engleski

Cereals and their products as source of energy and nutrients in early pregnancy

Nutrition during pregnancy is one of the crucial factors influencing health of mother and development of child in utero. Therefore, pregnancy is the period in every woman’s life when she is more willing to change her diet as well as lifestyle for better. The aim of this study was to estimate contribution of cereals and their products to overall energy and nutrient intake among pregnant women. 202 pregnant women at early pregnancy completed a 24-hour dietary recall. Using National Food Composition Tables and nutritional software data were analysed for the energy intake, macro and micronutrients and the results were compared to the DRIs for pregnant women. Average daily energy intake of 2278 kcal was below the recommended, with cereals and cereal products contributing by 29.5%. Cereals contributed to the total carbohydrate intake with 47.3% and to total protein intake with 28.8% being the main source of plant proteins with even 67.3%. Intake of fibers was below the recommended and cereals contributed with 39.7%. Intakes of vitamins D and E, folic acid, pantothenic acid and biotin were below the recommended as well as the intake of calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc. The highest contribution of cereals and cereal products was found for minerals, starting from magnesium, zinc, iron, selenium and manganese respectively. Concerning cereals as one of the best dietary source for B complex vitamins, contribution raised from B2, biotin, B6, niacin, B1 to folic acid. Since supplementation, which is not considered in dietary intake calculation, is used by 83.7% of participants, concerning low intake of several nutrients could be compensated. Still, dietary habits during pregnancy should be analysed in depth to reveal causes of existing problems.

pregnancy; cereals and cereal products; nutrients

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