Take care of yourself and your baby with these 7 food supplements

Presse Santé

When it comes to pregnancy and dietary supplements, there is a lot of information floating around. It can be difficult to know what to take and what to avoid. But with a little research, you can make the right choices for you and your baby. Here are seven dietary supplements allowed during pregnancy.

What are the most recommended dietary supplements for women during pregnancy?

Folic acid:

Folic acid is important for pregnant women because it helps prevent certain birth defects in the baby’s spine and brain. These defects, called neural tube defects, can occur as early as the first weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman even knows she is pregnant.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all women planning pregnancy take a daily supplement of 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid. Women whose previous pregnancy was marked by a neural tube defect should take a higher dose, 4,000 mcg per day. Folic acid may also help prevent other birth defects, such as cleft lip and cleft palate. Consult your healthcare professional for the amount of folic acid you need.

Vitamin D :

Vitamin D is important for several reasons during pregnancy. It helps the body to absorb calcium. It also helps regulate cell growth and protect the immune system.

Some studies have even shown that vitamin D can help reduce the risk of preterm labor. For all these reasons, it is important for pregnant women to ensure that they are getting enough vitamin D. Although the sun is a good source of vitamin D, supplements may be needed to ensure that both mother and baby are getting sufficient intake of this essential nutrient.

Magnesium:

Magnesium is a vital mineral for pregnant women. It plays a role in everything from bone formation to blood pressure regulation. It is therefore not surprising that magnesium supplements are often recommended for pregnant women.

Studies have shown that magnesium supplementation can help improve pregnancy outcomes, including reducing the risk of preterm labor and pre-eclampsia. Additionally, magnesium has been shown to improve fetal brain development and may even help reduce the risk of autism spectrum disorders. For pregnant women, taking magnesium supplements can therefore offer a range of benefits for both mother and baby.

Omega 3 :

Omega-3 fatty acids are important for the development of the nervous system and the brain. They can also help reduce inflammation throughout the body. During pregnancy, omega-3 supplements can help alleviate morning sickness and promote a healthy appetite. They may also reduce the risk of postpartum depression and improve cognitive function after birth. In addition, omega-3 supplements help protect the developing baby against infection and disease. For all these reasons, omega-3 supplements are an important part of a healthy diet during pregnancy.

Iodine:

Iodine is an essential nutrient that contributes to the proper functioning of the thyroid. It is especially important for pregnant women for its ability to ensure better development of the fetus. Iodine supplements can help prevent iodine deficiencies, which can lead to developmental delays and birth defects. Additionally, iodine supplements may help reduce the risk of miscarriage and preterm labor. Iodine deficiency is a serious problem in many parts of the world, and it is estimated that more than two billion people are affected. However, iodine deficiency can be easily prevented with iodine supplements.

Calcium:

This essential mineral contributes to the formation of strong bones and teeth. As it also plays a role in nerve function, blood clotting and muscle contraction. While most pregnant women can meet their calcium needs through their diet, some need supplements to ensure they get enough of this vital nutrient. Calcium supplements can help prevent pregnancy-related high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia, and they can also reduce the risk of certain types of birth defects. For pregnant women who cannot or do not want to consume dairy products, calcium supplements can be an important part of a healthy diet.

Vitamin B4 or choline:

This often overlooked nutrient is choline, which plays an important role in fetal brain development. Although it can be found in certain foods, such as eggs and beef. Many pregnant women do not get enough of it in their diet. Therefore, they can turn to dietary supplements to ensure they are getting enough of this important nutrient.

Choline supplements have been shown to improve cognitive function in pregnant women and reduce the risk of birth defects. Additionally, choline has been linked to a reduced risk of pre-eclampsia, a serious condition that can occur during pregnancy. For expectant mothers, choline supplements can therefore offer a range of benefits.

* Presse Santé strives to transmit health knowledge in a language accessible to all. In NO CASE, the information given can not replace the advice of a health professional.

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