The nutrition status of the pregnant mother is not only an important factor in the development of the fetus, it is also a good determinant in the long-term risk of the developing fetus for chronic childhood disease and adult disease later in life according to a study released by "The Journal of Family Practice" in November 2007. Furthermore, in this study, it was also mentioned that a large proportion of women in the US population do not meet the required nutritional levels for many vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients in their regular diet.
Folic Acid
The maternal deficiency of folic acid during the preconception and conception stage of pregnancy is the greatest cause of the brain and the spinal cord abnormalities according to MayoClinic.com. In a statement released by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development in 2007, it was recommended that a woman of childbearing age should have a daily intake of at least 400 micrograms of folic acid per day from her food or food supplements. It has also been stated that folic acid supplementation should start as early as three months prior to pregnancy and last at least until after the first three months of pregnancy. This intake of folic acid can reduce the risk of developing brain and spinal cord abnormality by as much as 80 percent, according to the aforementioned study by "The Journal of Family Practice".
Calcium and Vitamin D
According to the aforementioned study by "The Journal of Family Practice," calcium and Vitamin D are very essential in the development and organization of fetal skeletal system. Milk and milk products, cereals, tofu and green leafy vegetables are good sources of dietary calcium. On the other hand, Vitamin D can be synthesized through the skin exposure to ultraviolet rays of the sun. Vitamin D increases the absorption of calcium in the gut. Dietary supplementation of this vitamin during pregnancy causes increased fetal calcium and vitamin D levels leading to better fetal bone formation thus enhancing better childhood bone mass. Furthermore, in the same study, the researchers also mentioned that increasing calcium intake to 1,500 to 2,000mg per day may also reduce the risks of hypertensive complications such as pre-eclampsia, a very common cause of maternal morbidity during pregnancy.
Iron
Iron is a very essential mineral that should be present in ample levels during pregnancy. According to the aforementioned statement of MayoClinic.com, this mineral supports the development of blood and muscle cells for both mother and her baby. It also prevents the development of anemia, a blood condition characterized by decreased number of healthy red blood cells. According to another statement published by MayoClinic.com, the recommended daily intake of iron for pregnant mothers should be 27mg per day to have a sufficient supply of this mineral for both mother and baby. However, getting too much of this can also be detrimental since it may cause signs of toxicity such as constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and in severe cases, even death.
References
- "The Journal of Family Practice"; Nutrient Requirements and Fetal Development"; Carlson, s. et al.; November 2007
- Mayo Clinic: Prenatal Vitamins: Give Your Baby the Best Start
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: Preconception Care
- Mayo Clinic: Prenatal Vitamins: OK for women who aren't pregnant?
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