Micronutrients and the obstetrical syndromes

Abstract

Knowledge about the role of micronutrients in the great obstetrical syndromes is steadily increasing in recent years.Evidence about the influence of aprudent or Mediterranean diets on preterm delivery and preeclampsia, coming from great databases, points out to the role of fruit and vegetables, i.e., micronutrients, during pregnancy.Therefore, in the general population dietary intake advice should be provided, together with preconceptional folate supplementation and iodine supplementation in geographical depleted areas.However, general micronutrient supplementation may be useful to prevent unknown deficiencies or in women that are not willing to change their dietary habits.Awareness of special requirements of micronutrients in pregnancy should prompt a more individualized approach in particular subgroups of pregnant women for the prevention of the great obstetrical syndromes.