Poor Dietary Intake of Energy and Retinol among Pregnant Women: Implications for Pregnancy Outcome in Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of adequate intake energy and retinol on pregnancy outcome among selected pregnant women in Osun State, Southwest Nigeria. Eight hundred and forty (840) pregnant and 250 non-pregnant women were involved in the survey conducted in 2006 which used a 24-hour diet recall to assess their dietary intake. Food models were used to assist memory and portion size of foods taken. The results indicate that dietary energy intake in this study was inadequate in about 75% of the pregnant women and 65% of the non-pregnant women. With the exception of protein intakes in Ife North, inadequate intake was less than 15% in all LGA. The structure of the menu, however, point to a preponderance of protein of plant origin. Compared with protein intake, the dietary intake of Vitamin A (Retinol) was inadequate in all the LGA and among pregnant and non-pregnant women. The paucity of animal protein in the diet may be responsible for this. Almost 70% of the pregnant women also had inadequate Vitamin C intakes. The study therefore, reiterates that emphasis on dietary sources of energy, iron, vitamin A and folic acid during pregnancy should be the key discussion during antenatal visits. Food demonstration during the antenatal visits offers the best strategies.