Intake of Vitamin C, Probiotics, Flavonoids and Nutritional Status in Pregnant Women with Urinary Tract Infection

Abstract

Urinary Tract Infections are the most common infections seen in medical practice and a frequent complication in pregnancy. Diet and nutritional status, especially regarding the consumption of certain antioxidants, has a particularly strong relationship with urinary function and health. The aim of this study was to describe the intake of vitamin C, probiotics and flavonoids, and assess the nutritional status of pregnant women with urinary tract infection. A descriptive transversal study was conducted with a pilot sample of 18 pregnant women over 18 years of age, with Urinary Tract Infection, presenting in any quarter of the pregnancy, and blood counts in their medical records. Body mass index and weight gain were measured. Intakes of vitamin C, flavonoids and probiotics were analyzed based on the frequency of consumption of respective food sources. Dietary quality and quantity were analyzed according to report of the frequency of food consumption and in a 24-hour recall (p<0.05). Most patients consumed foods rich in vitamin C. Consumption of flavonoids, probiotics and water was low. Energy and macronutrient intake was below the recommendations. Nutritional status decreased by 50% compared to pre-pregnancy nutritional status, and anemia was present in the 50% of cases. These findings may lead to defining programs for nutritional and dietary monitoring which could improve the health and nutritional prognosis for women and newborns, and prevent obstetric complications from Urinary Tract Infection. Keywords: Antioxidants, nutritional status, pregnant women, probiotics, urinary tract infection, vitamin C.