Premium
Fetal nutrition: A review
Author(s) -
Cetin Irene,
Alvino Gioia,
Radaelli Tatjana,
Pardi Giorgio
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
acta pædiatrica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1651-2227
pISSN - 0803-5253
DOI - 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2005.tb02147.x
Subject(s) - medicine , fetus , obstetrics , pregnancy , intensive care medicine , biology , genetics
Knowledge of fetal nutrient supply has greatly increased in the last decade due to the availability of fetal blood samples obtained under relatively steady‐state conditions. These studies, together with studies utilizing stable isotope methodologies, have clarified some aspects of the supply of the major nutrients for the fetus such as glucose, amino acids and fatty acids. At the same time, the relevance of intrauterine growth has been recognized not only for the well‐being of the neonate and child, but also for later health in adulthood. The major determinants of fetal nutrient availability are maternal nutrition and metabolism together with placental function and metabolism. The regulation of the rate of intrauterine growth is the result of complex interactions between genetic inheritance, endocrine environment and availability of nutrients to the fetus.