[Dietary patterns among postpartum women treated at a municipal health center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil].

This study aimed to longitudinally compare nutrient and food intakes by 276 lactating women. Dietary intake was collected using a food frequency questionnaire. Data analysis used the Student-t and ANOVA tests, comparing quantitative and qualitative dietary variation from pregnancy to postpartum. Mean daily energy intake was 2,889 kcal for pregnant and 2,081 kcal for lactating women. Macronutrient dietary distributions were within internationally recommended standards. Compared to pregnancy, there was a decrease in most nutrients and foods ingested during postpartum. Dietary changes increased the density of proteins, fat, iron, rice, beans, chicken, and beef (p < 0.02) and decreased the density of carbohydrate, cereals, fruits, and milk and dairy products (p < 0.001). The results indicate a need for dietary guidelines for women, particularly during the postpartum period.