Specific micronutrient deficiencies may affect maternal and foetal health. Iodine deficiency during pregnancy may cause foetal brain damage and mental retardation in infants. Vitamin A deficiency increases the risk in pregnant women of infection and anaemia, may cause blindness during pregnancy and early lactation, and has been associated to an elevated risk of HIV mother-to-child transmission. Folate deficiency may cause severe foetal neural tube defects like anencephaly and spina bifida. Iron deficiency weakens the maternal body, impairs intrauterine growth and increases the risk of both maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality (World Health Organization 2000a). .
