Three food pattern-based indices diagnose lactating women's nutritional inadequacies in Argentina: A clinimetric approach using diet quality indicators and breast milk biomarkers

CORTEZ, MARIELA VALENTINA; MIRANDA, AGUSTÍN RAMIRO; SCOTTA, ANA VERONICA; SORIA, ELIO ANDRÉS

NUTRITION RESEARCH

PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD

Año: 2022 vol. 107 p. 152 - 164

0271-5317

Diet is a health foundation that supports breastfeeding and enables lactating women´s recovery. This study aimed to develop 3 valid diet adherence indices by clinimetric contrast with different parameters. We hypothesize that the 3 diet adherence-based indices are positively correlated with diet quality and milk biomarkers and directly related to calcium, fiber, and energy intake. A cross-sectional study recorded food frequency, anthropometric and dietary measures, and milk analysis to estimate correlations, sensitivity, and specificity (n = 284). Three reliable indices agreed by >75% with food frequency: macronutritional (MDI), phytochemical (PDI), and energetic (EDI), which correlated positively to the Fat Quality Index and Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women. MDI and EDI correlated negatively to the Healthy Plant-Based Diet Index (H-PBDI), whereas PDI correlated positively. MDI correlated positively to the protein-to-carbohydrate ratio, whereas EDI correlated negatively. Inadequate intakes of calcium, fiber, and energy were indicated by MDI