Diets of Asian pregnant women in Harrow: iron and vitamins.

In a study of the Asian pregnancy, the dietary intakes of 813 Asians and 54 Europeans living in Harrow were compared. Results of calculation of intakes of iron and vitamins are presented in this paper. The key findings were that vitamins D and B12 intakes were markedly lower amongst the Asians, particularly the Hindu vegetarians. Asians had lower intakes of other vitamins but these levels are unlikely to lead to deficiency and therefore not relevant in clinical terms. The Hindu vegetarians can be regarded as a fairly homogenous group with differences occurring within the group only in vitamin B12 intake. From the nutritional data it appears unnecessary to advocate any change in the Gujarati diet other than supplementation with vitamin D.