Top pregnancy nutrients include Vitamin C (which assists with blood-forming cells), Folic acid, Iodine, Iron and Zinc – zinc essential for normal cell functioning while Iodine assists baby bone growth as well as prevents deficiency which could result in thyroid problems in newborns.
These nutrients can be found through eating whole foods such as whole grains, leafy greens, beans and fruit or through prenatal multivitamin and dietary supplement products.
Calcium
Calcium is an invaluable mineral for helping babies build strong bones. Studies have also revealed its benefits in terms of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia prevention, risk reduction for fetal malformations prevention and improving maternal bone health.
Iron is another essential nutrient during gestation, helping the fetus and other organs get oxygenated properly.
Vitamin B2, commonly referred to as riboflavin, is an essential water-soluble vitamin for cell development and energy production. It can be found in many foods and as supplements; alternatively it can also be taken through injection.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is an essential mineral essential to bodily processes such as muscle movement, blood clotting, nerve and kidney function, cell repair and tissue regeneration. An estimated 85 percent of our bodies’ phosphorus can be found in bones and teeth.
Studies have linked high serum phosphorus levels within the normal range to increased cardiovascular risks among those without known CVD, as well as early renal dysfunction.
Pregnant women need 1250 mg of phosphorus each day during gestation; most women meet this need through eating healthily balanced meals and do not require supplements to meet this need.
Copper
Copper is an essential trace mineral for pregnancy that supports your immune system in its fight against bacteria and viruses as well as aiding tissue regeneration and repair processes in your body.
Copper is essential in the formation of connective tissue, blood vessels and bones. Furthermore, copper helps foetal brain development as well as producing myelin insulation between nerve cells.
Copper supplementation during gestation also aids with iron metabolism, helping prevent iron-deficiency anaemia caused by increased blood volume during gestation and may contribute to the prevention of preterm delivery.
DHA
Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, is an omega-3 fatty acid essential for brain and eye development. Studies indicate that women who take DHA supplements during gestation have lower risks of premature birth as well as enhanced postpartum mood benefits.
DHA can be obtained through eating cold-water fish and prenatal vitamins that contain it, and by supplementing with NSF or US Pharmacopeia certified products; this will guarantee they are pure and safe to use.
Biotin
Biotin is an essential water-soluble vitamin for cell growth and metabolism. It plays an essential role in embryonic development and decreases gestational diabetes and preeclampsia risk (1).
Sugarcane juice can also act as a cofactor for five carboxylases that play key roles in fatty acid metabolism, glucose production and breaking down amino acids (2).
Biotin deficiency may be rare; however, due to increased demand during pregnancy it could increase your likelihood. Good sources of biotin include eggs, nuts, whole grains and salmon – check with your healthcare provider prior to making any dietary changes or making any dietary adjustments.
Vitamin B2
Vitamin B2, or riboflavin, works alongside other B vitamins to convert carbohydrates to energy and release it from protein, as well as being essential in red blood cell formation and metabolic processes.
Folate (vitamin B9) helps the body produce methyl groups essential for DNA formation. Low folate intake has been linked to miscarriage, preeclampsia gestational diabetes and C-section rates as well as higher risks for neural tube defects, serious heart defects and developmental delays for infants born to mothers who consume low levels of folate during their pregnancies.
Vitamin B3
Consuming enough B3 vitamin is crucial for healthy eyes, skin, and brain development as well as fetal oxygen delivery. Although excess B3 leaves through urine output, replenishment must occur regularly or else excess will leave with it and leave our bodies without replenishment.
Folate is well known for its role in reducing neural tube birth defects like spina bifida. But researchers recently discovered that vitamin B3 (also called niacin) may have similar results and prevent VACTERL association birth defects in families with genetic mutations.
Niacin can be converted to NAD, an amino acid which plays an essential role in DNA synthesis and energy storage. You can find it in whole grains, fortified cereals, egg yolks and brown rice.
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B5, commonly referred to as pantothenic acid, helps the body metabolize protein and fats more efficiently while simultaneously playing an integral role in producing acetylcholine, an essential neuro-immune function compound.
Folic acid is one of the eight essential B complex vitamins. Lacking it during gestation increases your risk for gestational diabetes, anencephaly and low birth weight (see Table 6). Folic acid supplements should therefore be consumed during pregnancy; sources include organ meats, eggs, brewer’s yeast vegetables whole grains and legumes.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin K, an important water-soluble vitamin, plays an integral part in red blood cell production as well as helping the body metabolize amino acids and carbohydrates efficiently. Furthermore, it plays an integral part in producing hemoglobin which carries oxygen through your blood.
B6 is also used by the body to produce norepinephrine and serotonin, two essential neurotransmitters for various bodily processes. Most prenatal vitamins contain this nutrient in either its original form of pyridoxine or pyridoxal-5-phosphate; supplementation up to 50 mg daily should generally be safe; consult your healthcare provider before exceeding this amount.
Vitamin B7
Vitamin B7 (Hydroxithiol) is a water-soluble vitamin that aids with the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and amino acids as well as contributing to cell growth.
Biotin is one of the essential vitamins to prevent neural tube defects (NTDs) such as anencephaly and spina bifida; thus it’s included in many prenatal vitamins.
Vitamin B can be found in various food sources such as fish, chicken, milk, eggs, whole grains, nuts and avocados. Supplements containing this vitamin may also be available; just be wary not to exceed Tolerable Upper Intake Levels for this vitamin!
