Weekly Nutrition advice in Week 27
- Some important vitamins that will help you through your pregnancy are Vitamins A, B & E. Vitamin A is essential to human reproduction. Deficiency in this vitamin is not so much an issue as an excessive intake is.
- Retinol form derived from fish oils is a concern when taken in excess; the beta-carotene form obtained from plant life is safe. The recommended dose is 2700IU for women of childbearing age with a maximum dose at 5000IU.
- Supplements are not usually necessary as the foods you eat provide an adequate supply of Vitamin A. Read food labels to get an idea of Vitamin A content.
- B vitamins are important during pregnancy and they include B6, folic acid and B12. They play a crucial role in the development of your baby's nerves and formation of blood cells.
- Lack of B12 leads to anemia in the mother. Good food sources of this group of vitamins are milk, eggs, bananas, potatoes, brown rice etc.
- Vitamin E is important as it helps in fat metabolism and building of muscles and red blood cells. If you are a meat eater, your vitamin E dose is taken care of through your meals.
Pregnant women who are vegetarians or those who are meat intolerant for some reason have a harder time getting their Vitamin E dose. Vegetarian foods rich in this vitamin are olive oil, wheat germ, spinach and dried fruits.