and highlights that inflammation and infections may reduce how well nutritional treatments work. The authors call for better, evidence-based guidelines to help undernourished pregnant women have healthier pregnancies and babies.
Key points
- Undernutrition in pregnancy disproportionately affects females in low- and middle-income countries where food insecurity and limited access to high-quality nutrition are common
- Poor nutrition during pregnancy has adverse effects on both the pregnant female and her offspring
- Current international guidelines provide insufficient direction on optimal nutritional management strategies
- Most clinical trial evidence on treatment has yielded inconclusive results
- Inflammation and infection control may be critical factors moderating the effectiveness of nutritional interventions
Limitations
This is a perspective paper that synthesizes existing evidence rather than conducting new research, so it cannot provide definitive answers about which interventions work best. The document does not present detailed data from specific studies or trials.
Abstract
Undernutrition in pregnancy remains a substantial problem worldwide, disproportionately affecting females living in low- and middle-income countries where food insecurity and limited access to high-quality nutrition exacerbate maternal and fetal health risks. Undernutrition during this critical time in the lifecycle can have adverse effects on both the pregnant female and her offspring. Despite the widespread recognition of this issue, current international guidelines provide insufficient direction on optimal nutritional management strategies. Most clinical trial evidence has yielded inconclusive results. This perspective synthesizes evidence on current management strategies in addressing macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies in pregnancy. Additionally, we examine the critical role of inflammation in moderating the effectiveness of nutritional interventions and discuss emerging strategies that integrate infection control with nutrition to optimize maternal and neonatal outcomes. Given the limitations of existing management strategies, there is an urgent need for more comprehensive, evidence-based guidelines to improve pregnancy outcomes for undernourished females worldwide.