Nutritional assessment of lactating women in Shiraz in relation to recommended dietary allowances.

Tables of food frequency and nutrient intake were created for a random sample of 266 lactating women from different areas of Shiraz city, Islamic Republic of Iran. Women were interviewed at home in 1998 and nutrient intake was calculated from a food frequency questionnaire and 24-hour dietary recall. On average, daily consumption was 2 servings of dairy foods, 4 of bread/rice, 2 of vegetables and 3 of fruits; weekly consumption was 5 servings of meat and 3 of legumes. Estimated average daily energy intake was 2250 kcal. Protein and vitamin C intake were significantly higher than United States recommended dietary allowances (RDA), while iron and calcium intake were significantly lower. Protein intake was insufficient among 9.0% of women, calcium in 35.7%, iron in 18.8% and vitamin C in 15.0%.