Diet composition of pregnant Finnish women: changes over time and across seasons.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the diet of a population of pregnant Finnish women over a period of 7 years, with special attention paid to seasonal fluctuations in food consumption and nutrient intake.


METHODS
A validated 181-item FFQ was applied retrospectively, after delivery, to assess the maternal diet during the 8th month of pregnancy.


METHODS
Type 1 Diabetes Prediction and Prevention Nutrition Study Cohort.


METHODS
The cohort comprised a total of 4880 women who had newly delivered during the years 1997-2004, with the offspring carrying increased genetic risk for type 1 diabetes mellitus.


RESULTS
Over the study period, the proportion of energy derived from fat decreased while the intake from protein and carbohydrate increased. The intake of vitamin D increased from food sources. Seasonal variation was observed in the mean daily consumption of vegetables, fruits and berries and cereals. Intake of dietary fibre, total fat, MUFA, vitamins A, D, E and C, folate and iron also showed seasonal fluctuation.


CONCLUSIONS
These results show an overall positive trend in the diet of pregnant Finnish women through the study years. However, there is still room for improvement, particularly in the types of dietary fats. Although food fortification with vitamin D since 2003 was reflected in the increased intake of vitamin D from foods, the mean intake levels still fell below the recommendations. Seasonal changes in food consumption were observed and related to corresponding fluctuations in nutrient intakes. The mean folate intake fell below the recommendation throughout the year.
Department of Lifestyle and Participation, National Institute for Health and Welfare, PO Box 27, FI-00271, Helsinki, Finland. marianne.prasad@thl.fi
Marianne
M
Prasad
Mirka
M
Lumia
Maijaliisa
M
Erkkola
Heli
H
Tapanainen
Carina
C
Kronberg-Kippilä
Jetta
J
Tuokkola
Ulla
U
Uusitalo
Olli
O
Simell
Riitta
R
Veijola
Mikael
M
Knip
Marja-Leena
ML
Ovaskainen
Suvi M
SM
Virtanen
D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000235:genetics; D004032:Diet / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends*; D004034:Diet Surveys; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D039382:Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D018977:Micronutrients / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012621:Seasons; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000008:administration & dosage
D018977:Micronutrients; D014807:Vitamin D