Almost every aspect of energy and nutrient metabolism is altered by hormonal and other physiological changes during pregnancy and lactation. While it is evident that hormonal adjustments affect nutrient requirements, these are rarely considered when nutrient recommen- dations are made for pregnant or lactating women, and often neglected during evaluation of nutritional status. In addition, changes in nutrient metabolism during the stages of pregnancy and oflactation are usually considered separately, while in reality events during pregnancy can have a major influence on nutritional status and...