Development of cereal bars with adequate nutritional profile for each trimester of pregnancy– An exploratory study

Abstract

Nutrition plays a crucial role in pregnancy as it may help to prevent pregnancy complications and fetal pathologies. It is beneficial for pregnant women to have a fractionated alimentation, as it minimizes symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum and reduces the increased risk of hypoglycemia. The objective of this study was the preparation of three cereal bars, each one suitable for a trimester of pregnancy for pregnant women without known nutritional deficiency or pathology. Three cereal bars with a common base were obtained, to which were added nutritionally adequate ingredients for the nutritional needs of each respective trimester. The bars respected the increase of the caloric intake during the pregnancy, but, in terms of micronutrients, it was verified that no micronutrient has reached the total Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) through the consumption of two cereal bars. Still, these bars may become important tools for adherence and maintenance of healthy alimentation by the pregnant woman.