Aug 04 2009
Supplement Use During Pregnancy
Supplement Use During Pregnancy – Dr. Judith Smith
In the United States there is a nationwide campaign to promote health and disease prevention called “Healthy People 2010″ and the health of mothers and their infants is a priority to be addressed in this campaign.
During pregnancy, the developing baby gets “dibs” on all the nutrients it requires so it becomes critically important the mom-to-be is getting all the nutritional requirements to support fetal development and growth as well as her own body’s requirements to support maternal tissues (i.e. placenta and breast), metabolism and reproduction changes.
In the National Diet and Nutrition Survey that was reported in 2005, it found over 80% of women failed to achieve even the Reference Nutrient Intake (which has replaced the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)) of folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, or antioxidants from their daily diet. Hence, the use of supplements is highly recommended during pregnancy to meet all the nutritional requirements for mom and baby!
There are many vitamins and minerals that are important to supplement during pregnancy including: folic acid, B vitamins, vitamin A, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc. In a healthy diet vitamins and minerals work synergistically so the mimic the ideal healthy diet, it is recommended to use supplement with a balanced combination of vitamins and minerals and omega-3 fatty acids rather than trying to just take a few separate ones.
Similar to the “foundation” we discussed last month, implementing or continuing to take “The Core Three” including CorePlex with iron; OmegaPlex; and Calcium Plus during pregnancy is a good place to start. CorePlex with iron with provide a well-balanced vitamin/mineral supplement during pregnancy and continue with three tablets once daily, or as recommended by your physician.
OmegaPlex is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids that has optimal bioavailability (absorption). During pregnancy the requirement for omega-3 fatty acids dramatically increase, especially during the third trimester. Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in the development of fetal brain, eyes, and cognitive ability. Helland and colleagues conducted long term study that found that women that had omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy had children improved intelligence which was evident as early as age four years old! Initially pregnant mom’s can start with two OmegaPlex capsules twice daily but by third trimester increasing to two OmegaPlex capsules three times a day is recommended.
Every pregnant mom will quickly notice the increase energy expenditures during pregnancy too. As fetus develops, energy requirements continue to increase each trimester and many find it difficult to make health food choices to keep up with the increased calorie requirements. For many, it’s the first time they have been told
“you need to eat more”!
However, caution you don’t want to eat “empty calories” such as foods high in fat and sugars. AdvoCare Meal Replacement shakes offer a well balanced snack during pregnancy (Please NOTE: not be used as a meal replacement during pregnancy – also should not be considered “snack” outside of pregnancy!) The recently introduced “Chocolate Nougat Bars” or Breakfast Bars, or Fruit and Fiber bars are also good sources of the extra calories and great sources of protein and fiber too!
Constipation is very common during pregnancy because hormonal changes that weaken the smooth muscles of the bowel making it more difficult for passage of food. Increasing fiber intake with the AdvoCare Fruit & Fiber Bars or AdvoCare Fiber Drink can help alleviate symptoms of constipation.
Healthy nutrition is always important but ever so more critical during the delicate time of pregnancy when vitamin and mineral deficiencies can directly impact the development of the growing fetus. It is great if women can prepare and start increasing supplementation for three to four months prior to pregnancy or at minimum initiating immediately when pregnancy is discovered then continuing through lactation phase before resuming previous supplement regimens!
References:
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Healthy People 2010. 2nd Ed with Understand and Improving Health and Objectives for Improving Health. 2 vols. Washington DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000.
- Hoare J, Henderson L, Bates CJ, et al. The National Diet and Nutrition Survey: adults aged 19-64 years. Volume 5: summary report. London: HMSO; 2005.
- San Giovanni JP, Berkey CS, Dwyer JT, Colditz GA. Dietary essential fatty acids, and visual resolution acuity in healthy full term infants” A systematic review. Early Human Development, 2000;57:165-168.
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