Maternal and infant nutrition in developing countries with special reference to possible intervention programs in the context of health

Discussion is given to the nutritional status of women prior to pregnancy, during pregancy (including adolescent pregnancy), and during lactation, and to the nutritional status of infants and young children. Knowledge gaps in these areas are identified and four priority research areas listed: (1) the effects of physical activity on weight gain during pregnancy, pregnancy outcome, and lactation performance; (2) causes of perinatal complications; (3) nutritional risk factors that can identify those who would benefit most from health care interventions; and (4) development of safe, feasible, and acceptable complementary feeding and weaning practices. Recommendations for specific nutrition interventions conclude the report; the need to integrate these with health and other development activities is stressed. Appended are a discussion of the effect of lactation on maternal energy balance and on protein, vitamin, and mineral status; recipes for complementary foods; a list of activities considered essential in health and nutrition programs; and a 200-item bibliography (1935-83).