FOOD AND NUTRIENT INTAKES OF PREGNANT AND LACTATING WOMEN IN THE UNITED-STATES

Food and nutrient intakes of pregnant and lactating women in the U.S. were estimated using 24-hour dietary recall data from USDA's 1985 and 1986 Continuing Surveys of Food Intakes by Individuals. Comparisons we re made with intakes of nonpregnant and nonlactating (other) women and with dietary recommendations. Pregnant and lactating women were more likely to use milk products and to consume larger amounts of these pro ducts than were other women; however, reported intakes were still belo w recommended levels. The results also suggest that many pregnant and lactating women consume less than the recommended amounts of vegetable s, fruits, and meat, poultry, fish, and meat alternates. Absolute inta kes of most nutrients were higher among pregnant and lactating women t han among other women. However, except for some nutrients provided by milk products and fruit, nutrient intakes per 1000 kcal were similar b etween pregnant and lactating women and other women. Pregnant women co nsumed 66% of their RDA for folate and only 43% of their RDA for iron. Lactating women consumed 63% of their RDA for zinc.