In many societies, women and adolescent girls are poorly nourished, in terms of the level and balance of both macro- and microutrients in their diet. This circumstance is detrimental to their current and future health and that of their children. Good health and nutrition before conception are key to a mother's ability to meet the nutrient demands of pregnancy and breastfeeding and are vital to the healthy development of her embryo, fetus, infant, and child.
The continuum of poor maternal health and poor infant and childhood development contributes sustainability to the global burden of disease and disability, affecting the way that individuals respond to a number of environmental challenges- ranging from infections to an obesogenic lifestyle. healthcare providers need to "Think Nutrition First"- focusing on optimizing adolescent and maternal nutrition and health, starting in the…
