Food insecurity, food deserts, reproduction and pregnancy: we should alert from now.

ABSTRACT

Food insecurity and food deserts are prominent global health problems, now exacerbated by current COVID-19 pandemic. Some evidence points to the importance of food security, particularly for women in their reproductive age. Women's health and their nutrition status, across the continuum of preconception to pregnancy and postpartum are critical aspects for ensuring positive gestation course and short-/long-term outcomes by affecting essential developmental pathways. Several adverse outcomes (both maternal and neonatal) were reported in scientific literature. Screening programs, new economic policies, implementation of assistance since preconception could be a good strategy to mitigate the negative consequences of food insecurity. Potential strategies could include addressing misconceptions about healthy maternal diet and breast milk adequacy, stress management, promote social support networks, and connecting to supplemental nutrition assistance programs.KEY POINTSFood insecurity (limited food access owing to cost) and desert foods (living in areas with low physical/personal access to nutritious food) are major public health concerns.Large geographical and within-country disparities, multiple socio-economic determinants.Childbearing age and pregnancy are groups at higher vulnerability to develop complications.Food insecurity negatively affects offspring health and development.Peri-conceptional window an early clinical opportunity to screen and to apply preventive strategies.Help vulnerable groups to have access to more affordable nutritious food, educate and change unhealthy behaviors, adequate stress management, social support networks.