Letter from the Editor: Current advancements in maternal and infant health

NutraIngredients’ latest special edition explores recent insights in maternal and infant health, focusing on improving outcomes during pregnancy and infancy, especially regarding the microbiome's role.

It addresses regulatory challenges, knowledge gaps, and highlights innovative research on nutrition and probiotics. 

Navigating ingredient regulation: Key insights for maternal and infant health​

A discussion on ingredient regulation ​highlighted the unique nutritional needs of this vulnerable population.

Legal expert Luca Bucchini pointed out that while the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has established rigorous scientific criteria for health claims related to mothers and infants, many applicants overlook these demographics in their novel food applications.

The inconsistency of ingredient regulations across EU Member States further complicates matters, leading to disparities in safety and availability.

This issue is exacerbated by the lack of specific Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs) for mothers and infants, underscoring the need for clear nutritional messaging.

Parental nutrition knowledge gaps may influence purchasing habits​ ​

A survey conducted by Bayer revealed substantial gaps in parental nutrition knowledge​, that may influence supplement purchasing habits.

With 60% of respondents unaware of the impact of parental nutrition on a baby’s growth, the demand for increased guidance from healthcare professionals is evident.

While prenatal health is receiving increased attention, data provided by Euromonitor International revealed that pediatric vitamins are outpacing maternal supplements, highlighting a need for better education and support in this area.

Study links antenatal and postnatal depression to lower vitamin D levels​

A systematic review linked lower vitamin D levels to antenatal and postnatal depression​, deepening understanding of the relationship between vitamin D levels and maternal mental health.

The connection highlights the importance of targeted interventions, including vitamin D supplementation, to support mental well-being during and after pregnancy.

Prenatal lutein-zeaxanthin may boost carotenoid levels for mother and baby​

One clinical trial revealed the potential benefits of prenatal supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin​ during pregnancy.

Findings showed significant enhancements in carotenoid levels for both mothers and infants, suggesting that these nutrients may play a crucial role in ocular development. 

Ferritin levels at 15 weeks can detect third-trimester deficiencies​ ​

A recent study found that ferritin levels below 60 μg/L at 15 weeks of pregnancy could predict iron deficiency​ by 33 weeks.

Researchers from University College Cork and the University of Minnesota noted that anemia in pregnant women can lead to adverse outcomes such as preterm birth and postpartum complications. 

The study revealed increasing iron deficiency rates: 4.5% at 15 weeks, 13.7% at 20 weeks, and 51.2% at 30 weeks.

Those taking iron-containing multivitamins showed lower deficiency rates, and the researchers recommended early screening for iron status during pregnancy. 

Benefits of probiotics during pregnancy

A study published in Frontiers in Nutrition​ found that maternal probiotic use can enhance infant gut health and neurodevelopment​.

Mothers who took probiotics showed lower levels of inflammatory markers in breast milk, which is linked to healthier infant gut microbiomes and improved brain activity related to memory.

However, uncertainties remain about the extent to which breast milk bacteria colonize an infant's gut​. A review of 88 studies found only 15 that used rigorous methodologies, indicating a need for more controlled trials to better understand these relationships.

Early probiotic intervention in preterm infants​ 

Research published in Nutrients​ highlighted that early probiotic intervention in preterm infants​ significantly lowers mortality rates and improves feeding tolerance. 

Probiotics, especially combinations of Lactobacillus​ and Bifidobacterium​, are most effective when administered early, reducing risks of conditions like necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). 

While the benefits of probiotics are evident, the researchers called for standardized guidelines for their use, as there are ongoing concerns about their risks, particularly after a recent FDA warning that reduced their use in neonatal units.

Experts at an ISAPP meeting emphasized the need for research focusing on specific probiotic strains​, balancing the risks of NEC with potential probiotic complications. 

Trends in infant probiotics for 2024​

A study​ in the European Journal of Pediatrics found that a specific combination of probiotics (Bifidobacterium longum KABP042 and Pediococcus pentosaceus KABP041) was more effective at reducing crying time in colicky infants compared to the widely used Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM17938. 

However the demand for infant probiotics​ is shifting towards immune health and digestive wellness, moving beyond just colic relief, according to data from Lumina Intelligence.

Consumer education on microbiome health is also increasing, with companies like BioGaia adapting their offerings to meet contemporary consumer needs, such as supporting antibiotic recovery and oral health.