Dietary pattern, nutrient intake, and oral symptoms in a sample of pregnant women in Malaysia
https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2023-0007
- Author:
Zaidah Ibrahim
1
;
Norkhafizah Saddki
1
;
Ruhaya Hasan
1
Author Information
1. School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
dietary intake, nutrients, oral health, pregnancy, pregnant women
- From:
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition
2023;29(No.3):553-572
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Nutritional requirements of pregnant women differ considerably from
those of non-pregnant women. Nutritional status during pregnancy is critical to
maintain health, including oral health, and to promote growth and development of
the baby. This study assessed dietary pattern, nutrient intake, and oral symptoms
among pregnant women. Methods: Seventy-one women with singleton pregnancy
attending a public healthcare centre in Malaysia participated in this cross-sectional
study. Dietary pattern and nutrient intake of the women were assessed using food
frequency questionnaire and 3-day 24-hour diet recall, respectively. Information
on sociodemographic and obstetric profiles, and oral symptoms were obtained
from self-administered questionnaire. Results: White rice, chicken, green leafy
vegetables, granulated sugar, and salt were foods most consumed. Intakes of iron,
folate, vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, iodine, zinc, and fluoride for most respondents
were below Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI). Cavitated tooth (46.5%), bleeding
gums (35.2%), pain upon eating and drinking (23.9%), and bad breath (23.9%)
were common oral symptoms reported. Significant association was found between
complaint of brown, yellow, and white spots on tooth surface with vitamin A intake,
and between complaint of bleeding gums with zinc intake. Conclusion: Intake of
most nutrients by most respondents in this study was below the RNI. Oral symptoms
were common and a few were associated with nutrient intakes.
- Full text:4.2023my0637.pdf
