FOLATE, VITAMIN-D, AND IRON INTAKES ARE LOW AMONG PREGNANT FINNISH WOMEN

Objective: To evaluate dietary habits and nutrient intake of Finnish p regnant women, to relate these to the use of dietary supplements, and to explore possible dietary variations according to age and education. Design: A random dietary survey using two five day estimated food rec ords. Setting: Pregnant women from 13 maternity clinics in the city of Oulu, Finland. Subjects: One hundred and eighteen pregnant women in t heir third trimester. Main results: The main sources of energy were ce real products and milk products. The consumption of fish and poultry w as low. Women with a higher educational level consumed more vegetables , fruit, fruit juices, and tea and less sausages, inner organs and cof fee than women with a lower educational level. Younger women (< 25 y) consumed more sugar and pork and less berries, butter and inner organs than older women. On average 15% of the total energy was supplied by protein, 33% by fats, 52% by carbohydrates, and 12% by sucrose. Compar ed to the Nordic nutrition recommendations, the proportion of polyunsa turated fatty acids and the intake of dietary fibre were low and the i ntake of sugar high. The intakes of vitamins and minerals met or excee ded the recommended allowances, except for vitamin D, folate, and iron . Of the subjects 70% used dietary supplements. With the exception of vitamin D, folate, and iron, both the supplement users and non-users h ad an adequate nutrient intake from their diet. Conclusions: A balance d diet covers the increased nutrient requirements during pregnancy, wi th the exception for vitamin D, folate, and iron. The use of dietary s upplements during pregnancy is excessive and partly focused on the wro ng nutrients. Young and less educated, and smoking pregnant women need more nutritional guidance.