Micronutrients in Obstetrics and Gynecology: Mini-Review Article

Micronutrients are fundamental in maintaining the general health of a woman and play a pivotal role in reproductive health, with heightened importance during pregnancy and lactation. Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals-common globally-are associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes such as anemia, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, neural tube defects (NTDs), and intrauterine growth restriction. Micronutrients may affect the programming of fetal origin of adult diseases. Micronutrient deficiency also plays a part in gynecological disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome, infertility, endometriosis, fibroids and certain gynecological malignancies. A systematic review of 31 recent articles, including cohort studies and meta-analyses, was conducted through databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect. Twenty-five articles were selected based on relevance and methodological rigor. Deficiencies in iron, folate, vitamin D, zinc, iodine, and vitamin B12 are prevalent among pregnant women, particularly in India. Iron supplementation reduces anemia, but its broader impact remains inconclusive. Folic acid prevents up to 70% of NTDs when started preconceptionally. Calcium and vitamin D lower the risk of preeclampsia. Zinc and iodine deficiencies contribute to poor pregnancy outcomes. Multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) has shown superior efficacy compared to iron-folic acid alone in reducing low birth weight and small-for-gestational-age outcomes, though optimal formulations require further study. Adequate micronutrient intake is essential for optimal maternal and fetal health. MMS offers a promising intervention but should be tailored to individual needs to prevent over-supplementation. Future research must address micronutrient interactions, population-specific needs, and personalized nutrition strategies.