It is important to consume vitamins for pregnant programs to support the nutritional and health needs of pregnant women later. In addition, taking vitamins will also help the development of the fetus in the womb, especially in the early days of pregnancy.
Pregnancy program vitamins can be obtained naturally from food or by taking supplements. Although both have the same benefits, vitamins from food are still more important and irreplaceable. Meanwhile, supplements only serve to complete the nutrients needed by the body.
Consuming the Right Pregnancy Program Vitamins
For those of you who are planning a pregnancy or are pregnant, it is highly recommended to get vitamins and several other nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, minerals, and fats. This aims to maintain adequate nutrition in your body, while helping the development of the fetus in the womb.
Watching your intake of vitamins, especially vitamin B9 or folic acid, is very important if you are planning a pregnancy. This vitamin serves to prevent spina bifida disease or defects in the fetal spine, as well as the risk of preeclampsia.
The need for folic acid for women who are undergoing a pregnancy program is 400 micrograms (mcg) per day. In addition to being obtained in supplement form, this vitamin can be found in oranges, strawberries, beets, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, cereals, beans, and pasta.
In addition, there are several vitamins for pregnancy programs that are also important to consume, including:
1. Vitamin A & beta carotene
Vitamin A and beta carotene play a role in the development of teeth and bones. This vitamin is found in eggs, milk, liver, carrots, spinach, broccoli, potatoes, pumpkin, cantaloupe, yellow fruits, or green and yellow vegetables. Women who are undergoing a pregnancy program are recommended to meet the daily intake of vitamin A as much as 770 mcg.
2. Vitamin C
This vitamin functions as an antioxidant that protects cells in the body, helps iron absorption, and boosts the immune system. Vitamin C can be found in oranges, bell peppers, green beans, strawberries, papaya, potatoes, broccoli, and tomatoes. The recommended amount of vitamin C intake is 80-85 mg per day.
3. Vitamin D
Vitamin D serves to strengthen bones and teeth and maintain the amount of calcium in the body during pregnancy. This vitamin is found in milk, fish, and sunlight. The recommended amount of vitamin D intake is about 5 mcg or 600 IU per day.
4. Vitamin E
Vitamin E plays a role in the formation of muscle and red blood cells, as well as an antioxidant that the body needs during pregnancy. This vitamin can be found in nuts, vegetable oils, spinach, and wheat. Vitamin E needs to be consumed at least 15 mg per day.
5. Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
This vitamin serves to increase the energy of pregnant women and is also important for the growth of the baby's brain. Vitamin B1 can be obtained from consumption of whole grains, eggs, rice, berries, nuts, pasta, and animal offal. The recommended amount of vitamin B1 intake is 1.4 mg per day.
6. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
This vitamin should be consumed no more than 1.4 mg per day. Vitamin B2 functions to produce energy, improve eye and skin health, and inhibit aging. This vitamin is found in meat, fish, tempeh, dairy products, eggs, and cereals.
7. Vitamin B3 (niacin)
This vitamin serves to nourish the skin, nerves, and digestive tract during pregnancy. Vitamin B3 can be found in high-protein foods, cereals, bread, meat, fish, eggs, nuts, and milk. The maximum daily intake of vitamin B3 is 35 mg.
8. Vitamin B6(pyridoxine)
This vitamin plays a role in the formation of red blood cells and reduces morning sickness. Vitamin B6 also plays an important role in the formation of the fetal brain and increases metabolism. Vitamin B6 can be obtained from wheat, brown rice, fish, chicken, soybeans, carrots, spinach, garlic, sweet potatoes, cabbage, broccoli, bananas, and melons. Consumption of vitamin B6 should not be more than 100 mcg per day
9. Vitamin B12
This vitamin, with a maximum intake of 2.6 mcg per day, plays a role in the formation of DNA and prevents abnormalities in the baby's spinal cord (neural tube defects). Vitamin B12 can be found in shellfish, beef, fish, eggs, and milk.
In addition to the various types of vitamins for the pregnancy program above, you are also recommended to consume other nutrients such as these nutrients that can be obtained naturally from food or supplements given by a doctor.
However, you need to remember that vitamin supplements for pregnancy programs should only be taken on a doctor's recommendation. Therefore, it is recommended that you consult with your obstetrician first before starting to take vitamin supplements.
This is because taking vitamin supplements exceeds the dose that should cause poisoning or overdose.
