The benefits of vitamin A are well recognized in the preconception period and during pregnancy. Vitamin A supports implantation, embryonic development and placenta formation. More specifically, it is involved in eye formation and prevents malformations, low birth weight and maternal anemia². That's why it's essential to ensure a sufficient intake of vitamin A for the health of both mother and child.

In the context of pregnancy planning, folate supplementation is essential. Folic acid, or vitamin B9, combined with prenatal vitamins such as B6 and B12, reduces the risk of congenital diseases, including neurological abnormalities, as early as the preconception period. Vitamin B6 and B12 levels naturally decrease during pregnancy⁴. However, the absence of a rich nutritional intake of vitamins B6 and B12 increases the risk of anemia and pre-eclampsia in the mother, and increases the risk of skeletal and neuromotor abnormalities in the child. Their intake should be encouraged in women who are vegetarians or who eat little animal products (meat, fish, eggs, dairy products). It should also be noted that there is a positive correlation between blood levels of vitamin B6 and B12 during pregnancy and the vitamin B content of breast milk during the first 6 months after birth.

Vitamin D deficiency is frequently observed in pregnant women between early autumn and late winter⁵. Vitamin D3 is known to support bone growth and maintain a balanced immune system. Clinically observed, women deficient in vitamin D during pregnancy are more likely to develop gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia or bacterial vaginosis, and are more likely to give birth to a low-weight child⁶. This is why vitamin D supplementation is indicated during pregnancy.

Vitamin E is essential for reproductive functions⁷. It is involved in the development of the bloodstream that nourishes the fetus and participates in the formation of the brain and many other organs of the future baby⁸. Medical reports indicate that vitamin E deficiency during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, pre-term delivery, pre-eclampsia and intra-uterine growth restriction^9-11. It is therefore essential to include vitamin E in the diet of expectant mothers, both during the preconception period and throughout pregnancy.

Mineral requirements are increased during pregnancy. Vitamin B6 improves iron absorption, thus preventing maternal anemia and its consequences for the fetus. Pregnant women need more iron due to increased blood volume and the fact that during the third trimester of pregnancy, the fetus stores the iron reserves it will need for the first six months of life. This will have an effect on the normal development of the infant's brain. Zinc, copper and iron share the same role on the infant's brain, and thanks to their antioxidant properties, zinc and copper stimulate the immune system¹². Finally, iodine is essential for thyroid function. The thyroid produces maternal hormones, which are involved in brain development during the prenatal period. Iodine deficiency can adversely affect the neurological development of the fetus¹³.

Levels of essential fatty acids such as DHA and EPA decrease during pregnancy, and their deficiency may impair optimal fetal development¹⁴. Adequate nutritional intake promotes uterine growth and may reduce the risk of premature delivery, improve fetal brain and cognitive function, and protect both baby and mother from heart disease¹⁵.