WASHINGTON, DC, Oct 06 (Reuters Health) -- Results of a new study of low-income pregnant women indicate that nutrition education during pregnancy has a positive impact on folate and iron intake. The study was presented here at the American College of Nutrition's 40th annual meeting held in Washington, DC.
"Health professionals often focus on a pregnant woman's weight gain and overlook whether or not she receives the vital nutrients necessary for healthy fetus development," said lead researcher Dr. Shahla Wunderlich of Montclair State University in Upper Montclair, New Jersey.
Folate prevents neural tube defects, which affect the brain and spinal cord, said Wunderlich. Liver, breakfast cereals, lentils, spinach, asparagus, and beans are good sources of folate.
Iron helps blood production and cell growth during pregnancy. Deficiency can impact cognitive function (memory and learning) in children, and also results in low birth weight and impaired coordination in infants. Significant iron sources are red meats, fish, poultry, shellfish, eggs, legumes, and dried fruits.
In the study, Wunderlich and colleagues gathered lab data and food records of 25 pregnant women at Shore Memorial Hospital in Somers Point, New Jersey, upon registration and at both 28 weeks and 36 weeks of gestation. The women received two one-on-one nutrition education sessions during the third trimester.
A diet analysis of 26 nutrients showed that average iron intake was lowest, Wunderlich said. Upon registration, the mean iron intake for the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for pregnant women was 56%. It was 70% at 28 weeks of pregnancy and 67% at 36 weeks. "Sixty-seven percent is not good enough. We would like to see these women show at least 75% of the RDA or more," Wunderlich said.
The women showed better improvement in their folate intake during the study. The mean folate intake at registration for these women was 48% of the RDA for pregnant women, 66% at 28 weeks and 74% at 36 weeks gestation, Wunderlich told Reuters Health.
"In the future, we would like to explore more effective nutrition education methods, such as computer-assisted instruction offered at the physician's office," Wunderlich said.
