Adequate maternal nutrition is crucial for both maternal and infant health, especially during pregnancy and the first six months of life. Nutritional deficiencies during this period can result in poor birth outcomes, delayed growth, developmental issues, and increased infant mortality risks (Black et al., 2013). Maternal undernutrition is a major public health concern in low- and middle-income countries, where access to nutrient-rich foods is limited. In rural Bangladesh, this contributes to high rates of maternal anemia, childhood stunting, and related malnutrition challenges (NIPORT, 2022).

Despite efforts to improve maternal and child health in Bangladesh, significant nutritional challenges persist. The 2022Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey reported that 46% of pregnant women experience anemia, and 31% of children under five are stunted (NIPORT, 2022). These statistics underscore the need for innovative interventions that can provide pregnant and lactating women with essential nutrients to support both maternal and infant health.

Ultimately, addressing maternal and child malnutrition through sustainable, community-driven solutions not only improves health outcomes but also supports long-term economic development by fostering a healthier, more productive population. The findings from this research could provide critical evidence for policymakers to develop cost-effective nutrition interventions that can be scaled up to improve national health and economic resilience.

Adolescence is a critical timeframe for achieving optimal health and nutritional benefits that are necessary at all stages of life. World Health Organization considers an individual in the 10-19 years of age as an adolescent. Around the globe, adolescent population is about 1200 million, which is almost 19% of the world’s total population and faces a series of severe nutritional difficulties in developing states. According to the report of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of Bangladesh, around 36 million are in the adolescent age group, which amounts to one-fifth of the country’s residents.

The analysis of growth dynamics indicated substantial deficits relative to healthy norms in the younger adolescent period. It has been revealed that prolonged insufficient intake of foods rich in micronutrients such as iron, zinc, and vitamin A relevant to support the biological metamorphosis in adolescents can adversely affect their growth and well-being. The majority of adolescents habitually skip breakfast, fruits, vegetables, and milk daily, reducing their dietary intake. Adolescents with such dietary practice’s manifest micronutrient inadequacies such as iron, calcium, zinc, folic acid, and vitamins A, D, and C

These deficiencies expose adolescents to perpetual nutritional and health vulnerabilities. Iron deficiency anaemia negatively impacts the educational and economic well-being of adolescents. It has been associated with stunting, wasting, being underweight, poor cognitive function, low physical activity, and attention deficit hyperactive disorders in adolescents⁴¹. Iron deficiency anaemia is now known to be the leading cause of disability adjusted live years in adolescents in India.

Study findings emphasize the importance of leveraging critical developmental entry points through high-impact adolescent nutrition interventions. This research will help to find the way to ensure a future healthy workforce and a healthy next generation of adolescents in Bangladesh.