Maternal and infant nutrition recommendations: a review
Suter, C.B.; Ott, D.B.
Journal of the American Dietetic Association 84(5): 572-573
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-8223 PMID: 6715756 Document Number: 231105
Recent advances in knowledge of maternal and infant nutrition have resulted in several changes in recommendations. An additional 300 kcal/day are needed by pregnant women, and an additional 500 kcal/day by those who are breast feeding. Iron supplements of 30 to 60 mg/day are currently being recommended. The NRC suggests a 400 microgram folocin supplement daily. Vegetarians who exclude all animal products may need vitamin B-12 supplements. Except for the grossly overweight patients, a weight gain of 22 to 27 pounds is advised. Salt intake should not be restricted in preeclampsia, and the use of diuretics is not advised. The fetus is sensitive to drugs during the first trimester of pregnancy. Since there is no known safe level of alcohol and the potenial effects on infant development has yet to be studied, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid alcohol beverages and drugs. Similarly, the FDA is advising women to avoid food, drugs and beverages containing caffeine. Infants do not benefit from the introduction of solid or semisolid foods before 4 to 6 months of age. Breast milk or formula is all that is needed prior to that time, unless a physician prescribes a vitamin and or mineral supplement. (emc)