Maternal diet, nutritional status and infant birth weight in Malaysia: a scoping review

Women’s diet and nutritional status during pregnancy are important in influencing birth outcomes. This research review of Malaysia identifies several factors regarding the association between dietary intake and anthropometry on birth outcomes. There were increased cases of low birth weight where folic acid, niacin, iron, calcium and vitamin D fell short of the recommended dietary intakes, confirming that emphasis should be given on maternal health and nutrition to reduce the risk of low birth weight.