GASS-2024: Addressing Maternal Nutrition in Mexico

Mexico’s recent launch of Healthy and Sustainable Nutrition Guidelines (GASS-2024) aims to tackle malnutrition among pregnant and breastfeeding women. These dietary guidelines provide tailored recommendations to improve maternal and child health, and promote a sustainable future. 

Adequate nutrition remains a fundamental right but is a significant challenge in Mexico, particularly for pregnant and breastfeeding women, according to the National Institute of Public Health (INSP). Pregnancy and lactation involve physiological changes that significantly increase nutrient demands, such as a rise in energy needs by approximately 300kcal/d. These changes require elevated protein and micronutrient intake, including iron, folic acid, and calcium. For lactating women, the energy requirements are even higher, with an additional 640kcal/day needed during the first six months postpartum to sustain milk production, as outlined by a UNICEF study titled Maternal Nutrition.

However, many women in Mexico fail to meet their nutritional needs during this critical period, as highlighted by INSP. This issue is not solely due to limited access to food; it is also shaped by cultural beliefs that influence food choices, psychological stress from economic hardship and low educational levels, and biological changes during pregnancy that affect eating habits and perceptions of food. For instance, cultural norms may dictate meal patterns that lack essential nutrients. Psychological stress, linked to economic hardship and limited educational opportunities, can diminish motivation for healthy eating and impair the ability to make informed food choices, reports a study published in the National Library of Medicine. 

Furthermore, the institute links women with poor nutritional status to an increased risk for gestational diabetes, a condition where high blood sugar levels develop during pregnancy. These metabolic disturbances interfere with insulin production and function, exacerbating glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. Similarly, poor nutritional status contributes to inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, which are risk factors for preeclampsia—a condition characterized by high blood pressure and organ dysfunction. Nutrient deficiencies, particularly in micronutrients such as zinc and vitamin C, are associated with increased oxidative stress and inflammation, which can trigger the onset of preeclampsia. For the child, these health issues can have lasting impacts, potentially affecting their growth and development and increasing the likelihood of premature birth or other health problems.

To bridge these gaps, the country has introduced GASS-2024. These guidelines aim to combat malnutrition in all its forms, from obesity to micronutrient deficiencies, emphasizing sustainable dietary practices. They offer tailored nutritional recommendations based on factors such as pregnancy stage, breastfeeding duration, and physical activity levels. By integrating insights from global scientific bodies, the guidelines provide a detailed dietary roadmap to improve health outcomes for mothers and their children.

Public health experts view these guidelines as a transformative step toward mitigating intergenerational health disparities and improving overall population health. Eduardo Lazcano, Public Health Specialist, underscores the importance of these measures, noting that addressing maternal nutrition not only enhances women’s health but also serves as a foundation for reducing health inequalities across generations. Proper nutrition during pregnancy and lactation has a significant impact on child health, reducing the risks of stunting and cognitive impairments in children, which are associated with limited socio-economic opportunities later in life.