NUTRIENT INTAKES OF WOMEN WHO ARE BREASTFEEDING

OBJECTIVE: A study was carried out in Dunedin, New Zealand, to assess the adequacy of dietary intakes of a group of healthy women who had been exclusively breast feeding for approximately 3 months. DESIGN: Demographic data and nutrient intakes as determined by two quantitative 24 h recalls within 2 weeks were collected from each woman. Dietary intakes were compared to Australian recommended nutrient intakes (RNIs) for lactating women. SUBJECTS: From 93 eligible women who were recruited, 73 completed the study, giving a 78% response rate. RESULTS: The mean (SD) energy intake of 8411 (2575) kJ (2007 kcal) was much lower than the recommended intake of 10,500 kJ. The majority of the women had intakes below two-thirds of the RNI for zinc, calcium, folate and vitamin A. Maternal age was significantly positively related to energy intakes (R2 = 14.2%), with women over thirty years having significantly higher energy intake (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that lactation may be maintained on lower levels of energy intake than currently recommended, although there is concern that zinc and calcium may not be consumed in adequate amounts. Recommended intakes need to be reassessed to determine if they are too high for some nutrients. Maternal age appears to be a significant factor determining energy and nutrient intakes in this population.