Inappropriate consumption of vitamins and minerals by pregnant women in Poland.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Women's daily nutrition should include proper amounts of vitamins, ingredients and fluids. The shortage or surplus of any ingredient can negatively affect the health condition of a mother or hera baby. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess the quality of the diet of pregnant wome in Poland against the World Health Organization (WHO) and European Union (EU) recommendations concerning requirements for vitamins and minerals. METHODOLOGY: 512 pregnant women in their 20(th) -30(th) week of pregnancy took part in the research conducted by the means of observation of a 7-day diet. Consumed products were analyzed by the means of DIETETYK software developed by the Polish National Food and Nutrition Institute (NFNI). Obtained micro- values were averaged. The results were compared with the recommendations of the WHO UE and NFN and analyzed statistically (test Chi(2)). RESULTS: A lower consumption than 400 g/day of fruit and vegetables in the diets was found in 4.68% of pregnant women. Mean values for vitamins: D - 2.64 ug/person, B6 - 1.76 mg/person and folic acid - 1603 ug/person, as well as average values for mineral components: calcium 689 mg/person, magnesium 255 mg/person, iron - 10.1 mg/person, zinc - 9.2 mg/person were also lower than daily recommended values. Daily level for sodium, phosphorus and vitamin A were exceeded. CONCLUSION: Results indicate insufficient knowledge of pregnant women about proper nutrition during pregnancy. Supplementing most vitamins and mineral components, beginning with a first pregnancy trimester, is necessary. Women at childbearing age must be educated about the necessity for proper nutrition during and before a pregnancy.