Abstract

PIP: This wide-ranging and extensive literature review of the nutritional requirements of the growing fetus begins by discussing the importance of the mother for fetal well-being, turns next to the growth requirements of the embryo, discusses the quantitative and qualitative requirements for proper embryo nutrition (i.e., qualitative implies the proper balance of nutrients), and then focuses on specific substance requirements, including protein, lipid, and carbohydrates; vitamins; and inorganic substances. Specific numbers are given tabularly for each substance requirement. And the review ends by pointing out that the best way to achieve quantitative and qualitative nutrition is by understanding the nutritional value of various foods as well as by understanding the metabolism of the mother during pregnancy and the effect that maternal changes during pregnancy have on the growing fetus.