Abstract

Maternal nutrition, immune function, and microbiome health work together to shape fetal development in ways that influence health across the lifespan and even into future generations. This paper synthesizes evidence from molecular biology, nutrition science, immunology, and public health to show that essential nutrients-such as omega-3 fatty acids, folate, iron, zinc, and vitamin D-directly affect fetal immune programming, neurodevelopment, placental function, and metabolic regulation. Research on the maternal microbiome further demonstrates that microbial diversity and metabolite production modify nutrient absorption, inflammatory balance, and fetal gene expression, underscoring the microbiome’s role as both a mediator and amplifier of nutritional effects. At the same time, the literature makes clear that these biological processes are shaped by broader structural and social factors, including food insecurity, chronic stress, socioeconomic inequality, and unequal access to prenatal care. These conditions alter nutritional intake and immune responses, producing patterned disparities in maternal and infant outcomes. While clinical research highlights the need for improved nutrient screening, microbiome-supportive dietary guidance, and comprehensive prenatal care, limitations remain due to observational study designs, small sample sizes, and lack of diversity in research populations. Future directions call for long-term cohort studies, standardized supplementation trials, integrative multi-omics approaches, and culturally tailored interventions. Overall, the evidence supports an integrated perspective in which maternal biology and social context jointly shape fetal development, emphasizing the need for holistic and equitable strategies to improve maternal and infant health.

Semester/Year of Award

Fall 2025

Mentor

Dr. Oliver Oakley

Mentor Department Affiliation

Biological Sciences

Access Options

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelors

Department

Biological Sciences

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