Maternal adherence with recommendations for folic acid and iodine supplements: A cross-sectional survey

Andrew N Reynolds1,2, Sheila A Skeaff1

  • 1Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, Otago, New Zealand.

We conducted a survey of 535 New Zealand women to determine supplement use pre-pregnancy, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding to evaluate adherence with national recommendations for folic acid and iodine supplementation. Our findings suggest that despite these women being well-educated and motivated to complete an online survey, there was low adherence to recommendations for folic acid and iodine supplements. Only 38% of women reported supplement intake that met both folic acid and iodine recommendations. This cross-sectional survey provides information useful to policy makers, clinicians and researchers seeking to protect and promote maternal and infant health.