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Exploring Myths about Nutrition and Pregnancy Outcome

Exploring Myths about Nutrition and Pregnancy Outcome. Judith E. Brown, Ph.D. Maureen A. Murtaugh, Ph.D. Division of Epidemiology, University of Minnesota. Applying Research to Practice. Past: information on pregnancy and nutrition based on clinical assumptions

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Exploring Myths about Nutrition and Pregnancy Outcome

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  1. Exploring Myths about Nutrition and Pregnancy Outcome Judith E. Brown, Ph.D. Maureen A. Murtaugh, Ph.D. Division of Epidemiology, University of Minnesota

  2. Applying Research to Practice • Past: information on pregnancy and nutrition based on clinical assumptions • Present: much more information based on research-based evidence

  3. Myth 1: Females are born with “maternal instincts” that guide them to select and ingest foods with needed nutrients during pregnancy. Response: Females are not born with such instincts

  4. Evidence • Taste and food preferences may change during pregnancy • Changes do not rectify deficient diets • New preferences during pregnancy include: • Ice • Freezer frost • Baking powder • Baby powder • Clay or dirt

  5. Myth 2: Pregnant women should restrict their salt (sodium) intake Response: Restriction of salt or sodium intake during pregnancy is not recommended in the U.S.

  6. Evidence • Pregnant women have an increased need for sodium • Hypertension disorders in pregnancy have declined if women consume additional salt

  7. Myth 3: All pregnant women should take a multiple vitamin and mineral supplement during pregnancy Response: Not clear if prenatal vitamin and mineral supplements benefit all women, or if they are harmful in some ways.

  8. Evidence • Prenatal supplements have not been tested for bioavailability, safety, or efficacy • Women with high quality diets are most likely to use supplements • Concern that overdose reactions might occur for women using supplements

  9. Myth 4: Pregnant women need to eat for two Response: This is true Caveat: But this is not two adults but actually about 1.25 persons

  10. Myth 5: Maternal nutritional status can be described by knowledge of weight status Response: Weight status isonly weight status

  11. Evidence • Nutritional status includes: • weight for height status • other body size and composition assessments • dietary and supplement intake • clinical signs of deficient or excessive nutrient intake • lab values related to nutrient status and relevant health status indicators.

  12. Conclusions • Maternal nutritional status includes hundreds of factors • Intake levels of many nutrients covary • Well-designed studies are necessary

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