The Role of Maternal Diet and Iron-folic Acid Supplements in Influencing Birth Weight: Evidence from India’s National Family Health Survey |
Authors: |
Malhotra N, Upadhyay RP, Bhilwar M, Choy N, and Green T |
Source: |
Journal of Tropical Pediatrics, 60(6):454-60. doi: 10.1093/tropej/fmu051. |
Topic(s): |
Birth weight Iron supplements Maternal health Nutrition
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Country: |
Asia
India
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Published: |
DEC 2014 |
Abstract: |
Aim: To examine the role of maternal diet in determining low birth weight (LBW) in Indian infants.
Methods: Data from the National Family Health Survey (2005–06) were used. Multivariate regression analysis was used to analyse the effect of maternal diet on infant birth weight.
Results: Infants whose mothers consumed milk and curd daily [odds ratio (OR), 1.17; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.06–1.29]; fruits daily (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.07–1.36) or weekly (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.02–1.24) had higher odds of not having a low birth weight baby. The daily consumption of pulses and beans (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.02–1.36) increased the odds while weekly consumption of fish (OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.70–0.89) decreased the odds of not having a LBW infant. Intake of iron–folic acid supplements during pregnancy increased birth weight by 6.46 g per month.
Conclusion: Improved intake of micronutrient-rich foods can increase birth weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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