Maternal food insecurity in low-income countries: Revisiting its causes and consequences for maternal and neonatal health

• Published in: Journal of agriculture and food research 2021-03, Vol.3, p.100091, Article 100091
• Main Authors: Iqbal, Sehar, Ali, Inayat
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Economic factors; Food insecurity; Low-income countries; Maternal health; Neonatal health; Political factors; Pregnancy complications; Socio-cultural determinants
• ISSN: 2666-1543; 2666-1543
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jafr.2020.100091

Food insecurity is a multifaceted phenomenon, which affects an individual's life right from the embryonic stage. Being a crucial factor, it substantially impacts the pregnancy phases, including aggravating stressful pregnancy events, by compromising the adequate quantity and quality of food. Focusing on low-income countries, this review aimed to evaluate the effects of maternal food insecurity on pregnancy complications and adverse perinatal outcomes, emphasizing the socio-cultural and economic determinants associated with maternal food insecurity. Since food insecurity significantly affects pregnant women while causing maternal mental disorders and adverse feto-maternal outcomes, especially in low-income countries, it needs a comprehensive approach to address socio-cultural, economic and political confounders at local, national and global levels. [Display omitted] •The cumulative effect of nutrition starts from the embryonic stage to throughout the lifespan.•An interplay of individual, inter-personal and social determinants plays an essential role in household food insecurity.•Maternal food insecurity constitutes a long-term problem of chronic malnutrition in low-income countries.•Food insecurity during pregnancy is a risk factor for maternal depression and adverse feto-maternal outcomes.