exploring myths about nutrition and pregnancy outcome

1. Exploring Myths about Nutrition and Pregnancy Outcome Judith E. Brown, Ph.D. Maureen A. Murtaugh, Ph.D. Division of Epidemiology, University of Minnesota This information was adapted with permission from Brown JE, Murtaugh, MA. Exploring myths about nutrition and pregnancy outcome. Perinatology 1999; 1: 305-316. For more information about the Perinatology publication, please contact prism@vsnl.comThis information was adapted with permission from Brown JE, Murtaugh, MA. Exploring myths about nutrition and pregnancy outcome. Perinatology 1999; 1: 305-316. For more information about the Perinatology publication, please contact prism@vsnl.com

2. Applying Research to Practice Past: information on pregnancy and nutrition based on clinical assumptions Present: much more information based on research-based evidence

4. Evidence Taste and food preferences may change during pregnancy Changes do not rectify deficient diets New preferences during pregnancy include: Ice Freezer frost Baking powder Baby powder Clay or dirt

6. Evidence Pregnant women have an increased need for sodium Hypertension disorders in pregnancy have declined if women consume additional salt

7. Routine administration of supplements is not recommended in the U.S.Routine administration of supplements is not recommended in the U.S.

8. Evidence Prenatal supplements have not been tested for bioavailability, safety, or efficacy Women with high quality diets are most likely to use supplements Concern that overdose reactions might occur for women using supplements Prenatal vitamins not specifically formulated for pregnant women clear Fortification of foods with vitamins A, C, folic acid, calcium, and other nutrients could lead to overdose when a supplement is also used Higher levels of supplemental iron can lower serum zinc levelsPrenatal vitamins not specifically formulated for pregnant women clear Fortification of foods with vitamins A, C, folic acid, calcium, and other nutrients could lead to overdose when a supplement is also used Higher levels of supplemental iron can lower serum zinc levels

10. Normal weight women are not necessarily well nourishedNormal weight women are not necessarily well nourished

11. Evidence Nutritional status includes: weight for height status other body size and composition assessments dietary and supplement intake clinical signs of deficient or excessive nutrient intake lab values related to nutrient status and relevant health status indicators.

12. Conclusions Maternal nutritional status includes hundreds of factors Intake levels of many nutrients covary Well-designed studies are necessary Nutritional status factors include time-specific levels of intake and availability of calories and njutrients to genetic predispostions that modify nutrient need Difficult to separate specific effects of individual nutrientsNutritional status factors include time-specific levels of intake and availability of calories and njutrients to genetic predispostions that modify nutrient need Difficult to separate specific effects of individual nutrients