Food supplements and pregnancy: our advice

Pregnancy is a time of transformation and growth, not only for the newborn but also for the pregnant woman. Fertility is a complex topic whose origin gives rise to many opinions and theories among experts.

The intake of essential nutrients then becomes essential to support this growth. But where does its origin come from? Pregnancy food supplements, enriched with vitamins and minerals, prove to be valuable allies in meeting the specific needs of this unique period.

Throughout the month of March, the articles we offer you are dedicated to exploring together the world of food supplements, also called in the article "CA", dedicated to pregnant women, to support them in pregnancy.

Folic acid plays a crucial role in preventing neural tube defects in infants, while iron prevents anemia and supports nervous system development and blood production.

Calcium and vitamin D are essential for your kid's bone development and omega-3s promote cognitive and visual health.

Pregnant women should therefore ensure that they include these nutrients in their diet or consider supplementation, after consulting a doctor, to cover these nutritional requirements, thus ensuring health and vitality for both themselves and their "baby".

A balanced diet is essential, but it can be difficult to cover all needs through diet alone. This is where the importance of supplements during pregnancy becomes evident. These supplements play a crucial role in supporting the health of the mother and the optimal development of the little one.

We start with the definition of folic acid (Vitamin B9), which you will see several times in the article.

Folic acid: an essential nutrient to prevent neural tube defects in infants. It is one of the most recommended supplements before conception and during the first months of pregnancy.

Iron: Important for preventing anemia, iron also contributes to the growth of the placenta and fetus.

Calcium and Vitamin D: Crucial for baby's bone development, these nutrients also support mom's muscle and nerve health.

In detail, calcium is an essential prenatal vitamin that plays a key role in supporting the health of the pregnant woman and the optimal progression of the fetus. This determining element not only contributes to the formation and solidification of the little one's skeleton, but also ensures the maintenance of the mother's bone density, thus preventing osteoporosis and other disorders related to bone demineralization.

During pregnancy, calcium requirements increase significantly, making adequate supplementation essential to ensure that the human body's desires are fully met.

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for pregnant women, playing a vital role in supporting maternal health and fetal development. Known for its ability to promote calcium absorption, vitamin D contributes to the bone growth of the unborn child, preventing birth defects and strengthening the skeleton.

For pregnant women, adequate vitamin D reduces the risk of preeclampsia, a condition that can lead to serious complications for both mother and child. In addition, this vitamin supports the immune system, reducing susceptibility to infections and improving the mother's overall health during this crucial time.

Omega-3: They promote the brain and visual growth of the "baby". For the mother, omega 3 can help prevent postpartum depression and promote better cardiovascular health.

Incorporating omega-3 into your diet through food sources such as oily fish or in the form of prenatal supplements is essential to ensure the well-being and optimal progress of your newborn.

Zinc: Zinc is an essential element that is frequently present during pregnancy, allowing the fetus to develop and grow properly.

To this extent, a daily intake of 15 mg of zinc is necessary for a pregnant woman. The daily intake of zinc can come from animal proteins: red meat, eggs and fish are particularly rich in zinc.

But then why are CAs so important? During pregnancy, increased nutritional needs are not always easy to meet through diet alone.

They provide a practical solution to fill nutritional gaps, ensuring that both mother and newborn receive all the essential nutrients for a healthy pregnancy. They help reduce the risk of complications and support the overall development of the newborn from conception to birth.

When it comes to making a choice, quality and safety are paramount. It is essential to select products that are approved by healthcare professionals and to check labels to ensure that dosages are appropriate and safe for both mother and child.

Talking with a doctor or nutritionist is recommended to customize supplement intake based on individual desires and specific health conditions.

There are many myths surrounding taking CA during pregnancy, so it is important to base your decision on verified, scientific information.

Supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet but rather serve as a complement to ensure that all nutritional requirements are met. Furthermore, they should not be taken in excess; adherence to the recommended doses is crucial.

Their key nutritional contributions can be lacking in the daily diet. Thanks to elements like vitamin B9, iron, calcium, vitamin D and omega-3, they are essential for the health of the mother and the progress of your little one.

Vitamin B9, for example, reduces the risk of neural tube defects in newborns, while iron prevents maternal anemia and supports the child's cognitive growth.

Taking specific CAs can have a direct impact on the healthy growth and progression of the fetus. Vitamins and minerals play a role in every stage of embryonic development, from building a strong bone system to forming the brain and nervous system. Proper supplementation ensures that the newborn receives everything he or she needs to develop optimally.

The benefits aren’t limited to the infant; they also contribute to the mother’s overall health. During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes significant changes and increased demands for nutrient intake. Supplements can help manage common symptoms like fatigue and nausea, and play a role in preventing gestational conditions like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.

Supplementation during pregnancy can also prepare the body for breastfeeding, a time when nutritional demands are even greater. Ensuring adequate levels of certain nutrients can improve the quality of breast milk, directly benefiting the health and growth of the infant after birth.

Pregnancy is a time when the health of a woman and her baby are closely linked. While CAs can offer many benefits to support this bond, it is crucial to understand the potential risks and take precautions before introducing supplements into your daily routine.

Before considering starting a supplement, it is important to determine your body's specific needs. Nutrient needs vary greatly from woman to woman and can be influenced by diet, lifestyle, and general health. Talking to a healthcare professional can help identify potential deficiencies and establish a personalized supplementation plan.

The Anses organization has reminded us that excessive iodine intake during pregnancy increases the risk of hyperthyroidism, hyperthyroidism or goiter in the newborn. But what is Anses? It is simply the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety. So, we pay attention!

Although CAs are generally safe when taken as recommended, there are risks associated with excessive or inappropriate use:

• Overdose:

Certain nutritional intakes, when consumed in excess, can have harmful effects on the health of the mother and the development of the infant.

• Drug interactions:

They may interact with other medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness or exacerbating side effects.

• Contaminants:

Lower quality products may contain harmful contaminants, such as heavy metals, which pose health risks.

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