Micronutrient Intake and Haemoglobin Status in Early Pregnancy: A Cross-sectional Study from North Karnataka, India

Introduction: Nutrition during pregnancy plays a crucial role in maternal and foetal health. Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA) remains a significant public health problem in India, contributing to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Understanding dietary micronutrient intake in early pregnancy is essential for designing effective interventions. Aim: To evaluate dietary intake of key micronutrients (iron, folic acid, and Vitamin C) and assess their association with Haemoglobin (Hb) concentration during the first trimester of pregnancy in North Karnataka, India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 175 first-trimester pregnant women attending antenatal clinics (ANCs) at KLE Hospital and Research Centre, Belagavi, Karnataka, during June 2023 to May 2024. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Parameters studied included Hb levels and daily intakes of iron, folic acid, and Vitamin C. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 for the Chi-square test, Spearman’s rank correlation, one-sample t-test and Two-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA using Statista app. A p-value