The use of nutritional supplements, which is becoming increasingly popular today, should be handled more carefully during pregnancy. In particular, the intake of multivitamins should not be random. The necessary vitamins and minerals should be taken through food first, and supplements should be applied for increasing nutritional needs. Let's briefly consider the important vitamins in this process, namely vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, iodine, iron, folic acid and zinc, respectively.
Should I Take Vitamin and Mineral Supplements?
Due to the increased metabolic rate during pregnancy, a certain amount of vitamin C should be taken with foods every day. Especially in the last three months of pregnancy, a little more vitamin C than normal is needed for the continuation of the mother's iron stores. To increase iron absorption, pregnant women should be advised to consume foods rich in iron and vitamin C together. It would be reasonable to consume vegetable iron sources, for example, legumes, as well as greens and lemon salads.
The Ministry of Health in our country has created an 'Iron Supplementation Program' due to the maternal and fetal effects of iron deficiency during pregnancy. It recommends daily iron supplementation to all pregnant women for a total of nine months, starting from the fourth month (second trimester) for six months and three months postpartum. It is important to include iron-rich foods such as red meat, poultry, legumes, dried fruits, molasses, whole grains and enriched grain products in the pregnancy nutrition program.
About 90% of the required vitamin D comes from sunlight and 10% from food. Vitamin D is naturally found in fatty fish, liver, egg yolk, mushrooms, and in small amounts in red meat and cheese. Low vitamin D levels increase the risk of gestational diabetes or preeclampsia. Therefore, pregnant women with low vitamin D levels should not be negligent about supplementation. It is also known that there is an increase in bad bacteria in the microbiota of people who do not see enough sunlight during pregnancy.
Calcium absorption increases during pregnancy and this need can be completed with nutrients. However, some authorities consider the recommendation of individual calcium supplementation appropriate. Negative interactions between iron and calcium supplements may occur if taken as a supplement. Two nutritional supplements should be applied at intervals of a few hours.
The need for iodine increases during pregnancy. Especially for the iodine mineral, which plays an important role in thyroid functions, the Turkish Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (TEMD) recommends 250 µg/day iodine intake during pregnancy and lactation.
The need for folic acid during pregnancy increases by 50% and reaches 600 mcg/day. Consumption of foods rich in folate (green leafy vegetables, orange juice, nuts, beans) in the diet is unfortunately not enough to meet the increasing need during pregnancy. For this reason, it is recommended by the Ministry of Health in our country to give 400 mcg/day folic acid supplementation in addition to the diet, starting from the pre-pregnancy period, and to continue this support during the first three months of pregnancy to prevent the risk of neural tube defects. Pregnancy planning is more meaningful in this respect.
Zinc is a necessary element. It also plays a role in growth and development, the functions of enzymes in protein structure and the development of the immune system of the fetus. Adequate intake of food should be supported, and personalized supplementation is recommended.
Foods first, then supplements
The most important thing is to try to eat a balanced diet first and to take vitamins and minerals that are highly absorbed in foods. Your doctor will recommend all these vitamin-mineral supplements to you when deemed necessary. Your doctor will determine the most accurate dose according to your gestational week.
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