Case study

Vegan Diet during Pregnancy

• Ms. Lederman, a healthy 32-year-old
woman entering her thirteenth week of
pregnancy, asks her doctor for a referral to
a dietitian to discuss her vegan diet. She
receives the referral, and while making an
appointment with the nutrition consulting
service, she is asked to record her food
intake for 3 days prior to the appointment.
Ms. L follows the instructions she was given and carefully completes a 3-day food record.
Prior to the appointment, she sends her food record to the dietitian she will be seeing.

• During the appointment, the dietitian learns that Ms. L started pregnancy at normal weight,
has gained 3 pounds so far in pregnancy, has no history of iron or another nutrient deficiency,
and is experiencing a normal course of pregnancy. Ms. L has been a vegan since the age of
16, and although she believes it is good for her health, she worries that her baby may not be
getting the nutrients she or he needs. Ms. L wears sunscreen whenever she goes outside, so
she makes little or no vitamin D in her skin. She makes sure to combine plant sources of
protein (usually dried beans and grains), so she’ll consume complete sources of protein every
day.

Results of the dietary analysis performed by the dietitian showed the following average calorie
and nutrient intake levels:

• Kcal: 2237 • Protein, g: 71

• Linoleic acid (n-6 fatty acids), g: 15.2

• Alpha-linolenic acid (n-3 fatty acids), g: 0.54

• Vitamin B12, mcg: 2.1

• Vitamin D, mcg: 3 (120 IU)

• Zinc, mg: 15
• Questions

1. What initial information have you gathered?

2. Is Ms. L consuming enough protein?

3. Based on the information presented, which nutrients are consumed in amounts

that are below the DRI standard for pregnancy?

4. Suggest three types of food Ms. L could consume to bring up her intake of the nutrients
identified in question 3.
 1. What initial information have you gathered?

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2. Is Ms. L consuming enough protein?

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 3. Based on the information presented, which nutrients are consumed in amounts that are below
the DRI standard for pregnancy?

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 3. Suggest three types of food Ms. L could consume to bring up her intake of the nutrients
identified in question 3.

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