Subclinical thiamine deficiency is associated with traditional dietary practices among lactating women: A community-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background

Thiamine deficiency is an important cause of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. It is especially common among women who follow customary dietary restrictions.

Aim

To estimate the prevalence of subclinical thiamine deficiency among lactating mothers following customary dietary restrictions and to compare it with age-matched controls.

Method

A community-based cross-sectional study, conducted on healthy lactating mothers. Study subjects consisted of two groups namely “Exposure group” (mothers on customary dietary restrictions and “Control group” (mothers consuming more diverse diet). Relevant demographic and clinical information were noted. Thiamine status was checked by blood thiamine diphosphate (TDP) estimation using high-performance liquid chromatography. A TDP concentration below 90 nmol/L was considered as thiamine deficiency.

Results

Exposure group mothers significantly belonged to lower socioeconomic class and had fewer years of formal education. Mean Maternal TDP level was lower in the Exposure group (148.5 ± 62.9 nmol/L) compared to the Control group (183.5 ± 76.1 nmol/L). 11.64% of mothers in the Exposure group and 3.5% of mothers in the Control group were found to be thiamine-deficient. There was a significant correlation between maternal and infant blood TDP levels.

Conclusion

Women following customary dietary restrictions significantly belonged to lower socioeconomic class and had fewer years of formal education. The prevalence of subclinical thiamine deficiency was higher in the Exposure group mothers. These findings highlight the need for awareness campaigns to educate women of childbearing age on the importance of a diverse, balanced diet and thiamine supplementation during pregnancy and lactation.