[Diet and lipid status in pregnant women]

Pregnancy increases the requirement for nutrients and changes the metabolism of lipids and other compounds. We investigated the dietary composition and followed the changes in serum lipids during pregnancy among 20 women age 25-36 years. The women's diet was stable during pregnancy, but the intake of vitamin D, iron and fibre was lower than the national recommendations. Fat provided about 31% of the energy, saturated fat 12%. The total cholesterol concentration rose from 4.4 (95% confidence interval 4.2-4.6) to 7.0 mmol/l (6.5-7.5) (p < 0.0001) without changes in dietary composition. Even in this group of health-conscious, pregnant women the diet did not meet the national dietary recommendations. In addition, the composition of the fat in the diet was unfavourable. Optimal follow-up of pregnant women should include dietary counselling.