Optimal nutrition is needed to support individuals during pregnancy and placental development, fetal growth, and growth and development during infancy. Many foods contain digestible carbohydrates, or carbohydrates other than fiber/nondigestible carbohydrate. Digestible carbohydrates, including sugars and starches, are important sources of energy during these life stages. This review was designed to identify and summarize the evidence on the relationships between digestible carbohydrate intake during pregnancy and newborn size and development (Key Question 1) and gestational weight gain (Key Question 2), and between infant digestible carbohydrate intake and infant growth parameters, size, and body composition from birth to 24 months of age (Key Question 3). The results are intended to contribute to the update and expansion of the 2005 United States and Canadian Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for macronutrients.
