Micronutrient Status in Pregnant and Lactating Women and Their Infants

An adequate micronutrient status during fetal life and infancy is important for optimal development. Dietary practices during pregnancy, lactation and infancy vary among populations and there is today no clear agreement on what constitutes the best diet, including micronutrient supplementation, during this period. There is consequently no clear agreement on what constitutes an optimal biochemical micronutrient status in mothers and infants. Due to substantial physiological changes in plasma volume, hormones, transport proteins and organ function during these periods, the ordinary reference levels or cut off levels used for biochemical assessment of micronutrient status are unsuited to these groups of patients.

The objective of the study is to establish cut off levels for important vitamins and trace elements during pregnancy, lactation and infancy in order to ensure an optimal infant neurodevelopment and to study how micronutrient status influence the immunosystem.