Energy supplements for women
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Balanced Protein-Energy Supplements for Women: Effects on Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes
Balanced protein-energy supplements are widely studied for their impact on women’s health, especially during pregnancy. Research consistently shows that these supplements can improve birth outcomes, particularly in undernourished women. Multiple studies and meta-analyses have found that balanced protein-energy supplementation during pregnancy leads to higher birth weights, reduced risk of low birth weight (LBW), and fewer small-for-gestational-age (SGA) births. These effects are most pronounced in women who are undernourished, but benefits are seen across populations 189.
Impact on Maternal Weight Gain and Anemia
While balanced energy-protein (BEP) supplements are effective at improving birth outcomes, their effect on maternal weight gain and anemia is less clear. Some studies report only modest or non-significant increases in gestational weight gain and no significant reduction in maternal anemia compared to standard iron-folic acid supplementation . However, the small positive effects on birth outcomes suggest that BEP supplements may still be valuable, especially in populations at risk of undernutrition .
Nutrient Adequacy and Food Intake
BEP supplementation has been shown to increase overall energy, macro-, and micronutrient intakes among pregnant women without reducing their regular food intake. This means that BEP supplements help fill nutritional gaps rather than replacing other foods in the diet, ensuring that women meet their increased nutritional needs during pregnancy .
Acceptability and Adherence to Energy Supplements
Studies in different countries, including Bangladesh and Ethiopia, show that BEP supplements are generally well accepted by women. High adherence rates are reported, with women consuming most of the supplements provided. Factors that support adherence include good taste, convenient packaging, and support from family and healthcare providers. Cultural beliefs and household dynamics can influence supplement use, so targeted communication and community engagement are important for successful implementation 37.
Energy Supplements for Older Women
For older women, especially those at risk of protein and energy deficiencies, supplements enriched with essential amino acids (like L-leucine) can help increase both protein and total energy intake. These supplements do not suppress appetite and can be an effective way to address age-related declines in dietary intake and muscle mass .
Other Forms of Energy Supplementation
Research in animal models suggests that energy supplementation can reverse growth restriction and infertility caused by energy deficits, highlighting the importance of adequate energy intake for female reproductive health . Additionally, in exercise-trained women, dark chocolate supplementation has been shown to increase resting energy expenditure, though it does not affect energy use during exercise .
Conclusion
Balanced protein-energy supplements are a proven strategy to improve birth outcomes in pregnant women, especially those who are undernourished. They increase nutrient intake without displacing regular food, are generally well accepted, and can be tailored to different populations. While their effects on maternal weight gain and anemia are less pronounced, the benefits for fetal growth and reducing the risk of LBW and SGA births are clear. For older women and those with specific energy needs, targeted supplements can also help address deficiencies and support overall health.
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