[Assesment of energy and basic components intake in selected group of the breastfeeding women].

BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding is considered the most beneficial, natural nutrition for babies. Qualitative and quantitative composition of breast milk is ideal for implementing all the nutritional needs of infants up to 6 months of age, assuming that the nursing mother's diet is correct.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the intake of energy, proteins, fat, carbohydrates and cholesterol in the group of 100 breastfeeding women, aged 19 to 38 years, from Masovian province.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: The survey was conducted from September 2010 to March 2011. The results were obtained using a questionnaire survey and the 3-day dietary records method.

RESULTS: Energy intake was compatible with the norms in 9% of women. As many as 91% of respondents characterized too high energy intake. Protein intake according to the norm was recorded in 64% of women, fat in 45% of respondents. Recommendations intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids was observed in 61% of group, saturated acids in 15% of women, carbohydrate in case of 36% of respondents. Cholesterol intake was too high at 45% of women. There was a statistically significant effect of education on intake of total fat and saturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fats, sucrose and energy value. Women with higher education consumed 12% to 20% more of these nutrients compared to women with secondary education.

CONCLUSIONS: There is need for further education of women during lactation on the importance of their properly balanced diet, as assessed food rations of lactating women have shown a lot of irregularities.