https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9994-9133
Abstract
Objective
To perform a cross-sectional observational study of calcium consumption among pregnant women from multicenter tertiary care hospitals in the middle-income country in Southeast Asia.
Study Design
A cross-sectional observational study.
Setting
The study was conducted in four geographical regions (northern, northeastern, southern, and central) of Thailand. Five participating hospitals consisted of one university hospital in each region and one additional tertiary care hospital in the central region.
Materials and Methods
A cross-sectional study was performed nationwide from 1st November 2017 to 31st January 2019. All singleton aged 19–40 years were included. Exclusion criteria were any conditions that influenced calcium-containing food consumption. Dietary intake self-records immediately after eating for two working days and one holiday were analyzed via INMUCAL-NV3.0 dietary program.
Results
The 1549 records were obtained. The mean age was 29 ± 5.7 years. Most participants were primigravida (48.6%). The average gestational age was 20.6 ± 8.8 weeks. Mean calcium consumption was 602.4 mg/day (95% CI; 589.2615.6 mg/day) mg/dL. Inadequate calcium consumption prevalence based on the Thai dietary reference intake (less than 800 mg/day) and US Institute of Medicine (less than 1000 mg/day) were 82.0% and 93.4%, respectively.
Conclusion
The mean calcium consumption among pregnant women in the middle-income country in Southeast Asia was 602.4 mg/day (95% CI 589.2–615.6 mg/day). Inadequate calcium consumption of Thai pregnant women prevalence was 82.0% and 93.4% according to Thai dietary reference intake in pregnancy and the US Institute of Medicine.
Data Sharing Statement
All the data are held at Ramathibodi University Hospital, Mahidol University. The data sharing can be allowed by contacting the coordinating author with the relevant ethics committee approval.
Acknowledgments
We sincerely thank all the participants and staffs from all study sites. We should also owe Professor Pisake Lumbiganon for his encouragement and advice with an outstanding debt of gratitude. Sincere thanks also go to Thailand Research Fund (Distinguished Research Professor Award) for financial support.
Disclosure
The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.