Formulation and evaluation of supplementary foods for Thai pregnant women

Abstract

To improve maternal nutritional status and to ameliorate protein-energy malnutrition in pregnant women and infants, supplementary foods for rural pregnant women were formulated and evaluated. Six formulas with protein and energy contents of 16-22 g and 350-500 kcal/100 g food, respectively, were developed from locally available raw materials. A field evaluation of formulas I and V was conducted at the regional MCH Center at Rajchaburi, about 120 km from Bangkok. Formulas providing 13 g protein and 350 kcal per day were given to two groups of mothers in the first or second pregnancy, starting at 28 +/- 2 wk of gestation. A third group, unsupplemented, served as controls. Maternal weight gain and left mid-arm circumference were measured every 2 wk. Birth weight, length, head and chest circumferences of newborns, and placental weight were significantly higher in both supplemented groups. These findings suggest that among undernourished mothers, supplementation of as little as 13 g protein and 350 kcal daily during the last trimester can significantly improve maternal weight gain and birth weight of newborns.

PIP: Supplementary foods for 43 pregnant mothers who lived in the rural region of Thailand were formulated and evaluated in an effort to improve maternal nutritional status and to ameliorate protein-energy malnutrition in both pregnant women and their infants. 6 formulas were developed, based on locally available food sources that would provide an additional amount of protein and energy. 2 formulas were selected for field evaluation with 2 of the experimental groups. The 3rd group served as a control and received no supplementation. During the 3rd trimester, subjects in the control group, with no supplement, had significantly smaller weight gain than the 2 supplemented groups. There was a trend towards increasing hematocrit in both supplemented groups. After supplementation, the prevalence of anemia in both groups I and II was decreasing significantly; the control group showed an increasing prevalence of anemia. Birth weights lower than 2500 g were not observed in either supplemented group but were seen in the control group. Length, head and chest circumferences of newborns, and placental weight also were significantly higher in both supplemented groups.