We investigated the association between maternal diet pattern and birth weight among workers in a large petrochemical industry, Beijing, China. Women were enrolled when they visited a hospital to deliver a baby during 1994-1998. Diet pattern was assessed by a trained interviewer using a food frequency questionnaire. Detailed information was also collected on potential confounders.
1248 women provided data for analyses. Regression analyses were performed to examine the association between the intake of major food categories and birth weight. The final model included gestational age in linear and quadratic terms, infant sex, season of birth, mother's pre-pregnancy body mass index, mother's height, father's height, father's education level, and mother's solvent exposure.
Mean birth weight was 3411 grams. After adjusting for confounders, frequent meat intake (³1 kg per week) was associated with increased birth weight (+125 grams, 95% CI, +39 to +211), and less frequent than seasonal intake of carrots or green leafy vegetables was associated with reduced birth weight (-109 grams, 95% CI, -184 to -34). Babies born in the spring were smaller than those born in the fall season (-111 grams, 95% CI, -175 to -46).
This study suggests that maternal diet intake has a significant effect on birth weight. Diet recommendations during pregnancy need to be tailored to the context of a specific population.
Learning Objectives: The participant in this session will be able to: 1. Discuss some of major predictors of birth weight. 2. Discuss the effect of meat intake and consumption of carrots and leafy vegetables on birth weight 3. Outline a study design to investigate the association between dietary intake of certain food and birth outcomes
Keywords: Birth Outcomes, Food and Nutrition
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.