Nutrition education for expectant mothers: Nourishing the future

Background: This review explores the importance of preconception education, examining its impact on maternal health, fetal development, and long-term well-being. The effectiveness of appropriate nutritional interventions, along with the role of different nutrients and their influence on epigenetics in the preconception period, are discussed with reference to the current scientific literature. Objective: Women should enter pregnancy in the healthiest possible condition. Nutrition is increasingly recognized as important for reproductive health. Preconception nutrition education for women not only influences the immediate health of the mother and her offspring but also has the potential for transgenerational impact. It is of paramount importance for mothers to receive evidence-based nutrition education. Results: Nutrients that influence healthy reproduction and lifelong health include vitamin B complex, in particular B1, B6, folate, B13, and B12; antioxidants (vitamins C and E); minerals such as iron, zinc, magnesium, selenium, iodine, and copper; and essential fatty acids. Recent studies have shown that a healthy diet, minimal consumption of fast food and foods with a high glycemic load, can normalize the course of pregnancy. These beneficial nutrients also reduce the risk of neural tube defects, autism, dyslexia, Down syndrome, childhood cancer, obesity, and fetal cell membrane defects associated with maternal diabetes. Research on paternal diet and its impact on health is limited. A woman's metabolism is seriously influenced by activity and affection. Modern foods are often processed beyond cellular recognition, which can lead to neurological and physical illnesses and mortality. A history of starvation or deprivation in early life can be passed from grandmothers to grandchildren through epigenetic inheritance across generations.