Role of mineral nutrients other than iron in pregnancy: under recognized opportunities to improve maternal/fetal outcomes: a literature review

Background Anemia during pregnancy is an important global health concern, affecting 40% of women worldwide, and iron deficiency shares a significant proportion of the burden. From conception to birth, pregnancy is a period when women undergo metabolic and physiological changes. The nutritional needs are higher during pregnancy; thus, adequate nutrition is essential to maintain fetal growth and development. However, adverse effects due to deficiency in nutrition during pregnancy can result in maternal, fetal and neonatal complications. Despite the multifactorial etiology of anemia, iron deficiency is assumed as the primary cause of anemia during pregnancy and hence, mitigation strategy pivots around it for anemia management. Therefore, excluding other contributors, a single-micronutrient approach with iron supplements remains a myopic approach and this can exacerbate iron deficiency anemia. Micronutrient deficiencies are of particular concern as they may pose a silent threat to the survival and well-being of reproductive-age women and their infants. Aim Micronutrients, especially trace minerals, play a myriad of roles in pregnancy, and the lack of each one causes adverse complications to both the mother and the fetus. In this review paper, we attempt to piece together available information regarding the adverse effects of abnormal trace mineral levels along with iron deficiency on the mother and the fetus. Method A non-systematic literature search in PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane databases, for publications on minerals and vitamins during pregnancy and the possible influence of supplements on pregnancy outcomes. Conclusion Micronutrient deficiency exacerbates the pregnancy-induced anemia and other adverse birth outcomes. Micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy can combat anemia as well as reduce a number of adverse pregnancy outcomes in a comprehensive manner.