Pregnant women, kids need quality nutrition

WHILE eating for two when pregnant may not impact on the future health of unborn babies (“Eating for 2 no worry”, IOS, January 21) what is of crucial importance is the quality of the mother’s nutrition, especially in the first trimester.

One of various longitudinal studies showing the importance of nutrition during pregnancy involved the follow-up of women who were pregnant during winter in Holland towards the end of World War II, when many people faced starvation, resorting to eating garden plants and roots. Women who were three months pregnant when malnutrition set in produced smaller babies than those who were malnourished during the first three months and were able to make up for it later on in their pregnancy.

However, the babies born to mothers malnourished during the first three months suffered more health problems in later life – including obesity – than the babies born to women who were adequately nourished during that period. Other studies have confirmed this trend.

There are high levels of malnutrition in South Africa, including among countless young pregnant women.

To compound problems, impoverished children are reportedly more likely to drink fizzy drinks than milk.

These drinks have a high sugar content and lack the calcium and magnesium growing children need.

It also seems that some of the sponsored food given to children at school includes items such as crisps, which should not be a substitute for nutritious food.

Children are the future of the nation.

Perhaps our obscenely overpaid politicians, especially in the departments of Health and Social Development, could provide us with details about what they are doing to counteract widespread malnutrition, and ensure a balanced diet for pregnant women and young children.