Dietary pattern, nutrient intake, and oral symptoms in a sample of pregnant women in Malaysia

Zaidah Ibrahim, . and Norkhafizah Saddki, . and Ruhaya Hasan, . (2023) Dietary pattern, nutrient intake, and oral symptoms in a sample of pregnant women in Malaysia. Malaysian Journal of Nutrition (Malaysia), 29 (3). pp. 553-572. ISSN 1394 – 035X

Introduction: Nutritional requirements of pregnant women differ considerably from those of non-pregnant women. Nutritional status during pregnancy is critical to maintain health, including oral health, and to promote growth and development of the baby. This study assessed dietary pattern, nutrient intake, and oral symptoms among pregnant women. Methods: Seventy-one women with singleton pregnancy attending a public healthcare centre in Malaysia participated in this cross-sectional study. Dietary pattern and nutrient intake of the women were assessed using food frequency questionnaire and 3-day 24-hour diet recall, respectively. Information on sociodemographic and obstetric profiles, and oral symptoms were obtained from self-administered questionnaire. Results: White rice, chicken, green leafy vegetables, granulated sugar, and salt were foods most consumed. Intakes of iron, folate, vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, iodine, zinc, and fluoride for most respondents were below Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI). Cavitated tooth (46.5%), bleeding gums (35.2%), pain upon eating and drinking (23.9%), and bad breath (23.9%) were common oral symptoms reported. Significant association was found between complaint of brown, yellow, and white spots on tooth surface with vitamin A intake, and between complaint of bleeding gums with zinc intake. Conclusion: Intake of most nutrients by most respondents in this study was below the RNI. Oral symptoms were common and a few were associated with nutrient intakes.

Full text available from: Official URL: https://maljnutr.org.my/publication/29-3/Vol%2029(...

Abstract

Introduction: Nutritional requirements of pregnant women differ considerably from those of non-pregnant women. Nutritional status during pregnancy is critical to maintain health, including oral health, and to promote growth and development of the baby. This study assessed dietary pattern, nutrient intake, and oral symptoms among pregnant women. Methods: Seventy-one women with singleton pregnancy attending a public healthcare centre in Malaysia participated in this cross-sectional study. Dietary pattern and nutrient intake of the women were assessed using food frequency questionnaire and 3-day 24-hour diet recall, respectively. Information on sociodemographic and obstetric profiles, and oral symptoms were obtained from self-administered questionnaire. Results: White rice, chicken, green leafy vegetables, granulated sugar, and salt were foods most consumed. Intakes of iron, folate, vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, iodine, zinc, and fluoride for most respondents were below Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI). Cavitated tooth (46.5%), bleeding gums (35.2%), pain upon eating and drinking (23.9%), and bad breath (23.9%) were common oral symptoms reported. Significant association was found between complaint of brown, yellow, and white spots on tooth surface with vitamin A intake, and between complaint of bleeding gums with zinc intake. Conclusion: Intake of most nutrients by most respondents in this study was below the RNI. Oral symptoms were common and a few were associated with nutrient intakes.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	pregnancy
AGROVOC Term:	nutrients
AGROVOC Term:	foods
AGROVOC Term:	diet
AGROVOC Term:	tooth diseases
AGROVOC Term:	gums
AGROVOC Term:	vitamin A deficiency
AGROVOC Term:	zinc
AGROVOC Term:	dietary assessment
AGROVOC Term:	nutrient intake
Geographical Term:	Malaysia
Uncontrolled Keywords:	dietary intake, nutrients, oral health, pregnancy, pregnant women
Depositing User:	Ms. Azariah Hashim
Date Deposited:	16 Jun 2026 03:17
Last Modified:	16 Jun 2026 03:17
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/3646

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