Nutrient intake of Italian women during lactation.
OBJECTIVE
Very few data have been published concerning the actual energy and nutrient intakes of lactating women; in particular there have been no reports concerning Italian women. We report our findings on the energy and macronutrient intakes of a group of exclusively breast-feeding Italian women. Differences between the actual intakes and Italian Recommended Dietary Allowances are also discussed.


METHODS
Healthy lactating women aged 27-36 years were recruited in the three major geographical areas of Italy (North, Central, and South)


METHODS
Dietary evaluation was based on two consecutive 24-hour recalls from each mother (dietary data, n = 125). Energy and nutrient intakes were estimated using a nutritional database. Statistical analysis was performed using parametric and non-parametric tests.


RESULTS
Mean energy intakes for the whole country are below recommended values, while the protein intake, and the percentages of energy from fat and saturated fatty acids are higher than the recommended values. The amount of polyunsaturated fats is within the recommended intake. The percentage of energy from carbohydrates and the amount of fiber are lower than the recommended Italian levels.


CONCLUSIONS
The results obtained in this sample of lactating women seem to point to a low energy intake associated with a moderate imbalance in the distribution of energy percentages from macronutrients.
Giammarioli
Stefania
S
Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy. giammas@iss.it
Sanzini
Elisabetta
E
Ambruzzi
Amalia Maria
AM
Chiarotti
Flavia
F
Fasano
Gemma
G
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000886:Anthropometry; D015930:Diet Records; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004522:Educational Status; D002149:Energy Intake / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007558:Italy; D007774:Lactation / Q000502:physiology*; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D012907:Smoking
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004041:Dietary Fats; D004044:Dietary Proteins