Patient's question:
Pregnant for five and a half months, I always feel my legs twitch a bit. I wonder if it's because I'm lacking calcium. If I am, how should I supplement it? What kind of calcium supplement is best to take? Thank you for your concern. The assistance I want: I want to understand what kind of calcium supplement to take for pregnant women...Doctor's answer:
Eat more calcium-rich foods, such as dairy products, animal livers, eggs, beans, nuts, shrimp, sesame paste, kelp, seafood, hawthorn, and many green vegetables (, but pay attention to dietary combinations to prevent calcium from combining with phytic acid and oxalic acid in certain foods to form insoluble calcium salts, which may hinder the full utilization of calcium. Foods rich in phytic acid and oxalic acid include spinach, bamboo shoots, etc., so avoid cooking these vegetables with calcium-rich foods.Advice: If you cannot obtain the required amount of calcium through food, you may take calcium supplements under the guidance of a doctor. Currently, common calcium supplements in China and their calcium content are as follows: Calcium Carbonate (40%), Calcium Chloride (27%), Calcium Hydrogen Carbonate (23%), Calcium Citrate (21%), Calcium Lactate (13%), and Calcium Gluconate (9%). Generally, calcium supplements indicate their calcium content in two ways: either the amount of calcium compound or the amount of elemental calcium. When purchasing calcium supplements, pay attention to the calcium content based on elemental calcium as indicated on the product packaging. However, relying solely on calcium content as the standard for calcium supplements is one-sided. You should also consider factors such as solubility, bioavailability, price, and taste. For example, vitamin D is one of the most important regulators of calcium and phosphorus metabolism. Therefore, sufficient vitamin D should be provided in calcium supplements to enhance calcium absorption. However, note that drinking tea immediately after taking calcium supplements is not recommended.
Additionally, pregnant women should take adequate calcium, as excessive calcium intake may interfere with the absorption of other nutrients like iron, leading to constipation and hypercalcemia in pregnant women, and even kidney stones.
Doctor's Advice: Regular sun exposure and sufficient ultraviolet light can promote the production of vitamin D in the body, reducing calcium absorption; while exercising more and engaging in bone and joint movements, such as stretching exercises, can stabilize the nutritional status of bone and muscle, reducing bone density.
The above advice is for the question "What calcium should pregnant women eat if they are calcium-deficient." I hope it helps you. Wishing you good health!