Low vegetable intake in pregnancy and associated maternal factors: A review

Healthy eating is identified as a priority in pregnancy. Vegetables are low-energy, nutrient-dense foods that support health. Needs of populations differ by demographics; as such, there is a need to investigate vegetable intake in pregnant women of lower socioeconomic status (SES). The aim of this scoping review was (1) to describe vegetable intake during pregnancy in servings or grams and compare vegetable intake to recommendations and (2) to explore the relationship between vegetable intake during pregnancy and maternal SES character-istics. Using Arksey and O'Malley's framework and the Preferred Reporting Items for Sys-tematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews, studies were identified in a search of electronic databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, Global Health, and Scopus) published up to July 2021. All observational studies assessing vegetable intake in pregnancy, written in English, and conducted in an energy-replete context worldwide were included for review. Forty-seven publications met inclusion criteria. Although vegetable intake of pregnant women varies across populations, vegetable intake falls below recommendations worldwide. Studies investigating older age (n = 9), higher education (n = 7), higher income (n = 4), and vegetable intake consistently found a positive association, whereas a negative association with food insecurity (n = 4) was identified. Other variables explored that may influence vegetable intake was limited and too fragmented to generalize. Inconsistencies and possible inaccuracies in reporting vegetable intake may be related to the considerable variation in tools used for assessing vegetable intake. In conclusion, low vegetable intake in pregnancy needs to be addressed, with a particular focus on women of lower SES because of greater vulnerability to low vegetable intake.(c) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This scoping review examined vegetable intake in pregnant women of lower socioeconomic status (SES). The findings revealed that vegetable intake falls below recommendations worldwide among pregnant women. Older age, higher education, higher income, and vegetable intake were consistently associated positively, while food insecurity was negatively associated. The variations in reporting vegetable intake may be due to the differences in assessment tools used.