Journal Article
Popular Article • VIG-39 | May-June 2026

Nutritional Requirements in Maternal Care: Building the Foundation for Two Lives

Department of Community & Family Medicine, AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
Email id : cmfm_manish@aiimsbhubaneswar.edu.in
VIG 2026, 2(3), 12-29

Abstract

Maternal nutrition plays a fundamental role in ensuring the health and well-being of both mother and child during pregnancy and lactation. Adequate intake of energy, protein, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, dietary fiber, and water is essential to support fetal growth, maternal tissue development, and breast milk production. Key nutrients such as folate, iron, calcium, iodine, vitamin D, vitamin B12, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids contribute to healthy pregnancy outcomes and optimal infant development. Scientific evidence indicates that poor maternal nutrition is associated with increased risks of anemia, preterm birth, low birth weight, impaired cognitive development, and long-term metabolic disorders in offspring. A balanced diet rich in whole grains, pulses, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, nuts, seeds, and other nutrient-dense foods can help meet these increased nutritional demands. In addition to supporting maternal and infant health, proper nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life has lasting effects on growth, immunity, and disease prevention. Promoting maternal nutrition remains a critical public health priority for building healthier future generations.
Keywords: Maternal nutrition; Pregnancy; Lactation; Fetal development; Micronutrients; Maternal health; Breastfeeding; Public health nutrition.

Citation: Taywade, M. (2026). Nutritional requirements in maternal care: Building the foundation for two lives. Vigyaksha, 2(3), 12–29. | Article ID: Vig-39.
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© 2026 by the authors. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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