Nutrient Intakes of Pregnant Women in Comparison to the Reference Intake

Pregnant women with poor nutritional status have an increased risk of birth outcomes. Nutritional assessment is an effective method of preventing potential complications in pregnant women. To assess and compare the dietary intake of nutrients and energy in pregnant women from antenatal care units of Peshawar. A Cross sectional study was carried out in Lady Reading hospital (Govt) and Alkhidmat (Private) hospital Peshawar for a period of three months. A total of 198 Pregnant Women (PW), 66 from each trimester were selected. The sub groups of PW in each trimester were <18 (n = 12), 19-30 (n = 151) and >31 (n = 35) years. Data about the socioeconomic status, educational status and food intake were collected by structured questionnaire. Nutrients were calculated using food composition tables. Percent adequacy for each nutrient was calculated. The nutrients were calculated from actual ingredients used for dish preparation and the quantity of food consumed by the pregnant women. The energy and protein intake of all PW were higher than RDA except belonging to 1st trimester. Intake level of Fe, Ca, Zn were below except age group >31 yrs (2nd trimester) in which Fe intake was 5.1%, The Mg and P intakes were higher except age group <18 (1st trimester) which was -11%. Intake of vitamin B12 and folate were below while intake of vitamin C was above the RDA except for age group <18 years (2nd and 3rd trimesters) which were -12.7 and -28.4%, respectively. Micronutrients were deficient in the diet of PW from both low and high income groups when compared with Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA).