Pregnancy is a state where the nutritional demands are higher.
Following are the important micronutrients recommended to be taken in pregnancy:
*Iron(30-60 mg/d) : to meet the needs of the increased red cell mass and fetal needs. Decreases risk of anemia, infections, preterm birth and low birth weight.
- Folic acid(0.4 mg/d): pre- conceptionally for 1 month & at least first 3 months of pregnancy- decreases risk of neural tube defects in baby ( defects in development and closure of neural tube from which brain and spinal cord are formed.)
Higher requirement of folic acid in the following conditions:
-previous pregnancy affected by neural tube defect or either parent with neural tube defect- 4mg
-family history of neural tube defect-1 mg
-women on valproic acid or carbamezepine- 4 mg
-women taking other anti epileptic drugs- 0.4 mg
-women with medical conditions associated with reduced red cell folate levels -1 mg
-women with pregestational diabetes – 1mg
-taking medicines like trimethoprim and sulfasalazine -1 mg
*If you’re unable to take daily iron and folic acid due to side effects: Take once weekly 120mg elemental iron and 2.8mg folate
*Vit D(200-600IU/day): decreases risk of high BP(pre eclampsia), diabetes, low birth weight.
*Iodine: essential for thyroid hormone production which is important for metabolism, growth n development, especially brain development of the fetus. Supplementation is particularly important in areas where iodized salt is not available.
- Vitamin B6(1.9 mg/day): reduces nausea of pregnancy, oral lozenges may help reduce tooth decay
*Vitamin A(0.8mg): reduces maternal anemia, infection and night blindness (especially in areas with high prevalence of vitamin A deficiency)
Healthy and balanced diet is most essential to ensure a healthy mother and baby. Supplements may cater to the increased requirements in pregnancy but do not replace the need of a healthy diet.
*Above vitamin and mineral supplementation quotes as per the UNIMMAP(United Nations International Multiple Micronutrient Antenatal Preparation) formulation