Dietary Intake/Patterns of Lactating Women from Northwest Mexico After an Individualized Dietary Intervention: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Objectives To assess the changes of nutrient intake in overweight or obese breastfeeding women after an individualized nutritional intervention. Methods Randomized clinical controlled trial. After an informed consent was signed, breastfeeding women (2–8 weeks postpartum) were randomly assigned by simple allocation in blocks (1:1) to either the intervention (In) or control (Cn) group. These two groups received general recommendations on healthy eating during lactation; additionally, the intervention group received a dynamic macronutrient meal equivalent with interchangeable foods every 2 weeks for 3 months, and a caloric restriction if needed. Nutrient intake was evaluated before and after the intervention using 3 non-consecutive 24-hour recalls; questionnaires were applied 1.5 mo intervals. Mean nutrient intakes were compared between groups; additionally, women's intake was contrasted against dietary reference intakes. Results Out of 939 potential participants, 303 were eligible but only 30 agreed to participate, and twenty (n = 10/group) completed the program. At baseline no difference was found for energy intake (P > 0.05). At end line, In group consumed −870 kcal than the Cn group. After adjusting for energy intake (1000 kcal), for macronutrient; proteins, lipids and carbohydrates do not differ between groups (P > 0.05). The median intakes of fiber were higher on In group + 15.4 g (10.1–21.8) compared with Cn group + 9.1 (6.7–13.4) P = 0.02, and sodium intake was higher on Cn group + 379 mg; compared with In group −638 mg P = 0.01. A notable proportion of all women failed to meet the EAR for vitamin A, but had adequate intake of Iron, pyridoxin and thiamin. Conclusions Our results indicate that an individualized intervention in lactating women can improve the dietary intake of key nutrients. Future research should focus on assessing the adequacy of dietary recommendations for overweight/obese breastfeeding women and the mother/infant dyad. Funding Sources LTR, AGP, JCVG received a fellowship from the National Research Council in Mexico.