Effect of Vegetable Consumption on Fasting Blood Sugar and Lipid Profile Parameters of Pregnant Women in Adamawa State, Nigeria

H.A Umaru,E.O Addy,A Shugba,S Faive

doi:10.19026/ajms.5.5359

Abstract

An abnormal lipid profile is known to be strongly associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. The study was carried out to determine some biochemical parameters in pregnant women with respect to vegetable consumption. A total of 520 pregnant women attending Antenatal Clinic at the Specialist Hospital were recruited in the study. Results obtained showed that Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Total Cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), Triglycerides TG), Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) and Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) were found to be significantly lower (p<0.05) in pregnant women who Frequently Consume Vegetables (FCV) compared to pregnant women who Dislike Consuming Vegetable (DCV). While High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) were found to be high in FCV group. Strong correlation was observed between age, weight, sugar, cholesterol, trimester, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The change towards a more favorable dietary pattern was associated with improved lipid profile parameters. Consumption of vegetables should be encouraged during pregnancy since it has positive effect on lipid profile parameters.

Highlights

Poor maternal nutrition is considered a major cause of ill-health worldwide
Results obtained showed that 71% of the women frequently consume vegetables during pregnancy while 29% dislike vegetables
Studies revealed that women age greater than 40 years have nearly two fold high threat of having pregnancy induced hypertension

Summary

Introduction

Poor maternal nutrition is considered a major cause of ill-health worldwide. Maternal nutrition has been found to have a long and irreversible effect on both the physical and mental development of the baby (AbuSaad and Fraser, 2010). Its consequences affect the heath and long time outcome of the population. It exerts longtime effects on health, morbidity and mortality risk in adult hood as well as on the development of neural functions and behavior (Tzanetakou et al, 2011). Anemia is the commonest medical disorder in pregnancy. This is a major health problem in developing countries where nutritional deficiency and malaria are common. Maternal anemia is considered a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcome. It is responsible for 40-60% of maternal death in development countries (Gregory and Taslim, 2001)

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Conclusion