Protein, amino acid, and caloric intakes of selected pregnant women.

Toxemia of pregnancy is characterized by a combination of at least two of the following clinical symptoms: hypertension, edema, and proteinuria. In three successive trials over three consecutive years, the dietary intakes of a selected number of young pregnant women attending a Maternal and Infant Care Clinic at Tuskegee Institute were evaluated for protein, amino acids, and total calories. Women with toxemia were identified, and women without toxemia served as controls. The toxemic group generally consumed more protein than the controls, but values were statistically significant only in the first trial. However, all essential amino acids were consumed in significantly greater amounts by the toxemic group. Protein and essential amino acids were consumed in adequate amounts (at least two-thirds of the RDA) by both groups but in amounts smaller than the national average. Non-essential amino acids were also consumed in adequate amounts, with the toxemic group consuming larger quantities than the controls. Caloric intakes were adequate for young pregnant women. The relationships of glucosuria and of toxemia to protein and amino acid intake were similar and were opposite to the relationship of anemia to protein and amino acid intake. Meats and grains contributed the greatest quantity of protein and amino acids to the diet in all groups. Data seem to imply that any relationship of protein and amino acids with toxemia of pregnancy is a complex one involving several possibly interrelated nutritional parameters.