Pioneering Study on Prenatal Supplementation
A recent study carried out by the Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics Unit of the URV, in collaboration with the IISPV, has highlighted the urgent need to address nutritional deficiencies in pregnant women in Camp de Tarragona. The analysis, which has included a total of 831 pregnancies, reveals that only 36% of participants follow the recommendations for supplementation with folic acid, an essential nutrient for fetal health.
Importance of Folic Acid and Vitamin B12
Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is essential for the correct development of the nervous and cardiovascular system of the fetus. Its lack can lead to serious consequences, including abortions and congenital malformations. On the other hand, vitamin B12, essential for the formation of DNA, is also crucial during pregnancy, as it directly influences the health of the mother and the baby.
Alarming Deficiencies in the Study Sample
The results of the study are worrying: nearly 50% of pregnant women had inadequate levels of folate and vitamin B12 at various points in their pregnancy. In particular, 47% showed erythrocyte folate levels below the standards recommended by the WHO, which represents an alarming indicator of risk to fetal health.
Factors Contributing to Lack of Supplementation
Michelle Murphy, a researcher at the URV and co-author of the study, highlights that many women only receive advice on folic acid supplementation during their first prenatal check-up, which can be late. Recommendations indicate that pregnant women should start taking 400µg of folic acid one month before conceiving and continue until the end of the first trimester.
An Evidence of the Need for Changes
The Reus-Tarragona Birth Cohort (RTBC) study represents the most extensive research carried out in a high-income country on supplementation during pregnancy. The researchers noted that although 80% of the women had a planned pregnancy, only 36% were taking folic acid beforehand.
A Warning About Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 deficiencies are also of concern. At the first check-up, 7% of pregnant women had low levels, but this figure increased to 44% at the end of pregnancy. Researcher Murphy emphasizes that the belief that the Mediterranean diet guarantees sufficient levels of B12 is wrong, as the study has shown significant deficiencies in this vitamin among the participants.
Reflexions Finals i Perspectives Futuristes
With these data, it is clear that it is essential to review and improve supplementation guidelines for pregnant women. Information on the importance of folic acid and vitamin B12 must be accessible and understandable from the moment of pregnancy planning. Maternal and child health depend on adequate nutrition, and education is the key to avoiding adverse consequences.
