Determinants of Nutrient Adequacy for Lactating and Pregnant Mothers in a Rural Area of Bangladesh

This study used data from a rural area of Bangladesh to examine the nutrient adequacy of the diets of pregnant and lactating women. Of the 106 women 15-45 years of age in the survey population, 30 were lactating and 25 were pregnant. Average caloric requirements and safe levels of protein intake were estimated for each member of the households studied to determine whether a person cunsumed more, less, or equal to his or her average requirement. Women who were neither pregnant nor lactating were significantly more likely to be meeting their calorie and protein requirements than those who were pregnant or lactating. That is, pregnancy and/or lactation status exerts a depressing effect on the nutrient adequacy ratio of an adult woman. The nutrient adequacy ratios were lowest for pregnant or lactating women, followed by those for women who were both pregnant and lactating. In addition, the observed to expected consumption of calories and protein was significantly lower among lactating and/or pregnant women than among other women. Economic position, measured in terms of per capita expenditure on food/day, was the most important factor affecting the nutritional status of pregnant and lactating women. These findings have serious implications for child health in Bangladesh since the lactation performance of poorly nourished women is likely to be inadequate. There is a need for income-generating programs for the rural poor to enable them to increase their expenditures on food. Also needed are educational programs to raise the awareness of rural people concerning the higher nutrient needs of pregnant and lactating women.