Zinc status and dietary intake of pregnant women, Alexandria, Egypt.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Deficiencies of protein, energy, and micronutrients are highly prevalent in developing countries and have major effects on pregnancy outcome. Low dietary intake is the most common reason for zinc deficiency. The present research is part of a larger double-blind randomized-controlled trial to evaluate the effect of zinc supplementation on the pregnancy outcome. The aim of the present study was to assess the zinc status and dietary intake of zinc and other macronutrients and micronutrients among pregnant women in Alexandria, Egypt.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

Participants were pregnant women attending two antenatal care centers that serve low-income and middle-income pregnant populations. A total of 1055 healthy pregnant women aged 20-45 years were assessed for eligibility. Of these, only 675 had serum zinc level below the median for the gestational age. They were assigned randomly to one of three parallel groups. Zinc supplements were provided from 16 weeks until delivery. A subsample of 100 women was assessed for their dietary intake. A questionnaire interview was used to collect basic socioeconomic and data on current pregnancy and labor. Dietary data were collected using the 24-h recall method and a food frequency questionnaire. The nutritive value of the daily diet was computed using the Egyptian food composition tables. The blood hemoglobin level, serum zinc level, and fasting blood sugar were determined.

RESULTS

Zinc deficiency was detected among 53.5% of the sample. Dietary intake of zinc was low, representing 59.4, 59.4, and 62% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for the zinc group, zinc plus multivitamins, and the placebo group, respectively. The iron intake was below 50% of the RDA. Protein intake was less than 70% of the RDA. The mean intakes of fat were 191.97, 211.8, and 196.3 g/day for the three groups. The mean energy intake represented 51.1, 53.5, and 49.8% of the RDA.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Except for carbohydrate intake, the dietary intake of all macronutrients and micronutrients was low. The lowest intake was of iron (below 50% of the RDA). Zinc and protein intake represented less than 70% of the RDA. The overall energy intake was around 50% of the RDA. Nutritional health education should be used as a preventive approach to allow the large sector of the low-income population to maximize the use of the limited resources in the best way. In women at high risk of zinc deficiency, zinc supplementation should be added to the routine supplements.