Nutritional Interventions in Reducing the Incidence of Intrauterine Growth Restriction: A Review Download PDF

Introduction: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is defined as the failure of embryo to achieve optimal growth of normal range with respect to gestational age and it is one of the major health problems especially in developing countries. The growth of embryo may be affected by several factors, including mother’s diet during pregnancy therefore nutritional interventions can be effective in reducing IUGR. This study aims to investigate existing studies and interventions favoring the reduction the Incidence of IUGR. Method: Google Scholar, Pub med, and Science Direct were used to browse articles in English from 1980 to present with the terms "Intrauterine Growth Retardation" and its abbreviation "IUGR" in combination with "Nutritional" and "Dietary". Academic Jihad database at www.sid.ir and Magiran database at www.magiran.com are also searched for Persian articles. Result: one Persian article and 14 English studies were selected among 65 articles. Conclusion: In order to prevent IUGR, it should be most focused on protein / energy consumption while examining the mother's diet in terms of these two nutritional criteria. Also intake of three micronutrients of folic acid, magnesium and vitamin B12 during pregnancy may influence fetal growth.