THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MATERNAL DIETARY DIVERSITY SCORE DURING PREGNANCY AND INFANT HEALTH OUTCOMES: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Background: Maternal nutrition during pregnancy is crucial for fetal development and long-term infant health. Dietary diversity is commonly used as an indicator of diet quality, reflecting the adequacy of macro- and micronutrient intake. This study aimed to examine the association between the Maternal Dietary Diversity Score (MDDS) during pregnancy and infant health outcomes. However, evidence regarding the association between maternal dietary diversity and birth outcomes remains mixed, particularly in developing countries. Methods: This study was a systematic literature review of 10 articles. These articles were sourced from scientific journal articles on Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and PubMed for original observational studies published between 2015 and 2025. Results: Most studies were conducted in developing countries in Africa and Asia using cohort, cross-sectional, or case-control designs. Findings consistently indicate that greater maternal dietary diversity is associated with improved birth outcomes, particularly higher birth weight and a reduced risk of low birth weight (LBW). Several studies also reported a lower risk of low birth weight in infants born to mothers with greater dietary diversity. Conclusions: A mother's dietary diversity is crucial for preventing low birth weight (LBW) and supporting the baby's long-term growth and immunity. While the quantity of food groups is crucial, the quality of food choices and targeted nutrition education are just as important.