From Preconception to Breastfeeding: What Healthcare Professionals and Women Think about Vitamin Supplementation

Abstract

Pregnancy is a period when adopting healthy habits, such as a balanced diet and vitamin supplementation, is crucial for maternal and fetal health. Nutritional deficiencies can lead to fetal malformations, and organizations like the Directorate-General of Health recommend supplementation with folic acid and iodine. However, guidelines for other micronutrients, such as iron and zinc, remain less defined, causing uncertainty among healthcare professionals. A descriptive study conducted between March and August of 2023 assessed the perceptions of doctors, pharmacists and women regarding supplementation. Among the 230 physicians interviewed, 89.1% emphasized the importance of preconception consultations, with folic acid being the most recommended supplement. During pregnancy, 81.7% prescribed folic acid, 49.6% iron, and 60.4% iodine. However, only two-thirds of women reported postpartum supplementation, highlighting a gap in care during this phase. Among the 433 pharmacists, 48% recognized the need for greater involvement in advising on supplementation, particularly in the postpartum period, when the demand for information increases. In a survey of 1107 women, 49% did not attend a preconception consultation, often relying on informal sources for information, which hampers adherence to medical recommendations. Despite high adherence to supplementation during pregnancy, factors such as cost and fear of side effects remain barriers. Improving counselling before, during, and after pregnancy is essential, with tailored strategies involving doctors, pharmacists, and community programs to achieve better maternal and fetal health outcomes.