British women of childbearing age are deficient in energy and protein levels and most of the nutrients necessary for healthy babies.
A report, which examined data in a recent government report entitled “Dietary and Nutritional Survey of British Adults”, concluded that three quarters of women of childbearing age were deficient in energy and protein levels (as set by the Recommended Daily Allowance).The report also noted that women between l6 and 49 were low in virtually every nutrient many B vitamins (including folic acid), vitamin E, iron, magnesium and zinc.
The report implied that this poor showing may have something to do with the high levels of infertility and also the high levels of stillborn, low birth weight and handicapped children born to women who had undergone assisted conception.