Systematic review and meta-analysis of energy and macronutrient intakes during pregnancy in developed countries

Abstract

Research reporting diet during pregnancy in nationally representative samples is limited. This review summarizes the dietary intakes of pregnant women in developed countries and compares them with national recommendations. A systematic search without date limits was conducted. All studies reporting the macronutrient intakes of pregnant women were considered, irrespective of design. Two authors independently identified the studies to be included and assessed the methodological quality. Nutritional adequacy was summarized, with confounding factors considered. Meta-analysis data are reported for developed countries collectively, by geographical region, and by dietary methodology. Energy and macronutrient intakes of pregnant women do not match national recommendations. Energy and fiber intakes were consistently below recommendations, while total fat and saturated fat intakes were generally above recommendations and carbohydrate and polyunsaturated fat intakes were below to borderline low compared with recommendations. A mismatch between dietary practices and macronutrient recommendations in pregnant women is widespread and not well quantified. The implications of these practices are unknown until further research compares maternal diet with short-term and long-term maternal and offspring health outcomes.

Dietary intakes and dietary patterns among pregnant women in Northwest China

“…Pregnant women in Western developed countries also reported fat intakes above recommendations, at 35·0-37·1 % of energy (32) . The high fat intake contributed to the excessive energy derived from fat in our study, suggesting the tendency to consume more energy-dense foods among pregnant women in China.…”

Iron supplement use in pregnancy – Are the right women taking the right amount?

“…In Australia, the recommended daily intake for iron in pregnancy is 27 mg/day, 2 which is similar to other developed countries. 3 However, like in other developed countries (USA/Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, New Zealand, and Japan), data from Australian pregnant women indicate that dietary iron intakes are below national nutrient recommendations. 3 There is strong evidence that iron supplementation in pregnancy improves maternal iron status and reduces the risk of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA).…”

“…3 However, like in other developed countries (USA/Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, New Zealand, and Japan), data from Australian pregnant women indicate that dietary iron intakes are below national nutrient recommendations. 3 There is strong evidence that iron supplementation in pregnancy improves maternal iron status and reduces the risk of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). 4 In fact, the provision of iron supplements to pregnant women is one of the most widely practiced public health measures.…”

Consequences and Possible Predictors of Health-damaging Behaviors and Mental Health Problems in Pregnancy – A Review

“…According to recent meta-analyses, pregnant women in the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia and New Zealand are ingesting too much fat and saturated fatty acids [110] while the intake of folic acid, iron, iodine, and vitamin D supplements is too low and does not match national recommendations [111]. Moreover, there has been a significant increase in the number of overweight and obese women of child-bearing age worldwide [109].…”