Patient's question:
What nutrients should be supplemented during pregnancy?Such as calcium, iron, vitamins, etc. What should be the main focus?
What is suitable for pregnant women?
Without side effects?
Doctor's answer:
Hello: Pregnancy diet should be balanced in nutrition, paying attention to the increase and decrease in nutritional intake. The following lists several nutrients suitable for pregnant women:(1) Protein: To meet the needs of the fetus and the mother, daily protein intake should increase by 6-12 grams. It is best for half of this to come from high-quality animal protein sources such as eggs, milk, fish, and meat. Plant-based protein can be increased by consuming more soybean products like soy milk and tofu.
(2) Calcium: Sufficient calcium intake can support fetal growth and help maintain bone health to prevent osteoporosis later in life. Therefore, it is recommended to drink 3-4 cups of milk daily and consume dark green vegetables, whole grains, and eggs.
(3) Iron: During pregnancy and childbirth, an additional 30-50 milligrams of iron should be supplemented daily to compensate for blood loss. To achieve the appropriate amount, doctors may prescribe iron supplements. However, to avoid interactions between food and iron supplements, they should be taken one hour before meals or two hours after meals with water or juice. High-iron foods include egg yolks, liver, and meat.
(4) Iodine: Sufficient iodine helps produce more thyroid hormones to support the regulation of basal metabolic rate during pregnancy.
(5) Vitamins A and C: To meet growth needs, it is important to consume plenty of vitamins A and C. Vitamin A sources include egg yolks, butter, liver, carrots, tomatoes, pumpkins, and spinach. Vitamin C sources include fresh fruits and vegetables such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruits.
(6) B Vitamins: The body needs B vitamins to produce energy and promote protein metabolism. Sources of B vitamins include soybeans, milk, and liver.