Early protein and calorie supplements lead to fewer high-risk newborns

· News-Medical

Why this matters

Maternal malnutrition puts infants at higher risk of death, illness, and developmental delays.

Study details

Key findings include:

  • BEP supplements were associated with higher birth weights and a lower risk of babies being born with low birth weight or small for their gestational age.
  • The effects were particularly notable forbabiessmall for their gestational age, a group with elevated risk of neonatal mortality.
  • Benefits appeared stronger among women who began supplementation earlier in pregnancy, particularly before20 weeks.

Source:

George Mason University