Nutrient Intake and Nutritional Status of Low-income Pregnant Women

The maternal need for nutrients is higher during pregnancy because of the demands of fetal-placental growth during gestation. This study was conducted to determine the nutritional status and nutrient intake of low-income pregnant women enrolled in the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The 24-hour recall method, food frequency list, and nutrient analysis were used to determine the dietary intakes of 23 nutrients for 142 pregnant women aged 15 to 37 years. The results indicate that the recommended allowances for some key essential nutrients such as iron, folacin, zinc, and calcium were not being met through the diet during the gestational period. Nutrition educators, therefore, must emphasize the inclusion of these nutrients in the diets of this target population.