Dietary pattern, nutrient intake, and oral symptoms in a sample of pregnant women in Malaysia

Introduction: Nutritional requirements of pregnant women differ considerably from those of non-pregnant women. Nutritional status during pregnancy is critical to maintain health, including oral health, and to promote growth and development of the baby. This study assessed dietary pattern, nutrient intake, and oral symptoms among pregnant women. Methods: Seventy-one women with singleton pregnancy attending a public healthcare centre in Malaysia participated in this cross-sectional study. Dietary pattern and nutrient intake of the women were assessed using food frequency questionnaire and 3-day 24-hour diet recall, respectively. Information on sociodemographic and obstetric profiles, and oral symptoms were obtained from self-administered questionnaire. Results: White rice, chicken, green leafy vegetables, granulated sugar, and salt were foods most consumed. Intakes of iron, folate, vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, iodine, zinc, and fluoride for most respondents were below Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI). Cavitated tooth (46.5%), bleeding gums (35.2%), pain upon eating and drinking (23.9%), and bad breath (23.9%) were common oral symptoms reported. Significant association was found between complaint of brown, yellow, and white spots on tooth surface with vitamin A intake, and between complaint of bleeding gums with zinc intake. Conclusion: Intake of most nutrients by most respondents in this study was below the RNI. Oral symptoms were common and a few were associated with nutrient intakes.