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Objectives. The main purpose of this study was to determine the anthropometric indications and nutritional intake of pregnant and Lactating women in the Vaal Triangle (n = 431). Design and methods. A validated quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used in this study. Trained fieldworkers conducted interviews with the help of food models to estimate portion sizes. The anthropometric measurements included weight, height and body mass index (BMI). Blood samples were collected for determining iron status parameters. Results. The 10 items consumed most frequently by pregnant women were, in descending order: fresh milk; tea; coffee; cold drinks; maize meal; fruit juice; bread; magou (non-alcoholic fermented maize drink); rice and sugar. For Lactating women, the results were: fresh milk; tea; coffee; maize meal; cold drinks; magou; bread; yoghurt; rice and sugar. Daily intakes (mean ± SD) for pregnant women were 8425.71 ± 2279 kJ, 73.18 ± 23 g protein, 62.29 ± 23.7 g fat, 292.45 ± 72.2 g carbohydrate and 9.74 ± 3.8 mg iron. For lactating women, the intakes were 8511.94 ± 2047 kJ, 76.24 ± 25 g protein, 61.95 ± 22.3 g fat, 294.37± 64.2 g carbohydrate and 10.50 ± 4.0 mg iron. The results of this study showed that most of the women (98%) resided in towns and 79.3% were unemployed. The majority of the sample population was overweight or obese (BMl ≥ 25). Conclusions. The diets of the subjects consisted primarily of plant-based foods. Animal foods were scarce except for milk. Most of the items consumed were low in iron. Implications. Iron deficiency is partly induced by plant-based diets containing Low levels of poorly bio-available iron. An assessment of dietary intake is required to aid in the development of relevant dietary guidelines for the sample population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A study completed in 2001 formed part of a clinical intervention trial under controlled conditions to examine the iron status of the pregnant and lactating women in the Vaal Triangle. The main purpose of that study was to determine the dietary intake and iron status of the sample population (n=431). Based on that study there is convincing evidence of poor dietary practices by pregnant women. According to Ramachandran (2002) low dietary intake in pregnancy will have adverse effects on the health and nutrition status of both the mother and her offspring. According to Norton (2002) there is strong epidemiological evidence of an association between maternal weight gain during pregnancy and low birth weight (LBW), especially in undernourished women. Aims: The main purpose of this study is to develop a cost effective, nutrient-dense food multimix for pregnant women in order to improve their nutritional status during pregnancy and to have healthier pregnancy outcomes. Methodology: According to the study by H.Kesa (2001) and Norton (2002) validated QFFQ's was used and statistically analysed. Trained fieldworkers conducted interviews with the help of food models to estimate portion size. Results: According to the study by H.Kesa (2001) the top ten items most often consumed by pregnant women were, in descending order: fresh milk, tea, coffee, cold drink, maize meal, fruit juice, bread rolls, magou (a fermented nonalcoholic drink), rice and sugar. Daily intakes (mean ± SD) for pregnant women were: 8425.71 ± 2279 kJ, 73.18 ± 23 g protein, 62.29 ± 23.7 g fat, 292.45 ± 72.2 g carbohydrate, 9.74 ± 3.8 mg iron. According to the blood samples 50% of pregnant women IDA. According to Norton (2002) majority of women with LBW babies are from developing countries where women begin pregnancy in a nutritionally disadvantaged state. Conclusions: Based on the results of the previous study, it is clear that food insecurity and malnutrition are evident in pregnant women in the Vaal Traingle. Implications: The development of a multimix will attempt to examine a cost- effective means to medium and long-term sustainable food based solutions to food and nutrition security of low-income, pregnant women in the Vaal Triangle in order to prevent malnutrition during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]