The National WIC Evaluation: evaluation of the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children. V. Longitudinal study of pregnant women

Abstract

The major associations with the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in pregnancy were increased intake of protein, iron, calcium, and vitamin C (four of five targeted nutrients) and of energy, magnesium, phosphorus, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, and vitamin B-12; reversal of low weight gain in early pregnancy; smaller fat stores in late pregnancy; reduced frequency of premature rupture of the uterine membranes; larger infant head circumference with no effect on birth weight and length; increased birth weight and head circumference with better program quality; and lower fetal mortality of appreciable but not significant magnitude. Incremental energy intake was comparable to that in most small-scale supplementation trials. There was no evidence of effects on frequency of prenatal care, use of alcohol or tobacco, the intention to breast-feed, or the rate of breast-feeding. Maternal alcohol intake was associated with depressed infant head circumference, over and above effects on birth weight and length.

Policy and public health recommendations to promote the initiation and duration of breast-feeding in developed country settings

“…This is consistent with the evidence base for strategies promoting changes in lifestyle which tend to be demonstrated in the medium to long term (39)(40)(41) and in association with increased length of participation in the programme (42,43) .…”

A Qualitative Study of Motivators and Barriers to Healthy Eating in Pregnancy for Low-Income, Overweight, African-American Mothers

“…Our findings that food access, availability, and cost negatively influenced diet quality also differed from the Paul et al paper, 14 which may in part reflect our solely urban, African-American, overweight sample (compared to Paul's mixed race, mixed BMI, mixed urban and rural population) and the fact that only half of our sample took advantage of WIC benefits at the time of their interview (since data suggest that WIC participation does lead to improved diet quality). 26 …”

Social determinants of health and the design of health programmes for the poor

“…Nutritional benefits are generally agreed to accrue especially to the most disadvantaged women and infants. 21 There is some controversy surrounding the evaluation of positive outcomes in this programme. 22 However, a national evaluation using data from 1980 to 1985 showed that children receiving such benefits were significantly more likely to have a regular source of health care, and that the incidence of iron deficiency anaemia was reduced in participating infants, with the strongest dietary effects seen in the poorest children and those from large families or from households with a female head.…”