Nutritional Requirements of Pregnant and Lactating Women

Dear Colleagues,

Appropriate nutrition during pregnancy and lactation is crucial for the health of both the mother and the fetus. Adequate intake of essential nutrients supports fetal development, promotes maternal well-being, and ensures the quality of breast milk. It has been well established that failure to meet nutritional requirements adversely affects the perinatal outcome and the offspring’s long-term health. Therefore, an adequate intake of energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals during pregnancy is essential. Furthermore, avoidance of alcohol and limitation of caffeine intake are recommended to protect the infant. A developmental model for the causes of disease hypothesizes that the fetal environment may have an impact on epigenetic modifications and associated gene expression, leading that way to the onset of disease in neonates and late childhood. Thus, providing high-quality, evidence-based guidance for nutritional issues in pregnancy is an important part of effective antenatal and postnatal care. Moreover, healthcare providers should offer tailored advice and support to meet the specific needs of each woman, enhancing maternal and child health outcomes. This Special Issue aims to outline key nutritional requirements and dietary recommendations for pregnant and lactating women, emphasizing the importance of balanced nutrition during these critical stages.

Dr. Ioannis Tsakiridis
Dr. Themistoklis I. Dagklis
Dr. Michael Chourdakis
Guest Editors

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