Maternal Methyl-Group Donor Intake and Neonatal Birth Size in Singleton IVF Pregnancies

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Nutritional Science
• Reproductive Medicine

Background:

• Maternal intake of methyl-group donors (MGD) is crucial for fetal development, but its impact on in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancies is not well understood.
• This study investigates the association between maternal MGD intake in late pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in IVF versus spontaneously conceived pregnancies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine maternal intake of methyl-group donors (MGD) during the third trimester of pregnancy.
• To assess the association between MGD intake and neonatal anthropometric outcomes in IVF and spontaneously conceived pregnancies.

Main Methods:

• Assessed third-trimester maternal intake of MGDs (folate, betaine, choline, methionine, folic acid) and supplements using validated questionnaires.
• Calculated a Methyl-Donor Nutrient Score (MDNS) based on MGD intake deciles.
• Measured neonatal anthropometric parameters and maternal serum nutrient concentrations in singleton pregnancies.

Main Results:

• IVF mothers reported significantly higher folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation and postpartum serum concentrations compared to spontaneously conceived mothers.
• Maternal dietary choline intake was below recommended levels for both groups.
• No significant differences in neonatal anthropometric parameters were observed between IVF and spontaneously conceived groups, nor were they associated with MDNS tertiles.

Conclusions:

• Maternal MGD intake during the third trimester was not associated with neonatal anthropometric outcomes in singleton pregnancies.
• Low dietary choline intake represents a significant nutritional gap, suggesting a need for improved dietary guidance and supplementation strategies for pregnant women.