Dietary intake in lactating mothers in China 2018: report of a survey

Abstract

Background: The nutritional status of lactating mothers (LMs) is related to their own health and significantly impacts the secretion of breast-milk, and subsequently the growth and development of infants. Due to the influence of regional economy, traditional habits, and lack of nutrition knowledge, the problem of poor dietary nutrition among Chinese LMs is prominent. We aimed to evaluate and compare the dietary and nutrient intakes in LMs from urban and rural areas in China to provide baseline data for the implementation of relevant health guidance and strategies. Methods: A multi-stage sampling method was used to recruit urban and rural LMs from 13 provinces and municipalities in China. An online dietary record using food photographs was employed to keep track of what the LMs had eaten in 2 days in the form of face-to-face interview. A total of 954 participants were included in the final analysis. Data expressed as quartiles P50 (P25; P75) were compared using the Mann-Whitney U-test (level of significance: p < 0.05). Results: The consumption of staple food was higher in the rural (283.37 g/d) than in the urban areas (263.21 g/d). The consumption of vegetables, fruits, fish, shrimp, and shellfish, milk and dairy products was lower than the recommended amounts in both areas, and the insufficient intake of these food types was more serious in rural areas. While the energy intake of 83.8% of all LMs was lower than the estimated energy reference, it was comparable in the urban and rural areas. The intake of macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, and fats) in rural areas was lower than in urban areas. The intake of some vitamins (VA, VB 1 , VB 2 , VB 9 and VC) and minerals (calcium, magnesium, iodine and copper) was not ideal for LMs in both rural and urban areas. Conclusions: Overall, the dietary intake in LMs was lower than the recommended levels. Many essential nutrients failed to meet the recommended doses, both in the urban and rural areas. The deficiencies in micronutrients were more prevalent in rural compared to urban areas. Educating LMs about women's health and appropriate dietary intake is, therefore, essential.

Impact of Maternal Daily Oral Low-Dose Vitamin A Supplementation on the Mother-Infant Pair: A Randomised Placebo-Controlled Trial in China

“…Among them, 86.4% had a lower vitamin A intake than the RNI value [ 7 ]. However, our previous studies on urban and rural areas in 13 provinces and municipalities showed that more than 90% of Chinese lactating mothers had lower dietary vitamin A intake than the RNI value in 2018 [ 5 ]. The reasons for this difference may be the inconsistency of dietary survey methods, the limited dietary sources of vitamin A, and the influence of geography, customs, and economic conditions.…”

“…Although the Chinese Nutrition Society established new dietary guidelines in 2016, which emphasise increasing the intake of vitamin A-rich foods to improve the nutritional status of lactating mothers [ 4 ], a dietary survey of Chinese lactating mothers completed by our research group in 2018 showed that the dietary vitamin A intake of this population is still lower than the recommended value, especially in rural areas [ 5 ]. There are two dietary forms of vitamin A. Preformed vitamin A (retinol and retinyl ester) is derived from animal sources such as animal liver, meat, dairy products, and fish.…”

Daily Oral Low-Dose Vitamin A Supplementation Increases the Retinol Levels in Serum and Breast Milk of Lactating Mothers and Has No Effect on Infant Health Status: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial in China

“…Among them, 86.4% of participants had lower vitamin A intake than the RNI value [7]. However, our previous studies on urban and rural areas in 13 provinces and municipalities showed that more than 90% of Chinese lactating mothers had lower dietary vitamin A intake than the RNI value in 2018 [5]. The reasons for this difference may be the inconsistency of dietary survey methods, the limited dietary sources of vitamin A, the in uence of geography, customs and economic conditions, etc.…”

“…Although the Chinese Nutrition Society has established new dietary guidelines in 2016, which emphasizes increasing the intake of vitamin A rich foods to improve the nutritional status of lactating mothers [4], the dietary survey of Chinese lactating mothers completed by our research group in 2018 showed that the dietary vitamin A intake of this population is still lower than the recommended value, especially in rural areas [5]. The dietary source of vitamin A is limited, mainly animal liver and dark-green leafy vegetables and fruits.…”

The Effect of Oral Vitamin A Supplementation on Chalazion in Young Children with Vitamin A Deficiency: A Pilot Study

“…8,9 Insufficient vitamin A (VA) intake leads to VA deficiency. 10 As a fat-soluble vitamin, VA plays a key role in many physiological functions, including vision, growth, reproduction, hematopoiesis, and immunity. 11 Research has shown that VA is essential to maintain the function of the meibomian gland, and VA supplementation benefits eye-surface health.…”