What vitamins should be supplemented during pregnancy preparation?
1. Folic acid: Women preparing for pregnancy need to supplement enough folic acid. Folic acid is essential for fetal neural tube development and can prevent the risk of neural tube defects in the fetus. It is recommended to take 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid daily, either through foods such as dark green vegetables, legumes, and whole grain products, or as an oral folic acid supplement.
2. Vitamin D: Vitamin D is essential for both women and fetuses during pregnancy. It aids in the absorption and utilization of calcium and contributes to the normal development of fetal bones. In addition, vitamin D also regulates the function of the immune system. Sunlight is the best source of vitamin D, but in winter or in areas with insufficient sunlight, vitamin D can be supplemented through foods such as fish, egg yolks, and yogurt.
3. Calcium: During preparation for pregnancy, women need more calcium to maintain bone health and support the development of fetal bones. It is recommended that you consume 1,000 to 1,300 mg of calcium per day, which can be achieved by consuming foods such as dairy products, legumes, nuts, and fish. If food intake is insufficient, consider supplementing with calcium tablets.
4. Iron: Women are prone to anemia during pregnancy preparation, so it is necessary to supplement enough iron. Iron is essential for hemoglobin synthesis and oxygen transport, and is also critical for fetal development. Consuming iron-rich foods such as lean meats, poultry, fish, legumes, and green leafy vegetables can help meet your body\’s iron needs.
5. Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 plays an important role in women preparing for pregnancy. It helps the fetal nervous system development and cell division. Vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal foods, such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. If you are a vegetarian, you can choose to take vitamin B12 supplements.
6. Vitamin C: Women preparing for pregnancy need to maintain the normal function of their immune system, so it is important to supplement enough vitamin C. Vitamin C also aids in the absorption and utilization of iron. Citrus fruits, strawberries, vegetables, and saffron fruits are all foods rich in vitamin C that can help meet your body\’s vitamin C needs.
7. Iodine: Women need to consume enough iodine during pregnancy preparation to support the normal development of the fetus\’s brain and nervous system. Marine fish, seaweed and iodized salt are iodine-rich foods that can be used as sources of iodine intake.
In summary, vitamins that need to be supplemented during pregnancy include folic acid, vitamin D, calcium, iron, vitamin B12, vitamin C and iodine. Meeting your body\’s needs for these vitamins by eating a variety of foods can alsoConsider taking appropriate vitamin supplements. Remember, consulting with your doctor is the best way to ensure you are taking vitamin supplements.
