Calcium for pregnant women: for the health of the bones of the mother and child

Calcium for pregnant women: for the health of the bones of the mother and child

The importance of calcium during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a period of intensive growth and development of a child, requiring increased intake of nutrients, including calcium. This mineral plays a key role in the formation of the child’s bones and teeth, and also supports the health of the bones of the mother undergoing significant load. Inadequate calcium consumption during pregnancy can lead to serious consequences for both the mother and the child. For a child, this can manifest itself in slow growth, defects in the development of bones and teeth, and for the mother – in an increased risk of osteoporosis in the future.

The physiological role of calcium in the body of a pregnant woman and child

Calcium is not just a building material for bones. He participates in many vital processes in the body of both the mother and the child.

• The development of the skeleton and teeth of the child: The main part of the calcium coming to the child during pregnancy is used to form a skeleton and teeth. Starting from the early stages of development, calcium is deposited in the bones and teeth of the fetus, ensuring their strength and structure. If the mother does not receive enough calcium, the body begins to stretch it out of her own bones in order to meet the needs of the child.

• The function of muscles and nerves: Calcium is necessary for the normal functioning of muscles, including the heart muscle. It participates in the transmission of nerve impulses, providing the connection between the brain and other parts of the body. Calcium deficiency can lead to muscle seizures and nervous disorders.

• Blood coagulation: Calcium plays an important role in the process of blood coagulation. It is necessary to activate coagulation factors, which prevents bleeding.

• Maintaining normal heart rhythm: Calcium helps regulate the heart rhythm, providing its stability.

• Hormone function: Calcium is involved in the release of hormones that regulate many processes in the body, including metabolism and growth.

• Car pressure regulation: Calcium plays a role in maintaining normal blood pressure.

In a pregnant woman, calcium helps to maintain her bone mass, preventing her loss during pregnancy and lactation. It also contributes to the normal functioning of muscles and nervous system, reduces the risk of preeclampsia and eclampsia (serious complications of pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure and convulsions).

Recommended daily dose of calcium for pregnant women

The recommended daily dose of calcium for pregnant women is 1000 mg. This dose is based on the needs of the child in the formation of the skeleton and maintaining the health of the mother’s bones. In some cases, a doctor can recommend a higher dose of calcium, especially if a woman has risk factors for calcium deficiency, such as:

• Insufficient consumption of calcium with food.
• Lactose intolerance.
• Vegetarian or vegan diet.
• Some diseases affecting the absorption of calcium (for example, Crohn’s disease).
• Taking certain drugs that reduce calcium levels in the body (for example, corticosteroids).

It is important to discuss with the doctor your individual need for calcium during pregnancy. He will be able to evaluate your risks and recommend the optimal dose.

Calcium sources: food and additives

There are two main ways to produce calcium: through food products and using additives.

Food products rich in calcium:

• Dairy products: Milk, yogurt, cheese are excellent calcium sources. Choose low fat products to reduce calories and saturated fats.
• Dark green leafy vegetables: Cabbage, spinach, broccoli – contain a significant amount of calcium.
• Enriched products: Many products, such as soy milk, orange juice and cereals, are enriched with calcium.
• Fish with bones: Sardins and canned salmon with bones are good calcium sources.
• Nuts and seeds: Almonds, sesame seeds, chia seeds – contain calcium, but in smaller quantities than dairy products.
• Legumes: Beans, lentils, peas – also contain calcium.

Approximate calcium content in food (100 g):

• Milk: 120 mg
• Yogurt: 120-150 mg
• Cheese (hard): 700-1000 mg
• Cabbage: 150 mg
• Spinach: 100 mg
• Broccoli: 50 mg
• Sardins (with bones): 350 mg
• Almonds: 250 mg
• Senter: 975 mg
• The style: 150 mg

Calcium additives:

If you cannot get enough calcium from food, you may need calcium additives. There are several types of calcium additives:

• Calcium carbonate: The most common and economical type. It is better absorbed when taking food.
• Calcium citrate: It is easier to digest, especially on an empty stomach. Suitable for people with low acidity of the stomach or taking drugs that reduce acidity.
• Calcium gluconate, calcium lactate: They contain less calcium per unit of weight than carbonate or citrate, and are usually not recommended.

When choosing a calcium additive, pay attention to the following factors:

• Calcium form: Calcium carbonate or calcium citrate.
• Dosage: Choose an additive that meets your needs.
• Composition: Make sure that the additive does not contain harmful ingredients.
• Certification: Choose additives that have undergone quality test.
• Doct’s recommendations: Consult a doctor to choose the most suitable supplement.

It is important to take calcium additives in accordance with the instructions of the doctor or on the package. It is not recommended to exceed the recommended dose, as this can lead to side effects, such as constipation and kidney stones.

Factors affecting the assimilation of calcium

The absorption of calcium from food and additives depends on several factors:

• Vitamin D: Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption of calcium in the intestine. It is recommended to take calcium along with vitamin D. Sources of vitamin D are sunlight, oily fish (salmon, sardines), egg yolks and enriched products. If necessary, the doctor may prescribe vitamin D.
• Acidity of the stomach: Calcium carbonate is better absorbed with sufficient acidity of the stomach. If you have low acidity, choose calcium citrate.
• Food factors: Some products can reduce calcium assimilation. For example, products with a high content of phytic acid (grain, legumes) and oxalic acid (spinach, rhubarb) can bind calcium and reduce its absorption. However, a balanced diet with various products usually does not have a significant effect on the absorption of calcium.
• Age: With age, the body’s ability to absorb calcium decreases.
• Health status: Some diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and celiac disease, may disrupt calcium absorption.
• Taking drugs: Some drugs, such as corticosteroids, can reduce calcium in the body.

Symptoms of calcium deficiency during pregnancy

Calcium deficiency during pregnancy can manifest itself by various symptoms:

• Muscle cramps: Especially in the legs.
• Numbness and tingling in the limbs:
• Tooth pain and increased teeth sensitivity:
• Fitty nails:
• Fatigue and weakness:
• Insomnia:
• Irritability:
• Bone pain: (In severe cases)
• Osteopenia and osteoporosis: (In the future, after pregnancy)

In severe cases, calcium deficiency can lead to more serious complications, such as preeclampsia and eclampsia.

Risks associated with calcium deficiency for the mother and child

Calcium deficiency during pregnancy can lead to serious consequences for both the mother and the child.

Risks for the child:

• Slow growth and development:
• Rakhite: The disease characterized by bone deformation.
• Hypokalcemia of newborns: The low level of calcium in the blood of a newborn, which can lead to convulsions and other problems.
• Dental development defects:
• Weak bone tissue: Increased risk of fractures in the future.

Risk for mother:

• Osteopenia and osteoporosis: Reducing the density of bone tissue, which increases the risk of fractures.
• Precomports and Eclampsia: Dangerous complications of pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure and convulsions.
• Muscle cramps:
• Tooth pain and teeth loss:
• Fatigue and weakness:

Calcium and preeclampsia: communication and prevention

Preeclampsia is a serious complication of pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine. Calcium deficiency can increase the risk of preeclampsia. Some studies have shown that taking calcium additives during pregnancy can reduce the risk of preeclampsia, especially in women with low calcium consumption.

However, not all pregnant women need calcium additives to prevent preeclampsia. If you consume enough calcium with food, additives may not be needed. It is important to discuss your individual risks and the need for calcium additives with the doctor.

Calcium interaction with other vitamins and minerals

Calcium interacts with other vitamins and minerals, which can affect its assimilation and effectiveness.

• Vitamin D: It is necessary for the absorption of calcium.
• Magnesium: Magnesium is necessary to maintain the health of bones and muscles. It also helps to regulate the level of calcium in the body. Reception of high doses of calcium can disrupt the balance of magnesium.
• Phosphorus: Calcium and phosphorus work together for the formation of bones and teeth. It is important to maintain a balance between calcium and phosphorus in the diet.
• Iron: Calcium can reduce the absorption of iron. It is recommended to take calcium and iron at different times of the day.
• Zinc: Calcium can reduce zinc assimilation. It is recommended to take calcium and zinc at different times of the day.
• Vitamin K: It is important for the health of bones and blood coagulation.

Myths and misconceptions about calcium during pregnancy

There are several myths and misconceptions about calcium during pregnancy:

• Myth: Pregnant women need to drink a lot of milk. Milk is a good source of calcium, but not the only one. You can get enough calcium from other products, such as yogurt, cheese, dark green leafy vegetables and enriched products.
• Myth: Reception of calcium additives is always necessary during pregnancy. If you consume enough calcium with food, additives may not be needed.
• Myth: Calcium causes constipation. Calcium can cause constipation in some people, but this is not a general rule. You can reduce the risk of constipation by drinking a sufficient amount of water and using products rich in fiber.
• Myth: Calcium causes kidney stones. Taking high doses of calcium can increase the risk of kidney stones in some people, but this is rare. It is important not to exceed the recommended dose of calcium and drink enough water.
• Myth: it is difficult for vegetarian and vegans to get enough calcium during pregnancy. Vegetarians and vegans can receive enough calcium from plant sources, such as dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes and enriched products.

Councils to ensure sufficient calcium consumption during pregnancy

• Include products rich in calcium in your diet: Dairy products, dark green leafy vegetables, enriched products, fish with bones, nuts and seeds.
• Take calcium additives if necessary: Consult a doctor to determine your individual need for calcium and choose the most suitable supplement.
• Provide sufficient consumption of vitamin D: Get enough sunlight, use products rich in vitamin D, or take vitamin D.
• Follow the balanced diet: Use a variety of products to get all the necessary vitamins and minerals.
• Drink enough water: Water helps to absorb calcium and prevents constipation.
• Limit the consumption of products that can reduce calcium assimilation: Products with a high content of fitin and oxalic acid.
• Consult a doctor: Regularly visit a doctor during pregnancy to control your health and health.

Calcium during lactation: importance for mother and child

After childbirth, during breastfeeding, the need for calcium remains high. The child continues to need calcium for growth and development, and the mother – to maintain the health of her bones. The recommended daily dose of calcium for nursing mothers is also 1000 mg.

Calcium deficiency during lactation can lead to a decrease in bone density in the mother and the insufficient intake of calcium to the baby with breast milk. This can negatively affect the health of the child’s bones and teeth.

Therefore, nursing mothers must continue to consume products rich in calcium, and take calcium additives, if necessary.

New studies in the field of calcium and pregnancy

Scientific research in the field of calcium and pregnancy continues, and new data appear on his role in the health of the mother and child. For example, some studies study the influence of various forms of calcium on assimilation and effectiveness, as well as the role of calcium in the prevention of other pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes.

It is important to monitor new scientific data and consult a doctor in order to get the most relevant information about calcium during pregnancy.

Conclusion

Calcium plays a key role in the health of the bones of the mother and child during pregnancy and lactation. Providing sufficient calcium consumption with a balanced diet and, if necessary, calcium additives, is an important step to maintain the health and well -being of the mother and child. Always consult a doctor to get individual recommendations for calcium consumption during pregnancy and lactation.