Micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy: evidence, indications, and safety - Number 14 – 2026
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: •Structured nutritional assessment during prenatal care is essential for rationalizing therapy and promoting equity in healthcare. •Decisions regarding micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy must distinguish between interventions offering population-level benefits (for populations with low micronutrient intake) and strategies based on individual risk. •Folic acid and iron remain the supplements most strongly supported by robust and consistent evidence. •Calcium supplementation reduces the risk of preeclampsia in populations with low dietary intake and is indicated for specific subgroups or populations with documented deficiency. •The indiscriminate prescription of multivitamins lacks consistent support in the literature and leads to unnecessary, excessive medicalization during prenatal care. •Evidence regarding universal supplementation with vitamin D, docosahexaeonic acid (DHA/omega-3), vitamin B12, and iodine is inconsistent. Such supplementation is indicated for specific subgroups or populations with documented deficiency. •Tailoring supplementation to the individual represents an advance in evidence-based practice without replacing interventions of proven population-level benefit.
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7214242577