Efecto del estado nutricional materno y de la suplementación prenatal con hierro sobre el crecimiento fetal.

Identifier:  TDX:4554

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TDX4554

Authors:  Díaz Torres, Sandra

Abstract:
This doctoral thesis examines the effect of maternal nutritional status and prenatal iron supplementation on fetal growth, which is crucial for the perinatal health of the newborn. It highlights the relationship between low birth weight and being small for gestational age with a higher risk of perinatal complications and chronic diseases in adulthood. The research, conducted through the ECLIPSES clinical trial in Tarragona, Spain, with 793 non-anemic pregnant women, shows that adherence to a Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of small-for-gestational-age births, regardless of maternal weight and socioeconomic context. Additionally, it was found that iron supplementation must be carefully dosed, as excessive doses can increase the risk of having children with sizes outside the normal range, and high maternal ferritin levels are associated with a greater risk of reduced fetal growth. The thesis concludes that adequate maternal nutrition and precise management of iron supplementation are vital for optimizing fetal growth and preventing perinatal complications, suggesting the need for public health strategies and educational programs that promote a balanced diet and the personalization of supplementation according to individual needs.