Why is folate so important during pregnancy?
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During pregnancy the need for the proper production of DNA and RNA, which folate is critically involved, is incredible. During the first few weeks of pregnancy the neural tube that extends from the brain and run the length of the upper body develops rapidly. Defects to the neural tube tend to occur early in pregnancy, typically around the 3 and 4th week, and are often irreversible. These abnormalities including spina bifida are devastating and possibly fatal. |
Prior to the federal government making it mandatory to fortified grain products with folate, the incidence of neural tube defects in the United States was 1 in 1000. Today, that incidence is drastically reduced. Furthermore, researchers have determined that folate supplementation just prior to and early in pregnancy can lower the risk of neural tube defects by at least 60%. Good reason indeed for starting a prenantal supplement prior to conception and being sure to take it early in pregnancy.
Are minerals needed in greater amounts during pregnancy?
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As with vitamins, the need for many essential minerals increases during pregnancy. For instance, the RDA for iron increases from 18 to 27 milligrams daily. Iron is needed by the mother to form new hemoglobin for her expanding blood volume and by the fetus to meet new tissue needs. Calcium is especially important during fetal bone and teeth development. Fluoride also helps teeth and bone develop. Although the RDA for calcium for pregnant women is the same as nonpregnant women (1,000 to 1,300 milligrams), it is of the utmost importance to eat adequate quantities of this nutrient. Zinc requirements are increased by roughly 25 percent during pregnancy due to its general involvement in fetal growth and development. |
Should pregnant women take prenatal vitamin/mineral supplements?
Prenatal vitamin/mineral supplements are recommended by many physicians and nutritionists. An easy argument for the use of prenatal vitamin and mineral supplements is supported by the occurrence of unusual eating patterns experienced by some women during pregnancy. Even the most nutrition-conscious women will admit to some unusual preferences, cravings, or eating patterns during pregnancy. Typically, prenatal vitamin and mineral supplements include folate, vitamin D, iron, zinc, and often calcium in an assortment of other essential nutrients.
Do pregnant women need to takes omega-3 fatty acid supplements?
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The mother is the sole source of nutrition for the developing fetus and for omega-3 fatty acids namely EPA and DHA (eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids) these fats come mostly from the diet or supplementation. Since many women avoid fish during pregnancy for fear of heavy metals such as lead, diet becomes a poor provider of omega-3 fatty acids. Meanwhile, while some DHA and EPA can be made in the body from another omega-3 fat, found in higher amounts in flax, the conversation is fairly low. At this time there is reason to believe that pregnant women who get these nutrients, especially DHA, in adequate amounts during pregnancy can support a healthier length of pregnancy. |
In addition, getting adequate intake levels during preganancy and lactation have been linked to better cognitive development for her baby as assessed at 4 years of age. In general, pregnant and lactating women are encouraged to get at least 200 mg of DHA daily. Vegetarian women wanting a supplement containing DHA can get a algae source with vegetarian pill coating.
Can we get too much of certain vitamins during pregnancy?
It is important to realize that excessive vitamin A supplementation during pregnancy can result in birth defects. Furthermore, a vitamin A derivative is the active ingredient in Isotretinoin (Accutane), which is used to treat cystic acne. The use of this product should be discontinued during pregnancy, as well as when attempting to become pregnant. In fact, since this drug is metabolized slowly it can take several weeks to a couple of months before it is safe for a woman to become pregnant after discontinuing its use. If a female becomes pregnant while using Accutane, she should discuss this with her physician immediately, as the risk of birth defects is exceptionally high.
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