Intervention Review

Maternal nutrient supplementation for suspected impaired fetal growth

  1. Lale Say1,*,
  2. A Metin Gülmezoglu2,
  3. G Justus Hofmeyr3

Editorial Group: Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group

Published Online: 23 APR 2008

Assessed as up-to-date: 4 MAY 2010

DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000148

Database Title

Additional Information

How to Cite

Say L, Gülmezoglu AM, Hofmeyr GJ. Maternal nutrient supplementation for suspected impaired fetal growth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2003, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD000148. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000148.

Author Information

  1. 1

    World Health Organization, Department of Reproductive Health and Research, Geneva, Switzerland

  2. 2

    World Health Organization, UNDP/UNFPA/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, Department of Reproductive Health and Research, Geneva, Switzerland

  3. 3

    University of the Witwatersrand, University of Fort Hare, Eastern Cape Department of Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East London Hospital Complex, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa

*Lale Say, Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland. sayl@who.int.

Publication History

  1. Publication Status: New search for studies and content updated (no change to conclusions)
  2. Published Online: 23 APR 2008

SEARCH

ARTICLE TOOLS

View Full Article (HTML) Summary (56K)Standard (154K)Full (205K)
 

Abstract

  1. Top of page
  2. Abstract
  3. Plain language summary

Background

One way of attempting to improve fetal growth has been nutrient supplementation for the mother when fetal growth is impaired. Different nutrients such as carbohydrates and amino acids have been suggested as treatments for impaired fetal growth.

Objectives

The objective of this review was to assess the effects of nutrient administration for suspected fetal growth impairment on fetal growth and perinatal outcome.

Search strategy

We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (March 2010).

Selection criteria

Acceptably controlled trials of nutrient administration for suspected impaired fetal growth compared to placebo or no treatment.

Data collection and analysis

We assessed trial quality.

Main results

Four studies, involving 165 women, were included. The trials were small or had methodological limitations, or both. Carnite was associated with shorter pregnancy duration after enrolment (mean difference -2.12, 95% confidence interval -3.58 to -0.66 weeks). Intraamniotic administration of nutrients was related to higher birthweight (2575 g, standard deviation (SD) 780) as compared to intravenous administration (2080 g SD 457). No other differences were found.

Authors' conclusions

There is not enough evidence to evaluate the use of nutrient therapy for suspected impaired fetal growth. The studies were too small to assess clinical outcomes adequately.

 

Plain language summary

  1. Top of page
  2. Abstract
  3. Plain language summary

Maternal nutrient supplementation for suspected impaired fetal growth

Too little evidence to show whether extra carnitine, solcoseryl, glucose or galactose for pregnant women benefits babies in the womb who are smaller than expected.

Babies growing more slowly than expected in the womb (impaired fetal growth) may be receiving too few nutrients from their mothers. Some nutrients thought to improve an unborn baby's growth include carnitine (amino acid which releases energy from fat), solcoseryl (protein-free calf blood extract), glucose and galactose (fruit, meat and milk sugars). The review of four trials, involving 165 women, found that there is too little evidence to show whether the baby's growth improves when a pregnant woman supplements her intake of these nutrients by mouth or injection. More research is needed into the effects of pregnant women supplementing their diets with these nutrients.

View Full Article (HTML) Summary (56K)Standard (154K)Full (205K)