Patient's question:
Detailed medical condition and consultation purpose: I am 7 months pregnant. Two months ago, a blood test revealed zinc and calcium deficiency, after which I took Luye and gluconate zinc. However, recent tests still show zinc and calcium deficiency. What should I do?First follow-up question: Thank you for Dr. Li's answer.
What should I do about zinc deficiency? Zinc deficiency affects the baby's intelligence, and I'm very worried. What can I do? Can I get an injection?
Doctor's answer:
Hello; if the check still shows calcium deficiency, then the only solution is to continue supplementing. Pregnant women need 40 grams of calcium throughout their entire pregnancy, most of which accumulates in the first three months of pregnancy. During these three months, they need to supplement 1.2 grams of calcium per day. Milk is rich in calcium, with 1 kilogram of milk containing 1.2 grams of calcium. In developed countries, where people primarily consume milk, pregnant women rarely suffer from calcium deficiency. In China, if women consume 250 to 500 grams of milk daily, their calcium intake is insufficient. However, pregnant women have sufficient calcium stored in their bones, which can be easily mobilized. Additionally, pregnant women have enhanced calcium absorption, so generally, first-time pregnant women do not lack calcium, and their newborns will not either. In the later stages of pregnancy, some pregnant women experience leg cramps, and supplementing with calcium can alleviate these symptoms. Generally, calcium supplementation can be approached from the following three aspects.(1) Drinking 250 grams of milk in the morning and evening each day can supplement approximately 600 milligrams of calcium.
(2) Consuming more calcium-rich foods, such as bone broth, fish, and shrimp.
(3) Supplementing with calcium, preferably with a calcium supplement that is easily absorbable.
If the above (1) and (2) are sufficient, there is generally no need to supplement with calcium. Pregnant women who dislike drinking milk can take 600 milligrams of easily absorbable calcium daily.