Effects on pregnant adolescents of attending a special school

Data on nutrient intakes and blood vitamin levels were obtained for twenty-nine pregnant adolescents attending a special school for pregnant school-age girls in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Except for calcium and iron, mean intakes were equal to or greater than the Recommended Dietary Allowances. Food eaten at school contributed 35 to 43% of the total nutrient intake. Mean blood vitamin levels were normal to high, although about a fourth of the girls had low levels of vitamin B6 and folate. All except one delivered normal, full-term infants. It was concluded that attendance at such a special school contributes to normal pregnancy outcome among teen-age mothers.