Nutritional profile of pregnant women with reference to Iron

Abstract

The study entitled "Nutritional profile of pregnant women with reference to iron" comprises information on the influence of various socio-economic and dietary factors on the development of iron deficiency in pregnant women. The pregnant women surveyed were classified into four 2.. 13 groups based on selected socio-economic variables . They were Hindus (forward communities) residing in joint/extended families and had their own homes and source of income were not from regular employment. Eventhough educated they had no role in social organisations and decision making. Expend i ture on food was high but was insufficient in quantity and quality. This was reflected in the daily meal pattern adopted by these women. Their diets contained very low amounts of iron enhancers and haemopoetic constituents but high amounts of iron inhibitors. Daily time utilization by the women revealed judicious distribution. Energy expenditure and consumption pattern also revealed positive balance in energy utilization. However anaemia was widely prevalent among these women. Anthropometric measurements also indicated deficient nutritional profile. Data generated from micro samples on food intake by weighment was also supporting the information elicited through recall method from macro samples. Bioavailable iron from their diets was also found to be low. Haematological findings through laboratory analysis confirmed the data generated through clinical examination.