Adaptations in Gastrointestinal Nutrient Absorption and its Determinants During Pregnancy in Monogastric Mammals: A Scoping Review.

This review focuses on gastrointestinal (GI) adaptations in nutrient absorption during pregnancy in monogastric mammals. Evidence indicates increased small intestine (SI) uptake of calcium, iron, and zinc, as well as greater glucose absorption capacity and slower GI transit in late pregnancy, while amino acid uptake, gastric emptying, and activities of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes (sucrase, maltase, lactase) generally remain unchanged. Most mechanistic data derive from rodent studies, with notable gaps including limited information on the absorption of specific amino acids, lipids, many minerals and vitamins, region-specific SI anatomy, and nutrient transporter expression across pregnancy stages. The review highlights the need for further research to clarify the timing, mechanisms, and species differences underlying these adaptations to better understand maternal nutrient uptake during pregnancy.