Why It Is Critical To Take Calcium Supplement During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, ensuring your baby receives enough calcium is essential for their development. Calcium is crucial for building strong bones and teeth, as well as supporting the growth of a healthy heart, nerves, and muscles. It also aids in establishing a regular heart rhythm and promoting blood-clotting abilities in your baby. Particularly in the last trimester, when your baby experiences rapid growth and increased calcium needs, prioritizing calcium intake is crucial.
Additionally, maintaining adequate calcium levels can help reduce the risk of hypertension and preeclampsia during pregnancy. On the other hand, insufficient calcium intake may lead your baby to draw calcium from your bones, potentially impacting your long-term health. Therefore, ensuring a well-balanced diet rich in calcium is vital for the well-being of both mother and baby throughout pregnancy.
Determining Calcium Requirements for Pregnant Women
The necessary calcium intake remains consistent for women, whether they are pregnant, breastfeeding, or neither. However, the recommended amount of calcium varies based on age:
- Women aged 19 to 50: 1000 milligrams (mg) per day
- Women aged 18 and younger: 1300 mg per day
Despite these guidelines, many American women fail to consume adequate amounts of this vital mineral. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize calcium-rich foods in your diet even before pregnancy. Aim to include at least 3 cups (24 ounces) of dairy products or other calcium-rich foods daily.
Furthermore, it's crucial to maintain attention to calcium intake postpartum. This mineral is essential for bone strength and can help prevent osteoporosis later in life. Therefore, ensuring sufficient calcium intake remains important for long-term bone health beyond pregnancy.
Considering Calcium Supplementation During Pregnancy
If you're unsure about meeting your calcium needs solely through diet during pregnancy, consulting your doctor about potentially incorporating a separate calcium supplement is advisable.
Before opting for supplements, it's important to note that prenatal vitamins contain varying amounts of calcium, with some providing between 100 to 200 mg. Optimal calcium absorption occurs in doses of less than 500 mg at a time, suggesting that dividing supplemental calcium intake into smaller doses throughout the day may be beneficial. Remember, sufficient vitamin D intake is necessary for calcium absorption, so ensuring adequate vitamin D consumption in your pregnancy diet is essential.
Calcium supplements are available in different forms, primarily calcium carbonate and calcium citrate. While calcium carbonate offers the highest calcium content, it requires additional stomach acid for dissolution and is best taken with meals. Conversely, calcium citrate is more readily absorbed by the body and can be taken between meals as it doesn't rely on stomach acid for absorption, making it suitable for individuals on heartburn medication.
When selecting a supplement, look for the ingredients that will be suitable for you. This indicates that the supplement contains appropriate calcium levels, dissolves effectively, and is free from lead and other harmful metals. Avoid supplements containing bone meal, dolomite, oyster shell, or coral, as they may contain trace amounts of lead, which can be harmful to your growing baby.
Furthermore, it's crucial not to exceed the recommended daily calcium intake, typically 2500 mg (or 3000 mg for individuals under 18), to avoid complications such as constipation, increased risk of kidney stones, and interference with the absorption of iron and zinc from foods.
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