Vitamin A, iron and zinc are essential trace elements for the perfect functioning of the human body. During pregnancy, the demand of these trace elements is increased due to intense cellular growth and proliferation. During lactation, maternal milk is the most important source of these nutrients for newborns and infants. Therefore, to meet the nutritional needs of mothers and newborns, considered risk groups for nutritional deficiencies, early prevention and diagnosis should be a major concern of healthcare professionals. This paper aims at reviewing information available in the literature related to the role of Vitamin A, iron and zinc during pregnancy and lactation, focusing on the negative effects of these trace elements deficiency as well as the role of supplementation in treating this condition. Data bases MEDLINE and LILACS were surveyed using the following descriptors: "Vitamin A", "iron", "zinc", "deficiency", "pregnancy", "lactation", "newborn", "anemia" and "micronutrients" in the period from 1966 to 2004. Measures that help change food habits and diet quality as a strategy to face micronutrients deficiency and included in the set of universal measures of prenatal care are suggested. Such actions can benefit mother and child health and contribute to reduce levels of morbidity and mortality of both mother and child.
Vitamin A; Iron; Zinc; Pregnancy; Lactation; Micronutrients
