Evaluation of dietary intake of lactating women in China and its potential impact on the health of mothers and infants

Abstract

BackgroundOptimal nutrition for lactating mothers is importance for mother and infants’ health and well-being. We determined the nutrient intake and dietary changes during the first 3-month of lactation, and its potential effect on health and disease risk.MethodPersonal interviews were conducted to collect a 24h diet recall questionnaire from 199 healthy lactating women in the postpartum days 2, 7, 30, 90 and healthy 58 non-pregnant women served as the controls.ResultsWe found in lactating women (1) the mean daily energy and carbohydrate intake was lower than that of the Chinese Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI, 2600 Kcal, 357.5 ~ 422.5g) by 11% ~ 17% and 33% ~ 49%, respectively; (2) the fat intake increased from 3% to 13%, which was 9 ~ 77% higher than the RNI (57 ~ 86.7g); (3) the protein intake exceeded the RNI of 85g by 32 ~ 53%; (4) the total calories consumed from carbohydrate (39%-44%), fat (34% ~ 42%) and protein (20%-23%) failed to meet Chinese RNI (5) the intake of vitamin C, B1, folate, zinc, dietary fiber, and calcium was 5% ~ 73% lower than the RNI while vitamin B2, B3, E, iron and selenium intake was 20% to 3 times higher than the RNI. Nutrient intake in the control group was lower for all nutrients than the recommended RNI.ConclusionLactating women on a self-selected diet did not meet the Chinese RNI for many important micronutrients, which may influence the nutritional composition of breast milk and thus impact the potential health of mothers and infants. RNI should consider the regional dietary habits and culture. A single national RNI is not applicable for all of China. Nutritional education into the community is needed.

Nutritional status of lactating women in Bogor district, Indonesia: cross-sectional dietary intake in three economic quintiles and comparison with pre-pregnant women

“…As food composition tables relevant for Indonesia provide insufficient data for Se, we could not calculate the dietary intake of Se. Recent data from a survey in Fuijan province, China, revealed mean dietary Se intakes well above the Chinese reference nutrient intake (RNI) (5) , but it is well established that there is substantial regional variability in the Se composition of foods (26) .…”

“…Among these groups, actual knowledge about nutritional status and potential nutrient insufficiencies in LW is hardly available. Although the literature on relevant physiological adjustments and additional nutritional requirements is extensive (1,2) , the number of dietary assessment studies in LW is limited (3)(4)(5)(6) . Thus, the question on whether and how women change their diet upon lactation is far from being answered and is surely also dependent on culture and socio-economic status.…”

Consumption of dietary supplements by Chinese women during pregnancy and postpartum: A prospective cohort study

“…The nutritional status of a woman during pregnancy and the postpartum period has a significant impact, not only on her own health but also on foetal and infant growth and development (Chen et al, 2012;Vause, Martz, Richard, & Gramlich, 2006), which may continue to influence the health of her infant at a later age (Barker, 2004;Berti et al, 2010). It is vital that pregnant and lactating mothers eat a variety of healthy foods to meet the increased nutrient demands caused by maternal physiological changes (Picciano, 2003).…”

Maternal Energy Intake at the Sixth Month as Dominant Factor of Exclusive Breastfeeding Success

“…To support milk production and prevent malnutrition in mothers, breastfeeding women must increase their energy intake above the general recommended level for adult women. 22 In addition to supporting successful milk production, added calories are utilized for post-birthing recovery. Balanced food intake while breastfeeding is a very important component in attaining optimal health for mothers and infants.…”