Question

Discuss some differences in nutritional recommendations between those for pregnant women and those for women who are not pregnant. Give reasons for the differences.

Answer 1

Calcium

Helps to build strong bones and teeth. Main sources include milk, cheese, yogurt, and sardines. During pregnancy need 1,000 milligrams (mg) daily.

Iron

Helps red blood cells deliver oxygen to your baby. Sources include lean red meat, dried beans, peas, and iron-fortified cereals. During pregnancy need 27 mg daily.

Vitamin A

Woman need this vitamin for healthy skin, eyesight, and bone growth. Carrots, dark, leafy greens, and sweet potatoes are good sources. During pregnancy need 770 micrograms daily.
Having large amounts of vitamin A can harm your unborn baby.

Vitamin C

Promotes healthy gums, teeth, and bones, and helps body absorb iron. Good sources include citrus fruit, broccoli, tomatoes, and strawberries. During pregnancy need 85 mg daily.

Vitamin D

Aids your body in the absorption of calcium to help build your baby’s bones and teeth. Sources include exposure to sunlight, fortified milk, and fatty fish, such as salmon. During pregnancy you need 600 international units (IUs) daily.

Vitamin B6

Helps form red blood cells and helps your body use protein, fat, and carbohydrates. You can find vitamin B6 in beef, liver, pork, whole-grain cereals, and bananas. During pregnancy you need 1.9 mg daily.

Vitamin B12

Helps form red blood cells and maintains your nervous system. You can find this vitamin only in animal products. Good sources include liver, meat, fish, poultry, and milk. During pregnancy you need 2.6 micrograms daily.

Folate (Folic Acid)

A B vitamin important in the production of blood and protein, it also reduces the risk of neural tube defects (a birth defect of the brain and spinal cord). You can find folate in green, leafy vegetables, liver, orange juice, legumes (beans, peas, lentils), and nuts.

You must get at least 400 micrograms of folate daily before pregnancy and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. During pregnancy, doctors recommend you get 600 micrograms daily.

Weight Gain

Weight gain is important during your pregnancy. However, gaining too much or too little weight can contribute to problems during your pregnancy for both you and your baby.

Just because you are eating for two doesn’t mean you should eat twice the amount of food. If you are a healthy weight before your pregnancy, you only need to eat an average of about 300 extra calories a day.

Prenatal Vitamins

Taking a supplement ensures that you and your baby get enough important nutrients like folic acid and iron. But don't overdo it taking too much can be harmful for you and your baby.

Alcohol, Caffeine, and Fish

Pregnant women and women who may become pregnant should not drink alcohol. Drinks containing alcohol include beer, wine, liquor, mixed drinks. Heavy drinking during pregnancy can result in serious problems for the baby, including malformation and intellectual.
High caffeine intake leads to miscarriage, it appears moderate caffeine intake (about two 8-ounce cups of coffee) does not.
Fish can be a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other healthy nutrients. But pregnant women should take care to avoid certain kinds of fish because they contain high levels of mercury, which can harm a growing baby. Fish you should avoid include shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish.

NON PREGNANT:-

Calcium- 500 mg daily requirement.

Iron- 18 mg is necessary for non pregnant woman.

Vitamin A - 580 mcg daily recommended for adult woman.

Vitamin C - 75 mg is required for female.

Vitamin D - 400 IU daily for woman

Vitamin B6- 1.3 mg daily
People who don't get enough vitamin B6 can have a range of symptoms, including anemia, itchy rashes, scaly skin on the lips, cracks at the corners of the mouth, and a swollen tongue.

Vitamin B12- The typical general supplemental dose of vitamin B12 is 1-25 mcg per day.

The recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) of vitamin B12 are: 2.4 mcg.