[Nutrition status evaluation of the women at reproductive age. Uses and limitations]

Information is given about the main methods for nutrition status evaluation of the woman, this information is oriented to three stages of the woman's life cycle: adult stage, gestation stage and lactation stage. The usefulness as well as the limitations of the diet surveys are discussed. The main anthropometric indicators are presented, useful in the clinical practice to evaluate nutrition status of the non-pregnant woman (body mass index, waist/hip index and skinfolds), pregnant woman (percentage of expected weight for height and gestation age, weight gain during pregnancy, height of fundus of uterus, arm circumference and skinfolds) and lactating woman (weight loss and skinfolds). The most important nutrition status biochemical indicators are discussed. At last some special evaluation technics as measurements of body composition and balance methods are discussed.