ABSTRACT
The placenta is one of the most important mammalian organs, not only for the health of the fetus and the mother during pregnancy but also for the lifelong health of both. Maternal nutraceutical intake in humans and animals can interfere with normal placental growth and development, as reflected by changes in placental weight, size, peripheral villous mass, villous surface, and DNA content, which modify placental efficiency. Nutraceuticals provide nutrients for the placenta, control vascularization and metabolic function, modify gene expression and deoxyribonucleic acid methylation, and prevent oxidative stress and inflammation. So, one of the intervention strategies for targeting the placenta in order to optimise fetal growth could include modifying maternal nutraceutical intake. A dominant concept in this chapter is that most popular nutraceuticals supplements, including folic acid, vitamin B12, omega-3, vitamin D, and antioxidants, contribute to placental growth, development, and function.
