Journal of Pediatrics and Child Health

INTRODUCTION

Nutritional deficiency is one of the most pressing yet preventable threats to the health of mothers and children worldwide. Despite advances in food security and healthcare, deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals remain widespread, with devastating consequences during pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood. Women of reproductive age face increased nutritional demands due to menstruation, pregnancy, and lactation, making them particularly vulnerable. When maternal nutrition is inadequate, the impact extends beyond the mother to the developing fetus and newborn, creating intergenerational cycles of malnutrition and poor health. For children, deficiencies during the first years of life compromise growth, immunity, and cognitive development, limiting educational potential and economic productivity later in life. Addressing nutritional deficiency in mothers and children is therefore not only a clinical responsibility but also a cornerstone of sustainable development and social equity.

Improving maternal and child nutrition requires a multi-sectoral approach that combines healthcare interventions with education, social protection, and agricultural innovation. Supplementation and food fortification programs, when effectively implemented, can significantly reduce the burden of micronutrient deficiencies such as iron, iodine, vitamin A, and folic acid. Equally important is empowering communities with knowledge on balanced diets, breastfeeding practices, and hygiene, ensuring that healthy choices are accessible and affordable. Strengthening healthcare systems to provide regular nutritional screening and counseling during antenatal and postnatal care can detect deficiencies early and prevent long-term harm. Moreover, policies that promote gender equity, reduce poverty, and improve food distribution are critical to breaking the cycle of undernutrition. Investing in maternal and child nutrition is thus not only a health intervention but also an economic strategy, yielding lifelong benefits for individuals, families, and societies.

Among maternal populations, iron deficiency anemia is the most prevalent nutritional disorder, affecting nearly 40 percent of pregnant women globally. Anemia during pregnancy increases the risk of maternal mortality, preterm delivery, and low birthweight. Folate deficiency, another common condition, has been strongly associated with neural tube defects in newborns, highlighting the importance of adequate periconceptional nutrition. Inadequate maternal intake of calcium and vitamin D also contributes to complications such as preeclampsia, poor bone health, and impaired fetal skeletal development. The nutritional well-being of the mother thus directly determines neonatal outcomes, emphasizing the critical need for targeted interventions during pregnancy and lactation.

Children, particularly in their first 1,000 days from conception to two years of age—are especially vulnerable to the effects of nutritional deficiency. Deficiencies in vitamin A, zinc, and iron weaken immune function, increase susceptibility to infections, and contribute to stunting and wasting. Vitamin A deficiency alone remains a leading cause of preventable childhood blindness and is associated with higher risks of severe infections such as measles. Iron deficiency, which impairs cognitive development and motor skills, is one of the most widespread deficiencies among children under five. The effects of poor nutrition during this critical developmental period are often irreversible, perpetuating cycles of ill health and poverty.

Public health strategies to address maternal and child nutritional deficiencies have shown notable successes. Large-scale programs for iron and folic acid supplementation during pregnancy, vitamin A supplementation in early childhood, and universal salt iodization have contributed to measurable improvements in health outcomes. Promotion of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life, followed by timely introduction of complementary feeding, has been identified as one of the most effective interventions to reduce child morbidity and mortality. However, significant gaps remain in coverage and access. Many women and children in low- and middle-income countries lack consistent access to fortified foods, supplements, and diverse diets, while rapid urbanization and changing food systems have introduced new challenges such as micronutrient-poor but calorie-dense diets.

Emerging approaches are beginning to address these gaps more effectively. Biofortification of staple crops with iron, zinc, and vitamin A is an innovative strategy that holds promise for resource-limited settings. Digital health platforms are increasingly used to provide nutrition education to mothers, monitor child growth, and encourage adherence to supplementation programs. Integrating nutrition into maternal and child health services such as antenatal care, immunization visits, and school health programs offers practical opportunities for early intervention. At the policy level, stronger collaboration between agriculture, health, and education sectors is essential to create sustainable food systems that ensure nutrient-rich diets for women and children. 

CONCLUSION

Nutritional deficiency among mothers and children remains one of the most significant barriers to global health and development. The consequences are profound, affecting maternal survival, pregnancy outcomes, child growth, immune competence, and cognitive potential. Despite decades of progress in supplementation and fortification, millions of women and children continue to suffer from preventable deficiencies due to inequities in access, education, and health services. Addressing this challenge requires a comprehensive approach that prioritizes maternal and child nutrition across the life course. Strengthening antenatal and postnatal nutrition programs, expanding supplementation and food fortification efforts, and promoting exclusive breastfeeding are critical steps toward reducing the burden. Equally important is ensuring that innovations such as biofortification and digital health solutions reach the most vulnerable populations. Ultimately, investing in the nutritional well-being of mothers and children is an investment in the future one that improves survival, supports healthy development, and lays the foundation for stronger, more resilient societies.