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Nutritional risk factors for anemia in pregnant urban South Indian women
Author(s) -
Samuel Tinu,
Finkelstein Julia,
Thomas Tinku,
Bosch Ronald,
Shiny Ramya,
Srinivasan Krishnamachari,
Kurpad Anura,
Duggan Christopher
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.32.3
Background Anemia during pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal and child outcomes, but little is known about correlates of anemia in India, where adverse pregnancy outcomes are common. Objective To identify risk factors for anemia during the first trimester of pregnancy among 344 South Indian women. Methods Demographic, socioeconomic, anthropometric, dietary intake (FFQ via interview) and hematologic data were obtained at first antenatal visit (< 14 wks gestational age). Results Mean (SD) age was 23 (3) years and BMI was 20.5 (3.3) kg/m2. 220 (64%) were primiparous. Anemia (Hgb < 11.0 g/dL) prevalence was 31% and microcytic anemia (anemia with MCV<80) was 20%. Dietary intakes of protein, iron, calcium and folate were below the RDA for >90% of subjects. In multivariate logistic analyses, anemia was associated with working outside home (OR, 95% CI): 2.25 (1.12– 4.54), high family income 2.33 (1.26 – 4.29), high calcium intake 2.52 (1.30–4.89), low folic acid intake 1.95 (0.92–4.17) and low % body fat 2.11 (1.11–3.99). Conclusion Low body fat and low dietary intake of multiple micronutrients, but higher intakes of iron absorption inhibitors (Ca), may explain high rates of maternal anemia in India. The role of income and labor outside of home merits further evaluation. Support: ICMR : 5/7/192/06‐RHN; NICHD: HD052143