Emerging research highlights widespread nutritional challenges among pregnant women aged 35 and older, with excessive sodium intake and deficiencies in critical nutrients like folate, iron, and vitamin D posing risks to maternal and fetal health. These findings align with recent studies across multiple countries, underscoring systemic gaps in prenatal nutrition.
Excessive Sodium Consumption
Globally, pregnant women consistently exceed recommended sodium limits. In the U.S., 95% of pregnant women consume too much sodium, averaging over 3,200 mg daily far above the World Health Organization’s 2,000 mg guideline. Similar trends are observed in South Korea, where only 14% of pregnant women meet sodium targets1, and in Norway, where 85% exceed recommendations. High sodium intake is linked to hypertension, preterm birth, and long-term cardiovascular risks.
Critical Nutrient Shortfalls
Despite prenatal supplements, many older pregnant women fail to meet essential nutrient requirements:
- Folate: Over 15% of U.S. pregnant women have inadequate folate intake, crucial for preventing neural tube defects. Older mothers are particularly vulnerable due to age-related absorption challenge.
- Iron: While iron supplements are common, 36% of U.S. women still fall short of dietary iron needs. Excess supplementation risks oxidative stress and constipation.
- Vitamin D: Nearly half of pregnant women in Norway and the U.S. lack sufficient vitamin D, critical for bone health and immune function.
Age-Specific Risks
Advanced maternal age exacerbates these issues. A Seoul-based study found older pregnant women (35+) consumed less niacin and faced higher risks of gestational complications compared to younger groups. In Scotland, overweight/obese pregnant women had 21% higher sodium-to-potassium ratios than lean peers, worsening metabolic strain.
Implications and Recommendations
Poor nutrition during pregnancy correlates with low birth weight, developmental delays, and chronic diseases in children. Experts urge targeted interventions:
- Education: Tailored guidance to reduce processed food reliance and boost intake of folate-rich greens, calcium, and iodine.
- Supplement Reform: Balanced iron and folic acid dosing to avoid excess.
- Policy Action: Advocates call for stricter food labeling and subsidized nutrient-dense foods for at-risk groups.
These findings underscore the urgent need for improved dietary strategies and prenatal care tailored to older mothers. As maternal age rises globally, addressing these nutritional gaps is vital to safeguarding intergenerational health outcomes.