Nutrient Intakes Of Pregnant Women Research Articles

Effects of an individualized nutritional educational program in pregnant women: A randomized controlled trial in Japan.

To evaluate the effectiveness of an individualized nutritional education program in promoting adequate nutrient intake in pregnant women. A stratified randomized controlled trial was conducted. Participants were stratified by factors affecting the primary outcome and randomly assigned to the intervention or control groups. Intervention group participants received an individualized 30-min booklet-based education program in their 2nd and 3rd trimesters; the control group received usual care. The primary outcome was protein intake after the intervention, which was compared between the intervention and control groups. Secondary outcomes included comparing the amount of increase of protein before and after the intervention. Nutrient intake was measured using a self-administered short dietary history questionnaire, and analyses of covariance and t tests were performed. Of the 130 participants, 66 were assigned to the intervention group and 64 to the control group. There was no difference in protein intake between the two groups after the intervention (p = .051, 95% CI [-0.021, 12.4]). Comparing the increase in protein intake before and after intervention, the intervention group was 7.4 g/day higher than that of the control group (p = .040; F = 4.31; effect size = 0.36). The primary outcome, a comparison of protein intake between the groups after the program, revealed no significant differences. However, on comparing the amount of protein increase before and after the intervention, the intervention group's increase was significantly higher than that of the control group. Results indicate the potential for individualized face-to-face interventions for pregnant women in Japan.

Ultra-processed food (UPF) intake in pregnancy and maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Ultra-processed food (UPF), as defined by the NOVA classification, is related to lower diet quality, which may adversely affect maternal health and neonatal outcomes. This study aims to describe nutrient intake of pregnant women by the share of UPF in the diet and to identify associations between UPF intake and maternal and neonatal outcomes. In this cross-sectional study, pregnant women (n = 206) were recruited upon arrival to the obstetrics ward for delivery, and asked to complete a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and questionnaires regarding environmental exposures, and socio-demographic characteristics. Neonatal measurements and clinical data were obtained following delivery. UPF energy intake was expressed as absolute and in terms of percent from total energy. Women with high intake of energy from UPF were compared to those with low intake. Among 206 pregnant women, dietary intake of UPF ranged from 15.6% to 43.4% of total energy in the first and fourth quartiles of UPF consumption, respectively. Women in the fourth quartile of energy from UPF had lower intakes of vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin B6, and potassium, which is indicative of inferior diet quality. Percent energy from UPF was associated with maternal obesity (BMI ≥ 30) (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.10, p = 0.008) and shorter male infant ano-genital distance (AGD) (B = -1.9, 95% CI: -3.5, -0.24, p = 0.02). UPF intake during pregnancy is associated with undesirable maternal and neonatal outcomes and more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Impact of Ultra-Processed Food Consumption on Quality of Diet among Brazilian Pregnant Women Assisted in Primary Health Care.

The quality of diet and nutritional status during pregnancy are crucial to optimize maternal and fetal health. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are increasingly prevalent in pregnancy groups despite being nutritionally unbalanced and associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. This cross-sectional study, conducted with data from 229 pregnant women, aimed to investigate the association between UPFs consumption and dietary nutrient intake of pregnant women assisted by Primary Health Care (PHC) in Federal District (DF), Brazil. Food consumption was assessed through two non-consecutive 24-h food records and categorized by the extent of processing using the NOVA classification. Multivariate linear regression models were used to analyze the association between the quintiles of UPF consumption and the total energy and nutrients intake. Mean daily energy intake was 1741 kcal, with 22.6% derived from UPFs. Greater UPF consumption was associated with reduced intake of unprocessed and minimally processed food. The highest quintile of UPFs was positively associated with higher total energy, trans fat, and sodium intake; and inversely associated with the diet content of protein, fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium, copper, zinc, selenium, and folate. Greater UPFs intake negatively impacts the nutritional quality of the diet and impoverishes the nutrient intake of pregnant women. Reducing UPF consumption may broadly improve dietary guidelines adherence in pregnant women and promote maternal and neonatal health.

Nutrient Adequacy Among Pregnant Women With Altered Iodine Status

Background: Pregnant women, are one of the most vulnerable groups for iodine deficiency. Alteration in the nutritional status during pregnancy can have a significant impact on maternofoetal health outcomes. Evidence relating to macro and micronutrient requirements, their deficiency its risks, and consequences still remain a gap of knowledge. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the nutrient intake of pregnant women with altered iodine status in the Mysuru region. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted and random spot urine samples (n=110) were collected to determine Urinary iodine concentration (UIC). Three-day 24hr recall and FFQ were collected to assess the nutrient intake. Adequacy percent and ratio was calculated for both macro and micronutrients and ANOVA was employed to find the significance among different groups. Results: Intake of both macro and micronutrients were insufficient in UIC<150μg/L and UIC>500μg/L groups except for carbohydrate. A significant difference (p

Differential Effects of Three Nutritional Supplements on the Nutrient Intake of Pregnant Women Enrolled in a Conditional Cash Transfer Program in Mexico: A Cluster Randomized Trial.

Supplementation in malnourished pregnant women should not displace natural healthy foods. Objective: To estimate the differential effects of three nutritional supplements on macro- and micronutrient intake of pregnant women beneficiaries of the conditional cash transfer program Prospera (CCT-POP). Methods: Prospective cluster randomized trial. Communities were randomly assigned to receive a fortified beverage (Beverage), micronutrient tablets (Tablets), or micronutrient powder (MNP). Pregnant women (at <25 weeks) were recruited. The food frequency questionnaire was applied at 25 and 37 weeks of pregnancy and at one and three months postpartum (mpp). Differential effects of the three supplements on the median change in nutrient intake from baseline to each follow-up stage were estimated. Results: Median change in protein intake from dietary and supplement sources were significantly lower for MNP and Tablets than for Beverages (baseline to 37 w: −7.80 ± 2.90 and −11.54 ± 3.00, respectively; baseline to 1 mpp: −7.34 ± 2.90 for MNP, p < 0.001). Compared to Beverages, median increases were higher for the MNP for vitamins C (31.2 ± 11.7, p < 0.01), E (1.67 ± 0.81, p < 0.05), and B12 (0.83 ± 0.27, p < 0.01) from baseline to 37 wk; from baseline to 1 mpp, there was a higher median increase in B12 (0.55 ± 0.25, p < 0.05) and folate (63.4 ± 24.3, p < 0.01); and from baseline to 3 mpp, a higher median increase in iron (2.38 ± 1.06, p < 0.05) and folate (94.4 ± 38.1, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Intake of micronutrients was higher for MNP and Tablets, likely due to food displacement among Beverage consumers. Although iron bioavailability and absorption inhibitors were not considered for the present analyses, the distribution of Tablets or MNP had several advantages in this context where micronutrient deficiency remains high among pregnant women, but macronutrient intake is generally adequate or even high.

Modeling the Effect of Environmentally Sustainable Food Swaps on Nutrient Intake in Pregnant Women.

Food production greatly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), but there remain concerns that consuming environmentally sustainable foods can increase the likelihood of nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy. We identified commonly consumed foods of pregnant women and determined the effect of their replacement with environmentally sustainable alternatives on nutrient intake and measures of environmental sustainability. Dietary intake data from 171 pregnant women was assessed and foods that contributed the most to energy and protein intake were identified. Of these, foods producing the highest GHG emissions were matched with proposed environmentally sustainable alternatives, and their impact on nutrient provision determined. Meats, grains, and dairy products were identified as important sources of energy and protein. With the highest GHG emissions, beef was selected as the reference food. Proposed alternatives included chicken, eggs, fish, tofu, legumes, and nuts. The most pronounced reductions in CO2 emissions were from replacing beef with tofu, legumes, and nuts. Replacing one serve per week of beef with an isocaloric serve of firm tofu during pregnancy could reduce GHG emissions by 372 kg CO2 eq and increase folate (+28.1 µg/serve) and fiber (+3.3 g/serve) intake without compromising iron (+1.1 mg/serve) intake. Small dietary substitutions with environmentally sustainable alternatives can substantially reduce environmental impact without compromising nutrient adequacy.

Modelling the Effect of Environmentally Sustainable Food Substitutions on Nutrient Intake in Pregnant Women

Abstract Objectives Adopting environmentally sustainable diets can substantially reduce anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). However, there remain concerns that consuming sustainable foods will increase the likelihood of nutritional deficiencies in periods of increased demand, including pregnancy. This study aimed to identify commonly consumed foods of pregnant women and determine the effect of their replacement with sustainable alternatives on nutrient intake and measures of environmental sustainability. Methods Dietary intake data from 171 pregnant women were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. The food groups and food items that contributed most to energy and protein intake were identified. Of these foods, those that produce the highest GHG emissions (Poore et al. 2018) were matched with proposed sustainable alternatives for energy and protein content, and their impact on nutrient provision and sustainability measures were determined. Results Meats (bovine, poultry, fish, lamb and eggs), grains and dairy products were important sources of both energy and protein intake. With the highest GHG emissions, beef was selected as the reference food. Proposed food alternatives included lamb, chicken, eggs, fish, tofu, legumes and nuts. The most pronounced reductions in CO2 emission were from replacing beef with tofu, legumes and nuts. For example, replacing one serve of beef with an isocaloric serve of firm tofu per week during pregnancy could reduce GHG emissions by 372 kg CO2 eq, equivalent to that produced by an average passenger vehicle driving 1498 km. This replacement would not adversely impact iron (+1.1mg per serve) content, whilst providing a richer source of calcium (+294.8mg per serve), folate (+28.1µg per serve) and dietary fibre (+3.3g per serve). A once-weekly substitution of animal-derived foods for more sustainable plant-based alternatives within the context of a mixed diet has minimal effect on overall nutrient intake. Conclusions Simple dietary substitutions, as little as replacing one serve of red meat with sustainable alternatives weekly, can substantially reduce environmental impact without compromising nutrient adequacy. These sustainable food replacements should be the focus of future applied clinical research. Funding Sources No funding support for conducting this project was received.

Nutrient Intake during Pregnancy and Adherence to Dietary Recommendations: The Mediterranean PHIME Cohort

Few studies provide a detailed description of dietary habits during pregnancy, despite the central role of nutrition for the health of the mother and offspring. This paper describes the dietary habits, energy and nutrient intake in pregnant women from four countries belonging to the Mediterranean PHIME cohort (Croatia, Greece, Italy and Slovenia) and evaluates their adherence to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommendations. A total of 1436 women were included in the present analysis. Maternal diet was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The mean macro and micronutrient intakes were estimated and compared with the dietary reference values (DRVs). The percentage distribution of the 16 food groups in the total intake of each macronutrient was estimated. All women shared a similar diet during pregnancy; almost all the women in the four countries exceeded the DRV for sugars, and the total fat intake was above the DRV in most women in all the countries, as was the contribution of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) to the total energy intake. In all four countries, we observed an increased risk of micronutrient deficiency for iron, folate and vitamin D. Shared guidelines, implemented at both the national and European level, are essential to improve the maternal nutritional status during pregnancy.

High Deficit in Nutrient Intakes Was Associated with Poor Nutritional Status of Pregnant Women: A Study from Eastern Indonesia

Abstract Objectives Nutrient intakes of pregnant women are essential for their health and the health of their fetus. This study aims to assess the nutrient intakes of pregnant women, residing in a rural eastern Indonesia. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in two sub districts of Timor Tengah Selatan (TTS) district, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia in 2012. A total of 155 pregnant women, at all age of pregnancy, residing at least one year prior to this study in 14 villages of two sub districts KIE and Amanuban Barat involved in this study. Anthropometric data including BMI and MUAC of pregnant women were collected by trained enumerators from the department of nutrition, Health Polytechnic of Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara. A validated Semi Quantitative-Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQFFQ) was used to collect the dietary intake of the last 3 months of pregnant women. Nutrisurvey was used to compute and analyze nutrient intakes of the study subjects. Statistical Analysis was performed using STATA version 15.1 MP. Results The average of energy and protein intakes in pregnant women were 1178.4 ± 449.6 kcal/day and 38.4 ± 18.7 gr/day respectively, representing to only 54.7% and 57.4% of the Indonesian nutrient requirement of energy and protein intakes for pregnant women. The average of vitamin C and iron intakes in pregnant women were 59.9 ± 40.1 mg/day and 7.7 ± 6.2 mg/day, representing to only 70.5% and 29.5% of the Indonesian nutrient requirement of vitamin C and iron intakes for pregnant women. The average energy and protein intakes among underweight pregnant women were 211.1 kcal/day (95% CI: 17.3 kcal/day - 404.9 kcal/day) lower and 8.2 gr/day (95% CI: 0.07 gr/day -16.3 gr/day) lower than among non underweight pregnant women adjusting for age of pregnant women, gestational age, and monthly household expenditure, education level, and race. Conclusions The present study suggests that pregnant women in rural Indonesian community experienced high deficit in energy, protein, vitamin C and iron intakes lead to poor nutritional status during pregnancy. Funding Sources The United Nation World Food Program and The University of Alma Ata.

Development and evaluation of a booklet on dietary guidelines and menus for pregnant women in Sri Lanka

The improvement of nutrient intake during pregnancy by providing knowledge through dietary menus is not available in Sri Lanka. Hence, the purpose of this study was to develop a booklet of dietary-guidelines for pregnant women. Available dietary-guidelines and menus in Sri Lanka were gathered by reviewing the literature, following available recipes from recipe books and the internet, home visits, face-to-face interviews and through telephone calls. Further, a focus group survey was conducted to identify commonly consumed foods and menus. Nutritionally-balanced dietary menus were formulated and the nutrient content was calculated. The nutrient requirements of pregnant mother’s portion sizes were determined and menus were presented with portions. The content validity and format of the draft booklet were read by experts in the field of nutrition and dietetics to ensure the messages were right and could be read easily. The developed booklet was evaluated by fifteen pregnant-women for endusers’ satisfaction. The end-users responded that the maternal-nutrition information presented in the booklet was simple and easy to understand. The developed booklet can serve as an important source of information to improve the nutrient intake of pregnant women in Sri Lanka.

Assessing Statistical Similarity and Differences in Dietary Intakes of Women of Reproductive Age in Bangladesh (P10-058-19)

ObjectivesIn low-income countries, where maternal undernutrition is endemic, data on women’s dietary intake is lacking. Thus, the hypothesis that intakes of pregnant or lactating women is similar to that of non-pregnant, non-lactating women remains untested. We use novel quantitative approaches to evaluate whether the hypothesized similarity is statistically significant at a population level. Our study aimed to 1) compare nutrient intakes of non-pregnant, non-lactating (NPNL) women, pregnant women (PW), and lactating women (LW) to reproductive stage- specific recommendations, 2) assess whether exposure to pregnancy and lactation alters dietary intake compared to NPNL group, 3) Test whether nutrient intakes of PW and LW are statistically similar to those of NPNL women MethodsWe used 24-hour recall data from the 2011–12 Bangladesh Integrated Household survey (n = 4044) to quantify dietary intake of energy, proteins, calcium, iron, vitamin A, and women’s dietary diversity score (WDDS) for NPNL women, PW and LW. Multivariable regression models assessed the association between reproductive status and nutrient intakes. Equivalence test, that looks for proof of similarity, rather than proof of difference, assessed statistically significant similarity in nutrient intakes of PW vs. NPNL women, and LW vs. NPNL women at alpha equals 0.05 and a pre-specified equivalence margin or ‘delta’, defined as ± 60% of the additional nutrient intakes recommended for PW and LW. If the 95% CI of the difference between means lied completely within ± delta, then the null hypothesis of ‘no equivalence’ was rejected, and similarity between the two groups claimed. ResultsPW and LW had suboptimal intakes for all nutrients. Compared to NPNL group, mean energy intakes of PW and LW were greater by 100 Kcal/d and 80 Kcal/d, respectively. Mean WDDS was 3.7 ± 1 across all three groups. Significant and positive relationship was found only for lactation status and energy intake. In both group comparisons, the null of ‘no equivalence’ was rejected at alpha equals 0.05 for all nutrients. ConclusionsDietary intakes of PW and LW are similar to NPNL women in rural Bangladesh. There is a need to enhance women’s diets, especially during pregnancy and lactation when demand for macronutrients and micronutrients is elevated. Funding SourcesNone.

Changes in Taste Threshold, Perceived Intensity, Liking, and Preference in Pregnant Women: a Literature Review

Studies of changes in taste threshold, perceived intensity, liking, and preference during pregnancy were reviewed, because such changes have the potential to negatively impact nutrient intake in pregnant women. Medline and Web of Science were searched; eligibility was based on inclusion, exclusion, and quality criteria. Fourteen articles were included: 5 reported taste thresholds, 8 taste intensity, and 13 liking/preferences. Articles addressed sweet, salty, sour, and bitter, not umami. Results of self-reported changes suggested that many women experienced some sort of alteration in taste during pregnancy. Studies with real stimuli demonstrated that the only consistent finding for taste thresholds was that pregnant women showed higher thresholds for bitterness in their first trimester. For taste intensity, no consistent differences between pregnant women and controls were observed. However, over the course of pregnancy, salty intensity seemed to decrease, the intensity of other tastes did not change. During pregnancy, higher saltiness was liked more and salty snacks were consumed more, particularly in the second and/or third trimester. Drinks with lower sweetness were preferred and intake of sweet snacks was highest in the second trimester. Preference for sour and bitter did not seem to be affected. Self-reports suggested that many women experienced some taste changes during pregnancy, while changes based on studies with real stimuli were limited. Many women experienced a higher threshold for bitter perception in the first trimester, a preference for sweet snacks in the second trimester, and higher saltiness appetite in the second and third trimester of pregnancy, which may have nutritional consequences.

Development and validation of a food frequency questionnaire for pregnant women of Tamil Nadu, India

Background: Food and diet pattern vary across different regions and different communities and so a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) has to be developed for a specific population. Objective: The objective of the study was to develop and to validate a FFQ for pregnant women of Tamil Nadu. Methods: Twenty four hour recalls (HRs) were collected from 200 pregnant women of select districts of Tamil Nadu. A detailed food list was prepared with the data from 24 h diet recalls and after a supplemental focus group discussion. A comprehensive FFQ was developed and it was piloted on 20 women to check its feasibility. The FFQ had 114 items which were divided into seven groups. FFQ validation was conducted on 109 pregnant women using two 24 HRs as the standard measure. Results: FFQ that was developed had the most commonly consumed food items of the region. The intake of nutrients calculated from FFQ when compared with 24 HRs was higher. A significant correlation was found for intake of nutrients. Pearson correlation coefficient between the two methods ranged from 0.3 to 0.9. Conclusion: The FFQ thus developed and validated is a useful tool in estimating the nutrient intake of pregnant women and its results are broadly comparable with other studies conducted in South India which indicates that it can be used for the future studies of nutritional assessments of pregnant women.

How Adequate are Macro- and Micronutrient Intake in Pregnant Women with Diabetes Mellitus? A Study from South India.

Diabetes is the most common condition in pregnancy with a worldwide prevalence of 16.9%. To determine the adequacy of the nutrient intake of pregnant women with diabetes mellitus. This is a cross-sectional study of 85 pregnant women who met the diagnostic inclusion criteria for diabetes mellitus (gestational and pre-gestational diabetes mellitus) and who were being managed at the outpatient clinic of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Their demography, clinical characteristics (from updated medical records), anthropometric measures (using standard procedures), nutrient intake and meal pattern (obtained using 24h recall, food frequency and their log diaries) were collected. The mean age of the group was 29.9+4.5years, 54% were in the second trimester of pregnancy with a mean glycosylated haemoglobin level of 6.3+1.4%. The mean BMI indicated that 47% of them were in the obese grade 1 category. Insulin was used in one-third of the population. The overall macronutrient and micronutrient intakes of the population were below the recommended daily allowances for Indians (60-70% of RDA). There was a deficit in the intake of calories, fibre, proteins, iron, calcium, carotene, folic acid, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin. Between the two groups, the pre-GDM women had a significantly better nutrient intake and this could be attributed to a greater exposure to nutrition counselling that they have received during the earlier part of their diabetes care. The gestational period should be viewed as a window of opportunity to modify dietary patterns and introduce healthy lifestyle practices for the woman and her family.

Community of Lombok’s Tradition Effects the Nutrient Intake Behavior in Pregnant Woman

Introduction: Tradition about nutrient intake in pregnant women had being spreaded in the society and it can influence the behaviour of pregnant women in the fulfilment of nutrient intake in pregnancy. Lombok area is still following the nutrient intake tradition. The objective of the study was examine the relation between tradition of Lombok community with the nutrient intake behaviour in pregnant woman in the working area of Public Health Center Perampuan, Labuapi District, West Lombok Regency. Method: This study used cross sectional design. The population was all pregnant women that came to the Puskesmas Public Health Center Perampuan, Labuapi District, West Lombok Regency each month. Sample formulation used purposive sampling. Total sample were 45 respondents that were taken according to inclusion criteria. Independent variable was tradition of Lombok community and dependent variable was the nutrient intake behaviour in pregnant woman. Data were collected using questionnaire, interview, respondent observation and dietary recall 24 hours. Data were analyzed with correlation Spearman Rho, with significance value α≤0.05. Result: The result showed that there were corelation between tradition of Lombok community with the knowledge (p=0.002), attitude (p=0.001). the action of nutrient intake in pregnant woman of the fulfilment nutrient intake in pregnancy. Discussion: Further studies should do the research to change the negativity behaviour causes by tradition of community, specially for nutrient intake in pregnancy, such as continuously health education.

Validation of a Smartphone Image-Based Dietary Assessment Method for Pregnant Women.

Image-based dietary records could lower participant burden associated with traditional prospective methods of dietary assessment. They have been used in children, adolescents and adults, but have not been evaluated in pregnant women. The current study evaluated relative validity of the DietBytes image-based dietary assessment method for assessing energy and nutrient intakes. Pregnant women collected image-based dietary records (via a smartphone application) of all food, drinks and supplements consumed over three non-consecutive days. Intakes from the image-based method were compared to intakes collected from three 24-h recalls, taken on random days; once per week, in the weeks following the image-based record. Data were analyzed using nutrient analysis software. Agreement between methods was ascertained using Pearson correlations and Bland-Altman plots. Twenty-five women (27 recruited, one withdrew, one incomplete), median age 29 years, 15 primiparas, eight Aboriginal Australians, completed image-based records for analysis. Significant correlations between the two methods were observed for energy, macronutrients and fiber (r = 0.58–0.84, all p < 0.05), and for micronutrients both including (r = 0.47–0.94, all p < 0.05) and excluding (r = 0.40–0.85, all p < 0.05) supplements in the analysis. Bland-Altman plots confirmed acceptable agreement with no systematic bias. The DietBytes method demonstrated acceptable relative validity for assessment of nutrient intakes of pregnant women.

Nutrient Intakes of Pregnant Women and their Associated Factors in Eight Cities of China: A Cross-sectional Study.

Background:During the last 3 decades, China has dramatic changes of the dietary pattern among its citizens, particularly in urban cities. This study aimed to determine the nutrient intake status and factors associated with nutrient intakes of urban Chinese pregnant women now-a-day.Methods:The multistage stratified random sampling method was applied in the cross-sectional study. 479 women in three trimesters of pregnancy from eight cities of China were recruited. Nutrient intakes were evaluated with one 24 h dietary recall, and compared with the Chinese Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) 2013 for available nutrients.Results:Most pregnant women had imbalanced macronutrient distribution with excessive energy derived from fat. Intakes of Vitamin A, B6, calcium, magnesium, and selenium were below Chinese Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) and Estimated Average Requirements (EARs) in all trimesters. Most pregnant women took more folic acid in the first trimester with a significant decrease in the second and third trimester (P < 0.05). Shortfall in iron intake was found in the third trimester whereas some women may be at the risk of excessive iron intake. Intakes of thiamin met RNI in the first trimester but were below EAR in all trimesters. Trimester phasing was positively associated with most nutrients (P < 0.05). Prepregnancy body mass index was inversely associated with energy, fat, Vitamin C, and calcium intake (P < 0.05). Educational level and household income were positively associated with folic acid intake (P < 0.05).Conclusions:Current prenatal dietary choices of urban pregnant women in China are imbalanced in the nutrient intake when compared with national DRIs 2013, particularly in intakes of energy derived from fat and micronutrients. Appropriate dietary advice to pregnant women should promote a balanced diet with emphasis on avoidance of foods of high fat content and incorporation of foods that are good sources of the key micronutrients that are usually lacking in a regular pregnancy diet. Further research is needed to understand the eating habits and food patterns that contribute to this imbalanced diet in order to be able to effectively improve prenatal women's nutrient intake status.

Nutrient intake of pregnant women at high risk of gestational diabetes

BackgroundThe prevalence of gestational diabetes (GDM) has been increasing along with the obesity pandemic. It is associated with pregnancy complications and a risk of type 2 diabetes.ObjectiveTo study nutrient intake among pregnant Finnish women at increased risk of GDM due to obesity or a history of GDM.DesignFood records from obese women or women with GDM history (n=394) were examined at baseline (≤20 weeks of pregnancy) of the Finnish Gestational Diabetes Prevention Study.ResultsThe pregnant women had a mean fat intake of 33 en% (SD 7), saturated fatty acids (SFA) 12 en% (SD 3), and carbohydrate 46 en% (SD 6). Sucrose intake among pregnant women with GDM history was 7 en% (SD 3), which was different from the intake of the other pregnant women, 10 en% (SD 4) (p<0.001). Median intakes of folate and vitamins A and D provided by food sources were below the Finnish national nutrition recommendation, but, excluding vitamin A, supplements raised the total intake to the recommended level. The frequency of use of dietary supplements among pregnant women was 77%.ConclusionsThe observed excessive intake of SFA and low intake of carbohydrates among women at high risk of GDM may further increase their risk of GDM. A GDM history, however, seems to reduce sucrose intake in a future pregnancy. Pregnant women at high risk of GDM seem to have insufficient intakes of vitamin D and folate from food and thus need supplementation, which most of them already take.

Dietary nutrient intake and antioxidant status in preeclamptic women.

Background:Preeclampsia (PE) is the most common cause of maternal death in the world. Some studies showed that inadequate intake of foods rich in antioxidant leads to increase oxidative stress and adverting obstetrical outcomes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between antioxidant status and dietary nutrient intake in pregnant women with PE.Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted among 55 pregnant women with PE admitted in the Obstetrics and Gynecology department of Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Isfahan, Iran. The subjects were interviewed about demographic data and dietary intakes by using a 168-items semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of this serum was measured by using a double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA). Nonparametric correlation statistics were used to meet assumptions of normality and equal variances.Results:Total antioxidant status was significantly higher in comparison with healthy pregnant women (which measured as pilot). Intake of vitamin E was below the dietary reference intakes, and was positively associated with serum TAC (r = 0.367, P = 0.003), but this correlation was significantly negative about dietary selenium. There wasn’t any significant correlation between intake of vitamin C, β-carotene, riboflavin, copper and serum TAC.Conclusion:Our findings showed that intake of vitamin E was positively associated with serum TAC. Little support was found on a relationship between dietary intakes of other micronutrients and serum TAC. Further research is required to explore the relationships between maternal nutrient intake and antioxidant status in women with PE.

Water and nutrient intake in pregnant New Zealand women: association with wheeze in their infants at 18 months.

The association between water and nutrient intake in pregnant women, and wheeze in their 18 month old infants, was investigated in a prospective study. Volunteers (n=369) recruited from northern New Zealand were visited in months 4 and 7 of pregnancy. At each visit anthropometric measurements were taken, diet assessed by 24-hour recall and 3-day food records and questionnaires determining personal details administered. Eighteen months after birth, infants were measured, and questions on infant feeding and wheeze asked. Overall, mothers reported 32% of their infants had wheezed in the last 12 months. After adjusting for significant covariates and energy intake, higher maternal intakes of dietary water (p=0.009) and manganese (p=0.024) were associated with decreased wheeze, and glucose (p=0.003) with increased wheeze. Prevalence of infant wheeze decreased 18.5% from the lower to the upper quartile of water intake, and 17.4% from the lower to the upper quartile of manganese intake. Wheeze was more common in Polynesian than European infants (41.8% vs 28.9%). Polynesian mothers consumed significantly less dietary water (median 451 g less) and manganese (median 1374 μg less) than European mothers per day. Glucose was only significant because of strong association with infant wheeze at extremely high maternal intakes of >40 g/day in ~10% of the subjects. There was no association between maternal dietary supplement intake and wheeze. Mothers estimated at high risk of infant wheeze consumed less tap water, whole grains, tea, fruit; and more fruit juice, soft drink, processed meat and fish products, and refined grain products. This is the first study to report an intergenerational association between maternal water, and glucose intake with infant wheeze.