study of maternal dietary intake during pregnancy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

This study was carried out to evaluate the dietary nutrient intake of pregnant women. The relationship between dietary intake and pregnancy outcome was also studied. A total of 114 pregnant women were studied, using systematic random sampling. The percentages of the mean nutrient intake below the recommended dietary allowances [RDA] for pregnant women were as the follows: 51.8%, 93.9%, 82.5% and 98.2% for energy, vitamin B1, calcium and iron, respectively. Moreover, 13.2% of the women experienced some form of pica. Using height and mid-arm circumferences, about 2.8% and 4.4% were seen to be undernourished respectively. Saudi pregnant women need guidance in selecting nutrient dense foods to reduce maternal and outcome health hazards

Dietary energy and protein requirements for Saudi Arabia: a methodological approach

Based on the available scientific information on human requirements, recommended dietary allowances of energy and protein for different age and sex groups of Saudis were estimated. The per capita requirements of energy and protein [NPU 0.8] at national level were calculated to be 2100 kcal per day and 53 g per day respectively. For men of reference body size 65 kg, the average recommended allowances are 2800 kcal per day and 65 g of protein per day. For women of reference body weight 56 kg, these are 2100 kcal per day and 56 g of protein per day. Additional recommended daily allowances for pregnant and lactating women are given. Protein-energy ratio percentage was calculated as 6%-12%. RDAs and reported energy and protein intakes are compared