Attention Action Needs to be Taken in Regard to the Dietary Intake of Pregnant Women in Amman

Abstract

Background: pregnancy, RDA, nutrients intake, malnutrition, the second half of pregnancy, macronutrients, micronutrients, public health issue, maternal nutrition. Objective: The study aimed to assess and evaluate energy and nutrients consumption among a group of pregnant women in Amman Governorate during the second or third trimesters; in order to compare the consumption with “Recommended Dietary Allowance” (RDA). Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 2018 at the Ministry of Health’s (MoH) Maternal and Children Health Centers (MCHC) in Amman to assess the dietary intake for a convenient sample of 300 seemingly healthy pregnant women aged between 17 and 40 years-old and at ≥ 13 weeks of gestation. Maternal demographic cheracteristics, medical history, anthropometric measurements and dietary data (three days recall) were collected. Results: The daily mean intake of carbohydrates exceeded the recommended intake for 45.3% of pregnant women. Fiber intake was less than 28 g/day for 90% of them. Total fats intake (45.6 g/- day) was lower than the RDA for 42.3% of the pregnant women. Two-thirds of the pregnant women consumed a moderate amount of saturated fats (14.6 g/day). The mean daily intake of proteins was 50.5±20.2g. More than two-thirds consumed protein less than the RDA; subsequently, intakes of all essential amino acids were below RDAs. The intake of fat-soluble vitamins was lower than RDA for vitamins D, E, and K.While, the intake of vitamin A, was higher than RDA. The intake of minerals was lower than RDA for (calcium, fluoride, iodine, iron, zinc, and selenium), while the intakes of sodium and copper were higher. Conclusion: The results showed inadequate and imbalanced dietary intake in comparison with RDA. Maternal nutrition and diets of pregnant women in this study show alarming indicators that may negatively affect the well-being of both pregnant women and fetal growth.