Nutritional status of pregnant Punjabi women in relation to education and economic level

Dietary intake of 108 pregnant Punjabi women was studied in relation to economic and educational status using the 24‐hour recall method for two days. Heights and weights were measured. Intakes of energy, protein, calcium and iron were calculated and compared to the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for Indians. Energy intake of subjects was markedly low, cereals providing 35–39% of kilocalories. Calcium intake was adequate, whereas protein intake was 70 % of RDA. Iron intake was inadequate and not affected by economic or educational status. Energy and protein intakes of the subjects were significantly increased with improvement in educational status, whereas protein and calcium intakes of the subjects were significantly affected by economic status. Nutrition education needs to be stressed.

Key words:

• Pregnancy
• Punjab
• socioeconomics
• nutrient intakes
• anthropometrics