Use of dietary supplements among pregnant women in the center of Jordan

Abstract

Background: Balanced nutrition during pregnancy is necessary to meet the increasing demands of both maternal physiological changes and fetal growth. The present study aimed to investigate types of dietary supplements used by pregnant women living in central Jordan during the three pregnancy trimesters compared by socio-demographic factors. Methods: This was a prospective observational study which was carried out at a major university hospital in the center of Jordan between March 2017 and December 2018. Two hundred and eighty five pregnant Jordanian women were conveniently recruited to take part in the study. Data was collected by an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire, and results were analyzed. Results: The findings showed that 96.8% of the recruited women used supplements during pregnancy. The most frequently used nutrients combined with multivitamins were iron (71.9%),vitamin D (64.2%) and folic acid (33%). Furthermore, the most frequently used single nutrients were calcium (67%), iron (55.8%), Vitamin D (47.8%), Folic acid (15.6%) and omega-3 fatty acids (6.3%). Intake of supplements varied in the three pregnancy trimesters. Use of vitamin D, calcium and iron-containing supplements were higher in the third trimester (85.6%, 89.2% and 91.4%, respectively) compared to the second trimester (62.5%, 67.7% and 77.1%, respectively) and the first trimester (8%, 4% and 8%, respectively) (P <.001). Conclusion: Compliance with the intake of some nutrient supplements among pregnant Jordanian women living in the center of Jordan is acceptable, where 96.8% used dietary supplements. While 71.9%, 67%, 64.2% and 33% used Iron, calcium, Vitamin D and Folic acid respectively, more efforts are required to educate pregnant women and raise the awareness about the importance of supplement intake particularly in defiance cases in order to avoid maternal and fetal complications. 2020