Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition Study

Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition Study Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition Research Study

To improve the health and long-term potential of mothers and newborn babies in Alberta by identifying the role of nutrition in mental and neurodevelopmental disorders, and long-term neurocognitive function.

Choline is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in brain function, liver health, and metabolism. It is important ...
09/02/2025

Choline is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in brain function, liver health, and metabolism. It is important during pregnancy and breastfeeding for fetal brain development. Although the body can produce some choline, it is not enough to meet daily needs, so it must be obtained from food.

APrON findings have shown that consuming eggs and milk during pregnancy increased mothers’ likelihood of meeting choline adequate intake recommendations. These findings have contributed to the European Food Safety Authority dietary reference values for choline.

APrON research has influenced changes in guidelines on iron deficiency, choline intake, and perinatal depression screening. Check out our policy impacts page on our website (apronstudy.ca) to learn more!

Today we hear from one of our APrON participants about their experience in the study. Since 2009, APrON has been followi...
08/29/2025

Today we hear from one of our APrON participants about their experience in the study. Since 2009, APrON has been following mother-baby pairs in Alberta. Now, these children are teenagers who participate in the study themselves.

If you are an APrON parent or youth looking to reconnect with the study, visit our website: apronstudy.ca.

We are grateful for our incredible participants for their unwavering support and involvement.

📌📚 It’s back to school season, and while it’s an exciting time of learning and growth, it can also bring stress and anxi...
08/22/2025

📌📚 It’s back to school season, and while it’s an exciting time of learning and growth, it can also bring stress and anxiety for children and youth. Recognizing the signs—like changes in behavior, difficulty focusing, or frequent physical complaints (like stomachaches or headaches)—is key to supporting them. It’s important to create a safe and open environment where they feel comfortable sharing their feelings.

Here are a few tips to help manage stress and anxiety as the school year progresses:
✨ Maintain a Consistent Routine
✨ Encourage Mindful Breaks
✨ Set Manageable Goals
✨ Keep the Communication Flowing

Together, we can help our children navigate stress and create a positive environment as they continue their school journey.

Resources for parents: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/Page2542.aspx

Did you know we are currently collecting data? Our 15-year follow-up is currently underway with the goal to understand h...
08/22/2025

Did you know we are currently collecting data? Our 15-year follow-up is currently underway with the goal to understand how early life shapes mental health by age 15. We will also explore how these factors influence gene expression and biological underpinnings of early experiences. We are currently offering incentives for our participants who complete the 15-year surveys and the DNA sample that is mailed to your mailing address. Want more information? Check out our website!

Have you had a chance to read the newest APrON paper?This study examined the associations between maternal exposure to c...
08/20/2025

Have you had a chance to read the newest APrON paper?

This study examined the associations between maternal exposure to certain chemicals, including trace elements and per- and polyfluoroalkyl acids (PFAS), and alterations in the major stress response system, called the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA axis), during pregnancy.

Trace elements, like zinc and lead, and PFAS are found in many everyday products, including food, cosmetics, cookware, and electronics. Some trace elements, such as zinc and selenium, are essential for bodily functions. Other trace elements and PFAS can disrupt the body’s hormone systems.

The HPA axis plays a role in regulating many important bodily functions, such as the stress response, immune functions, and digestion.

This study found that maternal exposure to certain trace elements and PFAS was linked to changes in HPA axis function. Many associations differed based on the s*x of the fetus.

Read the full paper:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935125016305?via%3Dihub

We want your feedback! Our APrON youth and parents are invited to complete our feedback survey on our website to share a...
08/12/2025

We want your feedback!

Our APrON youth and parents are invited to complete our feedback survey on our website to share about their experience in our study! Participants who complete this feedback survey may receive a $25 gift card.

Find it on our Get Involved page or the link below: https://apronstudy.ca/apron-participant-feedback-survey/

We are excited to hear from you!

Yesterday, Dr. Nicole Letourneau was featured on the Now You Know with Rob Snow show on Citynews Radio! She discusses pa...
07/31/2025

Yesterday, Dr. Nicole Letourneau was featured on the Now You Know with Rob Snow show on Citynews Radio! She discusses parenting in the summer and her take on trending parenting terms like “feral summer” and “bubble wrap parenting”. She talks about balancing supervision and independence as a parent as well as the importance of unstructured play!

Tune around the 8 minute mark to hear Nicole’s interview:

https://vancouver.citynews.ca/podcasts/now-you-know-with-rob-snow/now-you-know-with-rob-snow-july-30-2025-episode-369

How has APrON research impacted policy?Iron deficiency, affecting 20% of pregnancies globally, often goes undiagnosed du...
07/23/2025

How has APrON research impacted policy?

Iron deficiency, affecting 20% of pregnancies globally, often goes undiagnosed due to unclear guidelines. It is linked to anxiety and depression, impacting maternal-child interactions and child development. APrON research has shown that higher iron levels reduce depression symptoms in pregnancy and has influenced Ontario’s updated guidelines to improve detection. However, nationwide updates are needed to better address this issue and its long-term effects.

Read more: apronstudy.ca/policy-impacts

Perinatal depression is a critical issue in Canada. It affects 23% of new and expectant mothers and depression during pr...
07/15/2025

Perinatal depression is a critical issue in Canada. It affects 23% of new and expectant mothers and depression during pregnancy is a powerful predictor. Symptoms of depression can affect a mother’s ability to care for her child as they may decrease their ability to be sensitive and responsive to their child’s needs.

APrON findings have shown that maternal depression may increase the risk of language and learning delays, as well as behavioural and mental problems in children. Our study findings have shown the importance of early intervention during pregnancy.

APrON’s principal investigator, Dr Nicole Letourneau, has helped to contribute to guidelines for mental health during pregnancy and postpartum. Through this work, APrON has been able to shape national and international guidelines for mental health.

To read more about our impacts, check out our policy page! Apronstudy.ca/policy-impacts

💬 Today we hear from one of our APrON participants about their experience in the study. Since 2009, APrON has been follo...
06/24/2025

💬 Today we hear from one of our APrON participants about their experience in the study. Since 2009, APrON has been following mother-baby pairs in Alberta. Now, these children are teenagers who participate in the study themselves.

If you are an APrON parent or youth looking to reconnect with the study, visit our website: apronstudy.ca.

We are grateful for our incredible participants for their unwavering support and involvement.

Our giveaway is now closed! We will be contacting the winner soon so keep a look out in your DMs. Keep checking out our ...
06/15/2025

Our giveaway is now closed! We will be contacting the winner soon so keep a look out in your DMs. Keep checking out our account for more giveaways throughout the summer!

Address

Child Development Centre/#355, 3820 24th Avenue NW
Calgary, AB
T3B2X9

Telephone

(403)9552783

Website

http://www.twitter.com/apronstudy

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