New mums given expert advice from Dubai Health Authority via Twitter

DUBAI // New mothers have joined a Twitter clinic hosted by Dubai Health Authority doctors, to learn more about the importance of nutrition in early life.
More than 65,000 people who follow DHA on Twitter using the handle @DHA_Dubai were offered advice in regular posts and interactions, using the hashtag #smart_clinic. These sessions are scheduled to continue.
The first 1,000 days of a child's life are a period of rapid growth and development and nutritional requirements at this time are crucial, said senior DHA officials.
The online clinic last week followed a meeting of 150 regional and international experts at the first Early Life Nutrition Network Middle East Symposium, in Dubai.
Dr Ahmed Ibrahim Kalban, executive director of DHA hospital services, said: "A wide range of professionals recognise the importance of proper nutrition from the day a child is born, but many do not realise nutrition is as important during pregnancy as it is in the early stages of a baby's life.
"Starting in pregnancy and continuing through the first two years, these 1,000 days play a big role in shaping future health, including strengthening their immune system and decreasing the possibility of non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and obesity."
Health experts advise pregnant women to follow a healthy diet consisting of elements from all food groups, including milk and milk products, vegetables, fruits, meats, starchy food and legumes, such as beans, lentils and peas.
During the online clinic, women were advised to guard against a vitamin D deficiency, which is lack of exposure to sunshine. Researchers at Dubai Hospital last year found 80 per cent of residents were not getting sufficient amounts, despite year-round sunshine, with Arabs more likely to be deficient in vitamin D than others.
In pregnant women, a vitamin D deficiency impairs foetal growth, with those of South Asian, African or Caribbean origin, or obese women, also at higher risk. Sufficient levels can be maintained through a diet rich in oily fish, eggs, meat, fortified margarine or cereals.
A lack of iron was another topic addressed during the clinic.
Masooma Al Jasmi, senior clinical nutritionist at Latifa Hospital, said: "Pregnant women require at least 27 milligrams of iron per day to avoid iron deficiency and for optimal foetus health.
"Additionally, supplementation with folic acid (vitamin B), which is one of the most significant preventative interventions available in the preconception and antenatal period, is required."
Women were advised to take at least 400 micrograms a day of vitamin B or folic acid three months before conception and throughout pregnancy, particularly women who are over 35, to reduce the risk of neural tube defects that can cause problems with brain and spinal function.
Dr Wafa Ayesh, director of clinical nutrition at DHA, said: "Breastfeeding provides the best start to a baby's life and once solid foods are introduced they should be wholesome and varied to promote growth and development."
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