It is well established that adequate nutrition during pregnancy and lactation is important for ensuring the health of both mother and infant. One potential barrier to adequate nutrition is ‘food taboos’, culturally driven food avoidances that go beyond personal taste or preference.

The purpose of this study is to characterize the food taboos of pregnant and lactating women in rural Cambodia, and to evaluate their potential nutritional and health impacts. While multiple foods have been traditionally excluded from the maternal diet in Cambodia, it is unclear what proportion of the population adheres to food taboos, and whether avoided foods are replaced by foods of similar nutritional value.

We believe that dietary restrictions stemming from food taboos contribute to poor energy, protein, and micronutrient intakes in women, and as such taboos are a contributing factor to poor health status amongst women and children. This research will help provide a better understanding of the nutritional context of Cambodian women and help inform the possible development of culturally appropriate nutritional interventions to address maternal and infant malnutrition.

Data for this study were collected as part of the Trial of thiamine supplementation in Cambodia study, with partners including Helen Keller International Cambodia, the Cambodian Ministry of Health, and many others. Learn more about the trial here.