Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40637878›Full record

ArticleArchives of gynecology and obstetrics2025

Knowledge, awareness and recommendation on micronutrition during pregnancy-a survey of healthcare providers.

Anna Elisabeth Hentrich, Doerthe Brueggmann, Eileen Deuster, Anne Kristina Kämpf, Lukas Jennewein, Wiebke Schaarschmidt, Frank Louwen, Samira Catharina Hoock

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Archives of gynecology and obstetrics, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
4citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

4 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Observational
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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Anna Elisabeth HentrichDepartment of Obstetrics and Perinatal Medicine, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany. hentrich@med.uni-frankfurt.de.ORCID 0009-0004-1620-5577
Doerthe BrueggmannDepartment of Obstetrics and Perinatal Medicine, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany.
Eileen DeusterDepartment of Obstetrics and Perinatal Medicine, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany.
Anne Kristina KämpfDepartment of Obstetrics and Perinatal Medicine, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany.
Lukas JenneweinDepartment of Obstetrics and Perinatal Medicine, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany.
Wiebke SchaarschmidtDepartment of Obstetrics and Perinatal Medicine, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany.
Frank LouwenDepartment of Obstetrics and Perinatal Medicine, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany.
Samira Catharina HoockDepartment of Obstetrics and Perinatal Medicine, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe market for dietary supplements targeting women of reproductive age and pregnant individuals is rapidly expanding. Despite accumulating evidence regarding the benefits of specific micronutrients during pregnancy, there is considerable variability in international and national guidelines, compounded by knowledge gaps among healthcare professionals.

objectiveThis study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and counseling practices of midwives and physicians in Germany concerning micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy.

methodsA cross-sectional online survey was conducted among healthcare professionals in Frankfurt and surrounding regions in April to May 2024. A newly developed 24-item questionnaire was utilized to gather demographic data, assess counseling practices related to micronutrients and knowledge concerning of the roles of folic acid, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids in fetal development. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact test (p < 0.05).

resultsOf the 360 individuals who accessed the survey, 107 completed it (33 midwives, 72 physicians). While 96.8% recommended supplementation during pregnancy, only 48.1% rated their knowledge as moderate. Folic acid was most frequently recommended supplement (78.7%), followed by omega-3 fatty acids (68%) and vitamin B12 (notably for vegan diets, 96.1%). Gaps in knowledge were identified, particularly regarding the biochemical forms of folate (34.5% unaware), sources and function of omega-3 fatty acids (20% lacked knowledge), and the role of vitamin B12 in fetal development (19% unaware). Only 41.8% explicitly recommended vitamin D, despite strong evidence of its importance. The majority of respondents expressed a strong interest in further education (91.0%).

conclusionAlthough healthcare professionals are generally engaged in counseling on prenatal supplementation, substantial knowledge gaps and inconsistent practices persist, particularly regarding newer recommendations beyond folic acid. To improve maternal and fetal health outcomes, there is a pressing need for improved educational initiatives and the broader implementation of tools such as the FIGO nutrition checklist.

Indexed as

Dietary SupplementsHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeHealth PersonnelMicronutrientsPrenatal CareAdultCounselingCross-Sectional StudiesFatty Acids, Omega-3FemaleFolic AcidGermanyHumansMaleMiddle AgedMidwiferyFatty Acids, Omega-3Folic AcidMicronutrientsVitamin B 12Vitamin DFIGO nutrition checklistMicronutrient pregnancySupplementation

Identifiers

PMID40637878
PMCPMC12414066

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.