VIJAI VIGNESH,BUVNESH KUMAR,DINESH KUMAR,SWETHA ,DR.GOLDPEARLIN MARY
DOI: https://doi.org/Background:Maternal nutrition profoundly affects pregnancy outcomes and the lifelong health of mothers and children. In India, maternal undernutrition and anaemia remain prevalent despite extensive public health programs. Fragmented evidence exists on the implementation and measurable impacts of nutritional interventions.
Objective:To synthesize evidence on nutritional interventions during pregnancy in India, evaluate their effects on maternal and neonatal outcomes, and identify research and policy gaps.
Methods:Following the PRISMA-ScR framework, PubMed and MEDLINE databases were searched for English-language studies published from January 2000 to May 2025 using relevant MeSH terms. Eligible studies included experimental and observational designs evaluating interventions such as iron–folic acid supplementation, calcium tablets, take-home rations, fortified foods, dietary counselling, and cash transfer programs. Studies were required to report at least one maternal (e.g., anaemia, gestational weight gain) or neonatal (e.g., birth weight, preterm birth) outcome. Data extraction covered study design, intervention type, outcomes, and limitations.
Results:From 1,245 citations, 8 studies met inclusion criteria. Iron–folic acid supplementation, balanced energy protein intake, and calcium supplementation were linked to reduced maternal anaemia, improved gestational weight gain, and decreased low birth weight and preterm births. Nutrition counselling improved dietary diversity and adherence. Key barriers included poor compliance, sociocultural food restrictions, supply chain disruptions, and rural–urban disparities. Adolescent pregnant women were underrepresented. Methodological constraints included small sample sizes, cross-sectional designs, limited geographic coverage, and few randomized controlled trials.
Conclusion:Nutritional interventions during pregnancy improve maternal and neonatal outcomes in India but face implementation and equity challenges. High-quality randomized trials, adolescent-focused research, culturally sensitive counseling, and strengthened monitoring are essential to enhance program impact.
