Religious influence on dietary intake and physical condition of indigent, pregnant Indian women

Abstract

The nutritional status of 171 pregnant Indian women from low income levels was examined. There was a significant difference in the dietary intake of carbohydrate and calcium between the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. The carbohydrate intake increased as pregnancy progressed (P≤ 0.05) and the calcium level declined (P≤ 0.10). Muslims and Christians tended to have similar dietary intakes. The Hindus had the lowest nutrient intake for protein, fat, calories, and calcium. Mean weight of the subjects increased significantly as pregnancy progressed (P≤ 0.01). None of the other anthropometrical measurements showed significant differences according to gestation period or religion. Pigmented knuckles were the most frequently seen clinical sign of malnutrition. They were seen in 43.1% of the sample. A chi-square analysis showed that glossitis was associated with the period of gestation at the 10% level; Bitot’s spots, glossitis, hypertrophied gums, flat nails, and pale nails were significantly different according to religion. Numerous biochemical findings were associated with gestation. Hemoglobin values declined significantly between the first and third trimesters (P≤ 0.01); serum protein declined significantly between the second and third trimesters (P≤ 0.01), and serum albumin from the first through the third trimesters (P≤ 0.01). A gradual decrease in the recorded serum vitamin A level was noted throughout the pregnancy (P≤ 0.10). Alkaline phosphatase activity and its fractions rose with advancing pregnancy (P≤ 0.01). The differences in biochemical findings noted according to religion were attributed to the period of gestation of the subjects.