Pregnancy is an exceptional time for women, but it can also be an overwhelming experience. There are many changes that take place in every expectant mother’s body. Variety of nutrients are required for good health of the body; therefore, it is crucial that the pregnant women take special care in providing for the same. Nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins and fats, vitamins and minerals intake grow significantly during pregnancy.
Prenatal vitamins and minerals include essential vitamins and minerals required by a pregnant woman before and during pregnancy so that the baby is healthy. Prenatal vitamins help in bridging gaps in nutrition in the diet of the pregnant women. These vitamins are most important for the good growth and development of the foetus.
Role of Folic Acid or its biologically active form, L-Methylfolate
Folic acid belongs to the vitamin B family of vitamins. The biologically active form of Folic acid, Methylfolate, ensures maximum benefit as there is no need to convert folic acid into Methylfolate in the body. Also, some of the women are found to have defect in the enzyme responsible for conversion of Folic acid to Methylfolate.
L-Methylfolate plays a critical role in DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, foetal growth and development. Child bearing age women normally require about 400 micrograms of Folic acid on a daily basis. Folic acid can be obtained from fruits, leafy vegetables, nuts, beans, fortified cereals, and some multivitamin formulations. L-Methylfolate reduces the risk of congenital defects of the brain and spinal cord and is very much important during the first 28 days after conceiving, when neural tube defects like spina bifida risks are very high.
Women who had L-Methylfolate in their prenatal supplement had significantly higher haemoglobin levels at the end of the second trimester.
Role of Vitamin B 12 or its biologically active form Methylcobalamin
Vitamin B12 is very important B vitamin for keeping the body’s nerve and blood cells healthy. Processes like formation of DNA, the genetic material in all cells, Vitamin B12 has an important role. Vitamin B12, when combined with Folic acid and Pyridoxal-5-phoshate, helps prevent neuronal defects like spina bifida and other CNS birth defects in the growing foetus.
Deficiency of Vitamin B12 could lead to severe problems such as intrauterine growth restriction, pre-eclampsia and miscarriage. Therefore, Vit B12 along with Folic acid combination is essential.
Supplementing with biologically active form of Vitamin B12, Methylcobalamin, will provide optimum activity and also Methylcobalamin is retained for more time in the body.
Role of Vitamin D3 in Pregnancy
Vitamin D deficiency is common among pregnant women and supplementation is very much required from second trimester onwards.
Vitamin D is present naturally in very few foods and it is a vitamin which is categorised as fat soluble vitamin. Vitamin D is produced by the human skin by using Ultraviolet rays of sunlight that fall on the skin
Vitamin D is basically synthesized from exposure to sunlight or taken through food, and some supplements. But this form is not biologically active and has to undergo further two types of hydroxylation in the body for activation. Liver converts Vitamin D in to 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]. It is also called calcidiol. Kidney further converts to it to biologically active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D]. It is also known as calcitriol.
Vitamin D is very important for bone health, and subsequent skeletal bone metabolism and development. This vitamin is produced by the skin through exposure to sunrays and is also found in good quantities in fish, egg yolks, mushrooms and fortified foods.
Vitamin D reduces risks of preterm birth and miscarriages.
For the absorption of calcium through gastro-intestinal tract Vitamin D is required. To maintain adequate plasma calcium and phosphate levels, Vitamin D is required, that helps in normal mineralization of bone and to stop hypocalcemic effect known as tetany.
Vitamin D also helps prevent rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.
Vitamin D has many roles in the body, including intonation of cell growth, maintaining neuromuscular health, healthy immunological functioning, and lower inflammation.
Vitamin D also plays a vital role in genes encoding proteins that control differentiation of various cells, growth and proliferation of the cells and even cell death that is programmed.
Role of DHA in Pregnancy
Nursing mothers must take adequate quantities of omega-3 fatty acids rich foods because they are good sources of DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid), for the mother’s milk. DHA is vital for brain and nervous system development for the growing foetus. The rich source of omega-3 fatty acids are fishes like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines. In case of vegetarians, flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts provide good quantities omega-3 fatty acids.
Role of Iron Supplements in Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the body needs additional blood to support growing foetus. Iron supplements help body to produce more blood.
Iron deficiency is very common especially amongst vegetarians. This is because vegetarian sources of iron are not absorbed by the body as effortlessly as non-vegetarian sources. However, vegetarians can increase the absorption of iron by taking vitamin C rich foods or drinks such as citrus fruits and juices along with your meals.
Role of Calcium Supplements in Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the requirement of Calcium goes up by two times the normal i.e., 1,200mg of calcium per day. Calcium is required for proper formation of the skeletal system of foetus. Calcium also has role in nerve conduction, muscle contraction, teeth formation etc.
Other prenatal supplements that may be required in pregnancy, especially from second trimester onwards
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin B6
- Zinc
- Potassium
- Iodine
- Copper
Conclusion
In the first trimester of pregnancy, the most important are Methylfolate, Methylcobalamin and Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate tablets. In the second and third trimesters, Methylfolate, Methylcobalamin and Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate tablets fortified with Vitamin D and DHA will become important. Iron and calcium supplements may also be prescribed in second and third trimester to meet the increased requirements of Iron and Calcium during the pregnancy. Based on the need other prenatal vitamins and minerals may also be prescribed.