Dietary supplement intake and sleep quality among pregnant women in Johor, Malaysia: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

The use of dietary supplements to improve well-being, including sleep quality, is increasing. This study aimed to describe dietary supplement use and determine the association between supplement intake and sleep quality among pregnant women in Johor, Malaysia. In this cross-sectional study, 131 pregnant women aged 18-49 in Johor Bahru were recruited through purposive sampling. Data collected included socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, lifestyle factors, pregnancy status, supplement intake, and sleep quality, which were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Most subjects (93.9%) consumed at least one to two types of supplements, with prenatal supplements being the most common (51.2%). Most micronutrient intake from supplements was below the Recommended Nutrient Intake for Malaysia 2017, except for folic acid. Approximately half of the subjects (49.6%) exceeded the tolerable upper intake level for folic acid. Subjects who took supplements had a mean PSQI score of 7.1 ± 3.3, with a significant association between the intake of vitamin B12, vitamin C, or zinc and good sleep quality. In conclusion, most pregnant women in Johor consume one to two types of supplements daily. The intake of vitamin B12, vitamin C, and zinc is associated with good sleep quality in pregnant women. These findings raise concerns about the overconsumption of folic acid among pregnant women and underscore the need for healthcare professionals to provide accurate information and discuss potential risks related to supplement overconsumption.