Dietary intake of Aberdeen primigravidae in 1950/51 and 1984/85.

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Abstract
In 1984‐85 a randorn sample of maried primigravidae in Aberdeen completed a 7‐d weighed diet survey in the seventh month of pregnancy. The results are compared with a similar local survey conducted in 1950/51 and with other recent studies in the United Kingdom. Daily intake of nutrients were less in 1984/85 then in 1950/51. Although it is likely that there has been a real reduction, problems arise about direct comparison of values because of methods of calculation. Both surveys came to certain conclusions, including that taller women ate more than shorter women, that birthweight was not associated with distary intake and that smokers had a significantly reduced intake of ascorbic acid. Although wives of non‐manual workers tended to have higher nutrient intakes than other wives, the difference only reached marginal significanc for ascorbic acid in 1950/51 and for protein and calcium in 1984/85. The wife's occupation was more discriminating than that of the husband, particularly in 1984‐85, although the changes in the occupational structure necessitated a redivision of occupations. In 1984/85, women in professional occupations ate significantly more of all items except energy, fat and thiamin compared with clerical and other workers. Although 34 years apart, the two surveys showed that the proportion of energy derived from fat was unchanged (38.5%) whereas the proportion of protein had increased, offset by a reduction in carbohydrate. There were no significant differences in the components of energy by occupational group in either survey, irresective of the classification used. Evidence indicates by NACNE (1983). The recent study adds to the accumulation evidence that the DHSS (1979) recommendations for the diet of pregnant women are unrealistic.