Energy, fluids intake and beverages consumption pattern among lactating women in Tabriz, Iran

Abstract

In current study, we determined daily mean intake of energy and fluids and also beverages consumption pattern in lactating mothers and the possible effects of some maternal factors on infants' weight. Information on food and fluid intake was collected from 182 mothers. Weight and height of mothers and infants were measured and the body mass index (BMI) and weight for age Z-score (WAZ) were calculated. The mean energy and total fluid intake were compared by recommended values. Furthermore, the possible effects of some maternal factors on infants' weight were evaluated. The mean daily energy intake (2390±405 kcal) was lower than the mean calculated energy values (2458±258 kcal) and RDA (2733 kcal). Daily mean fluid intake (3050±540 ml) was approximately similar to the recommended values. Also a significant association between the WAZ of children and maternal BMI (B = 0.36, p<0.001) and weight (B = 0.15, p<0.042) persisted. With regards to the effect of maternal nutritional status on weight of infants, appropriate nutritional educations and interventions are suggested for lactating women. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2009.