Choline and essential fatty acids (EFA) are vital for fetal brain development, supporting pregnancy, and maintaining hormonal balance. They also promote overall health. The childbearing years present a window of opportunity to increase the intake of these key nutrients and develop healthy dietary habits. Survey data were collected for the Estudio Latinoamericano de Nutrición y Salud (ELANS), including participants from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela (n=9,218; 15-65 years old). Women of childbearing age were extracted from the largest database (n=3,704). The aims of this study were to evaluate the intake of choline and essential fatty acids in women of childbearing age, identify their food sources, and determine if supplements containing choline and EFA were available across the ELANS countries. In general, choline intake was inadequate in all countries, while essential fatty acids intake was normal or above requirements. Chile had the lowest intake of choline and Colombia the highest. The results showed that some countries had more inadequate choline intake than others. Consuming a larger quantity of eggs helped reduce choline inadequacy, as did including eggs and fish in the diet. The intake of essential fatty acids, including ALA, EPA, and DHA, showed variability. The contributions of EPA and DHA were lower than that of ALA, and the results differed by age group. In conclusion, choline intake is inadequate and EFA intake is variable among women of childbearing age in the ELANS study. More awareness and education are needed to achieve better intake of these nutrients.

Demographic changes are often prone to purely social perspectives, while individual differences are overlooked. This research examines the role of attachment and emotional intelligence in childbearing motivation. In total, 234 female students participated in an online survey, including sociodemographic data, adult attachment, emotional competencies, and parenting-related variables. Statistical analyses revealed that the students express positive and negative childbearing motivation almost equally and moderately. They were both linked to religiosity and emotional management. We further explore the differences in relationship status and address the role of religious beliefs. The demographic measures identified as most important include healthcare availability for both mother and child, subsiding housing loans or rent and encouraging fathers to become more actively involved in the care of infants. These emerging trends deserve further investigation and social incentives.

Intimate partner violence (IPV), particularly sexual and emotional violence, against Black mothers who acquire human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) during childbearing age is a significant health and social concern worldwide requiring targeted interventions and precautions. IPV against women increases the chances of early mixed feeding, putting infants at high risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and increased infant morbidities. Although violence complicates many Black mothers’ lives, there is limited research evidence about the critical intersections of violence, HIV, and Black motherhood. Women's fears associated with IPV make them less likely to disclose their positive HIV status to their partners which subsequently prevents them from using the recommended guidelines for safe infant feeding practices. This review aims to explore the critical intersections between IPV and HIV and the impact of both on the infant feeding practices of Black mothers living with HIV. Furthermore, the theme of IPV and how it overlaps with other factors such as HIV-positive status and gender dynamics to compromise the Black motherhood experience are the focus of this narrative review of existing literature. Understanding the intersection of IPV and other factors influencing infant feeding practices among women living with HIV will help inform programming and policy interventions for HIV-positive Black mothers who may be experiencing IPV during the perinatal period.

This in-depth review navigates the intricate relationship between gender, hormonal influences, and the progression of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), highlighting the limited literature on this crucial topic. The study explores the impact of female sex hormones on liver and renal manifestations, uncovering gender-specific differences in disease progression. Actually hormonal therapy in women with ADPKD remains a challenging issue and is a source of concern regarding its potential impact on disease outcomes, particularly at the hepatic level. Notably, women with ADPKD exhibit a slower renal disease progression compared to men, attributed to hormonal dynamics. The review sheds light on the role of estrogen in regulating pathways of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, revealing its complex interplay and implications for cardiovascular and renal health. Therapeutic considerations for fertile women with ADPKD, including contraception options, are discussed, emphasizing the necessity for personalized approaches. In the postmenopausal phase, the review evaluates the role of hormonal replacement therapy, considering its potential benefits and risks in the context of ADPKD. The review concludes by underscoring the imperative need for tailored treatment approaches for ADPKD patients, considering individual risks and benefits. The scarcity of literature underlines the call for further research to enhance our understanding of optimal hormonal therapies in the context of ADPKD, ultimately paving the way for innovative and personalized therapeutic interventions.