Adherence to vitamin and dietary supplement intake in fertility and pregnancy care: insights into knowledge, information satisfaction, and formulation variability

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Eliana

Purpose investigated adherence to vitamin and dietary supplement intake, satisfaction with healthcare-provided information, and knowledge of essential micronutrients among women seeking fertility treatment and pregnant women in Germany. Methods used an anonymous online survey with sociodemographics, supplement intake, knowledge, and motivations; adherence and satisfaction were measured by MARS-D and SIMS-D. Results included 254 participants with high reported use and preconception initiation; multiple-micronutrient formulations varied widely and knowledge/satisfaction were limited. Conclusions emphasized personalized counseling and trustworthy media to optimize intake and reduce under-/overdosage risks.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages13

Reading Time33 min

AccessFree to download

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Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics (2026) 313:17 [https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-025-08288-w](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-025-08288-w) Adherence to vitamin and dietary supplement intake in fertility and pregnancy care: insights into knowledge, information satisfaction, and formulation variability Nele‑Juliana Breuste1 · Cordula Schippert1 · Frauke von Versen‑Höynck1 Received: 12 July 2025 / Accepted: 30 October 2025 © The Author(s) 2026 Abstract Purpose This study investigated adherence to vitamin and dietary supplement intake, satisfaction with healthcare-provided information, and knowledge of essential micronutrients among women seeking fertility treatment and pregnant women in Germany. Methods An anonymous online survey (34 questions) assessed sociodemographics, supplement intake, knowledge and motivations. Adherence and satisfaction were measured by MARS-D (Medication Adherence Rating Scale) and SIMS-D (Satisfaction with Information about Medicines Scale) . Results Among 254 participants, 93.7% reported supplement use, and 86.6% began intake preconceptionally. On average, participants consumed two (2.0 ± 1.36) supplements concurrently. Most multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) contained folic acid (100%) and iodine (86.2%) at recommended doses, other nutrients varied considerably. Participants knew two (1.81 ± 1.43) out of six micronutrients prior to information provision, increasing to three (2.94 ± 1.65) afterwards. Satisfaction with information (SIMS-D: 7.46 ± 5.92) was low, whereas adherence was high (MARS-D: 27.16 ± 3.06) . Higher information satisfaction was associated with pregnancy (p = 0.007), younger age (p = 0.009), and lower educational level (p = 0.024) . Adherence was linked to trimester (p = 0.007) and region (p = 0.013), with higher MARS-D scores in the first trimester and among participants from North Rhine-Westphalia. Key motivations were protecting the child and preventing deficiencies; main barriers included lack of awareness and feeling overwhelmed by preparation oversupply. Conclusions Despite high adherence, knowledge and satisfaction with information remain limited. The wide variability in MMS formulations may pose risks of over-or underdosage. Combining personalized consultations with trustworthy media resources is essential to assess individual needs and provide detailed recommendations. Keywords Patient education · Micronutrients · Supplementation · Behavior What does this study add to the clinical work This study shows high supplement adherence infertility and pregnancy care, but highlights gapsin detailed knowledge, information satisfaction, and therefore in education, and an inconsistency in multiple micronutrient supplement formulations. It emphasizes the need for personalized counseling and improved, targeted educational strategies to optimize supplement use and prevent both underand overdosage. * Frauke von Versen-Höynck [vonversen-hoeynck.frauke@mh-hannover.de](vonversen-hoeynck.frauke@mh-hannover.de) 1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Lower Saxony, Germany Introduction Micronutrient requirements increase preconceptionally and prenatally [1 , 2] . The German Nutrition Society (DGE) recommends daily supplementation of 400 µg of folic acid starting at least four weeks before conception to prevent congenital abnormalities such as neural tube defects, cardiac defects or anemia [3–9] . Additionally, supplements should contain 100–150 µg of iodine, due to its relevance for maternal thyroid function and fetal neurodevelopment [7 , 9–12] . However, iodine supplementation is contraindicated in hyperthyroidism and requires individual physician oversight [9] . Further supplementation is only recommended by the DGE in case of specific deficiencies [7] . Iron deficiency may lead to anemia, intrauterine growth retardation and neonates small for gestational age [6 , 13 , 14] . The daily intak

FAQs

What did the study evaluate regarding supplement use in fertility and pregnancy care?

It assessed adherence to vitamin and dietary supplement intake, satisfaction with healthcare-provided information, and knowledge of essential micronutrients among women seeking fertility treatment and pregnant women in Germany.

How were adherence and information satisfaction measured?

Adherence was measured using MARS-D, and satisfaction with healthcare information was measured using SIMS-D in an anonymous online survey.

What were the main findings about supplement formulations and patient knowledge/satisfaction?

Supplement use and preconception initiation were high, but knowledge and satisfaction with information remained limited; multiple micronutrient supplement formulations varied considerably, which could increase the risk of under- or overdosage.

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Eliana