Nutrıtıonal Status Of Mothers Havıng Chıldren Wıth Neural Tube Defects

Abstract

In this study, mothers having one or more children with neural tube defects (NTD) were investigated. Avarage daily food consumption o f these mothers were compared with recommended values o f FAO, WHO and RDA. Findings indicated that comsumption of energy, protein, calcium, vitamin A, riboflavin, niacin, copper and basicly iron, zinc and folic acid are insufficient for these mothers. The most insufficient nutrient is folat. Most o f these mothers were in low socioeconomic status both with lower education or trainning. It is concluded that mothers at risk should be supplied with folic acid and/or multivitamin together with nutrition education and intervention before pregnancy.