Nutritional status and food consumption of pregnant women in a development area of Israel

Abstract

In clinical examinations of 164 pregnant women belonging to the poorer immigrant classes, two thirds in the last trimester and 79% multigravidae, only 1 was found showing a combination of signs indicating vitamin A deficiency and 1 had other signs suggesting riboflavin deficiency. The mean value for Hb was 11.3 ± 1.17 g per 100 ml; levels below 10 g were found in 12% of the women. Mean values for total protein, albumin and globulin, respectively, were 6.3 ± 1.54, 3.9 ± 0.37 and 2.4 ± 0.46 g per 100 ml serum. Food intake for 3 days, one of which was the Sabbath, was studied by interview; 100 women gave information which was considered reliable. On working days mean daily intakes were, in g: bread, 231; other cereals, 89; fruits and vegetables, 499; pulses, nuts and seeds, 30; sugar and sweets, 36; fats, 41; meat, poultry, fish and eggs, 115; milk, 189; cream and cheese, 21. Less milk but much more meat, poultry, fish and eggs, nuts and seeds, sugar and sweets, beer and wine was taken on the Sabbath than on working days. Mean daily intakes, calculated as one seventh of the sum of three times the 2-day intakes and that for the Sabbath were, energy, were: 2060 kcal, protein 71, and, in mg, Ca, 700, Fe 11, vitamin B, 1.17, riboflavin 1.23, nicotinic acid 10.9, ascorbic acid 90 and vitamin A, 3760 I.U. Fortified flour provided 37 of the total intake of riboflavin, and 31% of the calcium.-N. Taggart.