[Dietary assessment of pregnant women--vitamin and mineral supplementation--justified or not?].

The aim of the study was to assess the dietary intake of energy and nutrients of pregnant women in the Outpatient Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology of National Research Institute of Mother and Child in Warsaw. The nutrient intake, the average daily food rations and their nutritional value were evaluated on the basis of recall and record of 7-days menus. The average daily food intake was compared to the recommendations for the first and second half of pregnancy. It was found, that 44% of women changed dietary habits during pregnancy. The nutritional value of their daily food intake was closer to recommendations in the first half of pregnancy than in the second half. The food intake of pregnant women with supplementation (S-group) and taking placebo (NS-group) were also compared. In the first half of pregnancy the average food intake of women from S-group and NS-group was similar. In the second half of pregnancy the nutrient intake of S-group women was closer to recommendations than in the second group. However the deficiency of certain B vitamins and microelements (calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium) occurred in both groups. The intake of vitamin A, sodium and phosphorus exceeded the recommendations. The results of the study support the need of supplementation in the pregnant women diets with microelements and vitamins.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes