Maternal feeding and reproductive outcomes

Key words: Nutrition, Mediterranean diet, Risk of infertility, Childbearing age, Western diet

Latest studies show a possible correlation between nutrition and reproductive health. In particular, adherence to the Mediterranean diet during the preconceptional and periconceptional period is associated with a lower risk of infertility, miscarriage, prematurity, birth defects and foetal growth restriction. For women of childbearing age the results of epidemiological investigations underline the importance of adopting a nutritional approach aimed at reducing the adverse outcomes of reproduction. In this context, the Mediterranean diet is an effective tool for prevention and well-being. Health care professionals should provide active information about the role played by