PeachLabuga

03/03/2026

World Birth Defects Day, observed annually on March 3, brings together organizations and communities around the globe to raise awareness about congenital anomalies, which affect an estimated 3%–6% of infants worldwide. These conditions are a leading cause of death among infants and young children and can result in lifelong physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities. The 2026 theme, “Every journey matters,” emphasizes the importance of valuing and supporting every child and family impacted by birth defects.

The day highlights the need for stronger prevention efforts, improved surveillance systems, expanded research, and equitable access to quality healthcare. Prevention strategies include ensuring proper maternal nutrition, such as adequate intake of folic acid and iodine, staying up to date on recommended vaccinations, and avoiding harmful substances like alcohol and to***co during pregnancy. By increasing awareness and strengthening public health initiatives, World Birth Defects Day aims to reduce the global impact of birth defects and improve outcomes for children and families worldwide.

In this way, World Birth Defects Day supports the broader purpose of our study: strengthening maternal nutrition to promote healthier pregnancies, healthier infants, and healthier long-term outcomes for families. Click the link below to learn more about the study and check your eligibility:

https://redcap.ovpr.uga.edu/surveys/?s=DFDHM3PLHNA9AHJC

NutritionScience WomensHealthResearch

02/27/2026

During pregnancy, both macro-and micronutrients have key roles in both the mother and infant’s health and well-being. Key macronutrients such as protein, health fats, and complex carbohydrates aid in tissue development/repair, fuel sources, along with fetal development of the brain and other vital organs. Micronutrients such as folate, iron, and calcium support overall maternal health and reduce the risk of complications. Eating a well-balanced diet, along with MVM supplementation, can help aid in the nutritional and developmental security of both the mother and the developing fetus.

Studies like ours aim to help close the gap by examining whether a postpartum-specific multivitamin-mineral supplement can support maternal nutritional status and wellbeing. Research like this is essential to advancing women’s health and informing future evidence-based postpartum nutrition guidelines.

If you’re approximately 4 weeks postpartum and interested in contributing to this research, check the link in our bio or send us a DM to learn more.

https://redcap.ovpr.uga.edu/surveys/?s=DFDHM3PLHNA9AHJC

02/24/2026

Studies have shown the
presence of a critical period
regarding children’s nutrition
that focuses on the first 1,000
days, from conception to age
two. The presence of this
critical period helps limit the
onset of cognitive and
intellectual disabilities, along
with ensuring the proper
nutrition of the child to support
their physical growth,
emotional well-being, and
cognitive development. Certain
micronutrients, such as iron,
nutritional and developmental
security of both the mother and the
developing fetus.
zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids,
support brain function,
development of the immune
system, and cognitive
performance.

Postpartum nutrition is often overlooked but it is a critical component of recovery and development of the infant. At Peach Lab, we focus on advancing research in maternal and postpartum nutrition to support healthier outcomes for women and infants.

See link below to participatein the study:

https://redcap.ovpr.uga.edu/surveys/?
S=DFDHM3PLHNA9AHJC

02/20/2026

Magnesium is a key mineral that supports relaxation, sleep, and energy levels. It helps calm the nervous system, relax muscles, and regulate melatonin, the hormone that signals it’s time to rest. When magnesium intake is adequate, sleep quality may improve, helping reduce fatigue and support overall energy throughout the day. Current guidelines recommend around 350-400 mg of magnesium per day during pregnancy. Always consult your physician before taking any supplements.

At Peach Lab, we focus on advancing research in maternal and postpartum nutrition to support healthier outcomes for women and infants.

See link below to participatein the study:

https://redcap.ovpr.uga.edu/surveys/?s=DFDHM3PLHNA9AHJC

02/17/2026

Preparing for pregnancy starts long before conception! Nutrition in the preconception period plays a meaningful role in supporting fertility, building nutrient stores, and promoting healthier outcomes for both mother and baby. Key nutrients such as folate, iron, iodine, vitamin D and calcium help lay the groundwork for early fetal development, energy levels, and overall maternal wellness. Supplements may help fill nutrient gaps in combination with a balanced dietary pattern, physical activity, and a healthy lifestyle.

At the same time, women’s nutritional needs don’t stop once pregnancy ends. Our research continues to explore how multivitamin and mineral supplementation in the postpartum period may help address lingering nutrient gaps and support recovery after birth. We aim to better understand how target support during the postpartum period can contribute to long-term wellbeing for women and their families.

Click the link in our bio to learn more and check your eligibility in the study!

https://redcap.ovpr.uga.edu/surveys/?s=DFDHM3PLHNA9AHJC

02/13/2026

The postpartum phase is a time of significant physiological, nutritional, and emotional change, yet it remains under-researched.

A mother’s nutritional needs are higher postpartum as the body heals and provides support to their infants from breast feeding. Obtaining all essential nutrients may be a challenge due to a busy schedule, sleep deprivation, and low appetite.

Studies like ours aim to help close this gap by examining whether a postpartum-specific multivitamin-mineral supplement can support maternal nutritional status and wellbeing. Research like this is essential to advancing women’s health and informing future evidence-based postpartum nutrition guidelines.
If you’re approximately 4 weeks postpartum and interested in contributing to this research, check the link in our bio or send us a DM to learn more.

https://redcap.ovpr.uga.edu/surveys/?s=DFDHM3PLHNA9AHJC

02/10/2026

Iron plays a critical role during pregnancy
As blood volume increases to support both the placenta and the developing baby, iron needs rise as well. Adequate iron intake supports red blood cell production and helps ensure oxygen and nutrient delivery to both mom and baby. Current guidelines recommend about 27-30 mg of iron per day during pregnancy. Always consult your physician before taking any supplements.

At Peach Lab, we focus on advancing research in maternal and postpartum nutrition to support healthier outcomes for women and infants.

See link below to participatein the study:

https://redcap.ovpr.uga.edu/surveys/?s=DFDHM3PLHNA9AHJC

01/28/2026

We’re excited to share that Peach Lab research - led by Dr. Sina Gallo - is exploring how maternal obesity may affect vitamin D metabolism in pregnancy and what that might mean for bone development in children.

Although vitamin D is known to be crucial for bone health, there are currently no pregnancy-specific vitamin D guidelines. This two-year NIH-funded project aims to fill key gaps in our understanding and help guide future maternal and child health research.

Read more about the study here:

Vitamin D is known to be integral to bone development, and researchers believe this may especially be true during pregnancy.

01/20/2026

Perinatal mood disorders, including depression and anxiety, affect up to 1 in 5 women in the postpartum period and can have meaningful impacts on both maternal and child health. While research has explored the role of individual nutrients such as vitamin D, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids, evidence supporting comprehensive multivitamin–mineral supplementation in the postpartum period remains limited.

Our research aims to help address this gap by examining whether a postpartum-specific multivitamin–mineral supplement can support maternal nutritional status and wellbeing. Advancing research in this area is essential to improving postpartum care and informing future evidence-based guidelines.

See the link below to participate in the study:

https://redcap.ovpr.uga.edu/surveys/?s=DFDHM3PLHNA9AHJC

01/13/2026

We are currently recruiting participants for a nutrition study for postpartum women to determine if a multivitamin and mineral supplement improves nutrition and health.

If interested and for more info, please follow the link in our bio.

01/13/2026

Our research aims to improve health through nutrition during the critical periods of development, from pregnancy to childhood. We have a particular interest in micronutrients including vitamin D. We work to decrease health disparities among minority populations in the United States, and those participating in federal food assistance programs such as WIC.