Abstract
BackgroundDuring pregnancy, the diet of a mother-to-be should be adapted to meet increases in nutrient requirements. We analyzed the theoretical efficiency and acceptability of different types of tailored dietary changes for pregnant women.MethodsThe nutrient adequacy of the diet was evaluated using the PANDiet score, by comparing the nutrient intakes of 344 non-pregnant premenopausal women (18–44y) with dietary reference intakes for the first trimester of pregnancy. Simulations were performed to evaluate the theoretical efficiency of three types of ten successive tailored dietary changes in improving nutrient adequacy, with graded difficulty in implementation. The acceptability (declared intention to use in the diet) of most efficient dietary changes was evaluated during an online randomized study including 115 French pregnant women (22–41y).ResultsModifying the amount consumed of foods (type-1) did not modify the food repertoire and resulted in the smallest theoretical efficiency (increase in the PANDiet score of 9.8±0.2 points), but changes were the most acceptable (probability of the intention to use: 0.30–0.78). Conversely, replacing food items by items from the same group or eaten at the same time (type-3) broadened the food repertoire (3.6±1.3 food subgroups added) and resulted in the greatest theoretical efficiency (+23.9±0.3) but changes were the least acceptable (0.07–0.23). Replacing food items within the same subgroup (type-2) slightly broadened the food repertoire (+8.0±1.3 foods) and resulted in moderate theoretical efficiency (+14.8±0.2) and intermediate acceptability (0.11–0.35).ConclusionA clear trade-off exists between the theoretical efficiency and acceptability of dietary changes, with a graded broadening of the food repertoire.
Highlights
The nutrient adequacy of the diet, i.e. sufficient but not excessive intake of nutrients, is critical to individuals’ health [1,2,3]
Modifying the amount consumed of foods did not modify the food repertoire and resulted in the smallest theoretical efficiency, but changes were the most acceptable
A clear trade-off exists between the theoretical efficiency and acceptability of dietary changes, with a graded broadening of the food repertoire
Summary
The nutrient adequacy of the diet, i.e. sufficient but not excessive intake of nutrients, is critical to individuals’ health [1,2,3]. A previously published simulation study carried out by our team [21] showed that compliance with generic dietary guidelines, such as consuming recommended snacks, is only partially effective in maintaining the nutrient adequacy of the preconceptional diet of French women. This calls for major changes to the diet of women so that they will meet the higher nutrient requirements associated with pregnancy (e.g. thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, iodine and zinc during the first trimester) [21]. We analyzed the theoretical efficiency and acceptability of different types of tailored dietary changes for pregnant women.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
