Sources of Key Nutrients for Successful Placentation

Abstract

During the early stage of pregnancy, successful placentation depends on both fetal and maternal genes and also on the maternal nutrition status (Kind et al. 2006; Cross and Mickelson 2006; Cross et al. 1994; Brown et al. 2002). Poor maternal nutrition status in the 1st trimester of pregnancy alters the intrauterine hormonal and signaling environments and adversely affects placental growth and development. Consequently, inappropriate placental growth can affect birth weight at delivery regardless of gestational weight gain or maternal nutritional status throughout the pregnancy (Brown et al. 2002). Dutch Famine Study indicated the critical importance of maternal nutrition status in early pregnancy on overall baby’s health outcome in adult life (Susser and Stein 1994). Incomplete early placentation can result in a reduced maternal supply of nutrients to the fetus that may result in poor fetal growth and leading to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (Relton et al. 2005). Despite the critical importance, few data are available on the relationship between maternal nutritional status and placental growth and development (Barker 1995; Wild and Byrne 2004; Fowles et al. 2011, 2012). A prospective observational study of 3207 pregnant women in the Netherlands highlighted the association of lower feto-placental weight and maternal malnutrition (Timmermans et al. 2012). The early placentation determines the placental size and function consequently determines its nutrient transfer capacity and the growth trajectory of the fetus. Maternal undernutrition at the time of conception led to reduced birth weight and postnatal growth and the development of hypertension in experimental animals. Vitamin D and vitamin B₂, iron, folic acid, and DHA may promote, whereas trans-fatty acids may hamper placental angiogenesis (Fowles et al. 2011; Johnsen et al. 2011; Basak and Duttaroy 2013a, b). Maternal food consumption provides the essential nutrients (vitamin D, omega-3 and omega-6 LCPUFAs such as DHA and ARA) that may regulate physiological response to altered placental development (Fowles et al. 2011; Johnsen et al. 2011; Basak and Duttaroy 2013a, b). This chapter deals with the dietary sources of these nutrients that may favor the feto-placental development. The importance of folic acid, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B₁₂ , DHA, and ARA are reported in placentation processes (Wei et al. 2013; Liao et al. 2010). Key nutrients and their dietary sources are listed in Table 12.1.