Pregnant adolescent and adult women have similarly low intakes of selectednutrients

Objective To examine the dietary intake of pregnant adolescents during the second and third trimester of pregnancy, and to compare their nutrient inta ke with that of pregnant adults. Design Two 7-day food records (14 days) from subjects participating in a la rger randomized clinical calcium trial: the first at 19 to 21 weks and the second between 29 and 31 weeks gestation. Intake of energy and selected nut rients were calculated and compared with dietary standards. Subjects/setting Fifty-nine pregnant adolescents and 97 pregnant adults rec ruited from prenatal clinics at a metropolitan university hospital. Statistical analyses Two sample t tests, equality of variances, and repeate d measures (analysis of variance). Results There was no difference in mean nutrient intakes between the second and third trimesters. Using two 7-day food records, we found mean intakes for energy, iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, folate, and vitamins D and E to be below recommended standards in both groups. Other nutrients examined me t or exceeded reference values. Total daily intakes for energy and 11 nutri ents were significantly higher in the adolescent compared to the adult diet s (P < .05). These differences were not evident when nutrient values were c orrected for energy, indicating that increased energy intake in the teen-ag ed population was contributed by nutrient-dense foods. Applications This study indicates the need for continued dietary monitoring of pregnant adolescents and pregnant adults, including nutrition guidance that stresses food sources of calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, fiber, folate , and vitamins D and E, the nutrients found deficient in their diets.