Evidence-based recommendations for dietary supplementation during pregnancy : is it time for a product recall?

Cilar Budler, Leona (author), Spevan, Marija (author), Ivanišević, Kata (author), Budler, Marko (author)

Background - Micronutrient deficiencies in pregnant women are linked to serious health issues, including conception difficulties, spontaneous abortions, preterm births, low birth weight, birth defects and long-term metabolic disorders. Despite the recognized importance of dietary supplementation during pregnancy, rigorous research and supplementation monitoring remain limited. Objective - This study aimed to review the evidence on the impact of dietary supplementation on maternal and infant outcomes and to provide evidence-based recommendations for dietary supplementation during pregnancy. Methods - A systematic search, analysis, and synthesis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were conducted between October and January 2022. Databases searched included PubMed, CINAHL with Full Text, Google Scholar and CrossRef. The study adhered to PRISMA guidelines and applied inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify relevant studies. A total of 51 RCTs were included and assessed for quality, categorizing articles as moderate or high quality. Results - Of the 51 RCTs analyzed, 47 (92.16%) were of moderate quality, and 4 (7.84%) were of high quality. Findings revealed that recommended dietary supplementation doses for pregnant women are often set well below safety thresholds. Evidence supporting the efficacy of certain vitamins and minerals in pregnancy remains inconclusive. The study highlighted a dose–response conundrum, with an emphasis on identifying effective and safe doses. Conclusion - Micronutrient deficiencies in pregnant women pose significant risks to maternal and infant health. Current dietary supplementation recommendations require enhancement and alignment with the latest and most robust evidence. This study provides a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art evidence and underscores the importance of bridging gaps in supplementation guidelines to optimize maternal and infant health outcomes.

• Language: English
• Keywords: pregnancy, nutrition, recommendations
• Work type: Article
• Typology: 1.02 - Review Article
• Organization: EF - School of Economics and Business
• Publication status: Published
• Publication version: Version of Record
• Year: 2025
• Number of pages: 36 str.
• Numbering: Vol. 4, iss. 1, [article no.] e70011
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-176883
• UDC: 613.2
• ISSN on article: 2768-7228
• DOI: 10.1002/rfc2.70011
• COBISS.SI-ID: 223477763
• Publication date in RUL: 12.12.2025

Record is a part of a journal

• Title: Reproductive, female and child health
• Shortened title: Reprod. female child health
• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• ISSN: 2768-7228
• COBISS.SI-ID: 150691075

Licences

• License: CC BY 4.0, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• Description: This is the standard Creative Commons license that gives others maximum freedom to do what they want with the work as long as they credit the author.

Secondary language

• Language: Slovenian
• Keywords: nosečnost, prehrana, priporočila