A case-control study of maternal nutrition and neural tube defects in Northern Ireland

• Published in: Midwifery 1995-09, Vol.11 (3), p.146-152
• Main Author: Wright, Marion E
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Case-Control Studies; Defects; Factors; Female; Humans; Maternal nutrition; Neural Tube Defects - etiology; Neural tubes; Northern Ireland; Nursing; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Nutritional Status; Pregnancy
• ISSN: 0266-6138; 1532-3099
• DOI: 10.1016/0266-6138(95)90029-2

Objective: to compare dietary intake and biochemical indices of nutritional status in women following birth of a baby/termination of a pregnancy affected by neural tube defect (NTD) and women with a normal baby. Design: quantitative, using case control methods. Setting: dietary records were completed by women in their own home, blood samples were taken in the local health centres. Participants: 15 women referred to the study following an affected pregnancy (subjects), matched with 15 women whose pregnancy outcome was normal (controls). Measurements and findings: 7-day weighed dietary records indicated no statistically significant differences in nutrient intake but a tendency for lower fruit and vegetable consumption in subjects than in controls. Biochemical analysis of nutritional status showed that levels of serum vitamin B 12 were significantly lower in subjects, and activities of two of the nucleotide salvage pathway enzymes were significantly higher. Key conclusions: the findings are consistent with the findings of other research on NTD and the metabolism of folate and vitamin B 12. Implications for practice: this study, and other research in this area, has implications for health professionals, including midwives with their particular involvement in prenatal care, and also highlights the need for a clearer focus on nutrition in nursing and midwifery education.