Notes when supplementing iron for pregnant women

Some pregnant women often have iron deficiency, except in severe cases, the mother needs to take iron supplements. The rest of pregnant mothers should be aware of foods that can interfere with iron absorption and maintain a suitable diet.

firstWhat should pregnant women with iron deficiency eat?

Iron rich foods

To ensure that the body has enough iron to create red blood cells to nourish the mother and the fetus, pregnant mothers need to add more iron-rich foods in each daily meal because the mother’s iron needs at this time increase higher than normal.

The effect of iron is to participate in the process hematopoiesissimultaneously Oxygen transport blood to body tissues. Therefore, iron deficiency is the most common cause of low blood hemoglobin, or anemia.

According to the website of the Phu Nhuan District Health Station, pregnant women can supplement iron from foods from animal meat such as: Red meat, chicken liver, oysters, beef, ..

As for plants: Beets, tofu, asparagus, apples, pomegranates, apricots, watermelons, plums, pumpkin seeds, almonds, raisins…

Note: Amount of animal meat high iron and easy to absorb more than plants.

Animal meat is high in iron and easier to absorb than plants.

Foods Rich in Vitamin C

Although the body has enough iron, if vitamin C is deficient, pregnant women can still develop anemia.

The body can absorb 2 – 20% of iron from plants, and 15 – 35% from animals. But when supplementing with Vitamin C at the same time as iron, the ratio iron absorption can be doubled 6 times.

Foods rich in Vitamin C such as: Orange, lemon, strawberry, papaya, bell pepper, broccoli, grapefruit, tomato…

Add foods rich in Vitamin C at the same time as foods rich in iron

Folic Acid Supplement

Folic acid helps prevent risk of malformations neural tube in the fetus, and is also essential for the diet of pregnant women with anemia.

Similar to iron, folic acid is also involved in the process make red blood cells. A lack of folic acid can lead to low hemoglobin levels, also known as anemia.

Some food sources that are high in folic acid include: Green leafy vegetables, bean sprouts, dried beans, wheat germ, peanuts, bananas, broccoli, chicken liver…

Green leafy vegetables, bean sprouts, dried beans, wheat germ, peanuts, bananas, broccoli, chicken liver… are rich in folic acid.

2Foods to avoid

Calcium rich foods

If the body adds more than 50mg of calcium each time, it will do hamper ability iron absorption. Especially note not to add 300-600mg of Calcium at the same time, because it will inhibit the absorption of iron almost completely.

Calcium is essential for both mother and child. However, pregnant women should supplement calcium in moderation and Avoid eating and drinking at the same time as ironto limit affecting the ability to absorb iron leading to anemia.

Do not use calcium-rich foods when using iron-rich foods

Oxalate containing foods

Like calcium, oxalates can also reduce iron absorption.

The most obvious example is SpinachAlthough very rich in iron, it contains oxalates, so it can make it difficult for the body to absorb the amount of iron in vegetables.

Oxalat can also be found in turnips, kale, tea, chocolate, parsley…

When pregnant women eat foods containing oxalate, should combine the same Vitamin C rich foods to improve the body’s ability to absorb iron.

Oxalat can also be found in turnips, kale, tea, chocolate, parsley…

Foods containing Tannins

Tannin is a type of Polyphenol, which can strongly inhibit the body’s ability to absorb iron.

So to avoid this situation, within 2 hours before and after When taking iron supplements, pregnant women need to stay away from foods containing Tannin.

Food groups containing tannins such as tea, coffee, apples, berry juices, etc.

Within 2 hours before and after iron supplementation, pregnant women need to stay away from foods containing Tannin.

Iron It is an extremely necessary mineral for pregnant women during pregnancy. Pregnant women when taking iron supplements need to follow the dosage of the doctor to ensure safety.

A reasonable diet during pregnancy is very important, not only affecting the health of the mother but also the development of the fetus. Therefore, after this article, hopefully pregnant mothers will have the right nutritional choices to ensure the health of both mother and baby, avoiding iron deficiency or anemia.

Source: Website of Phu Nhuan District Health Station

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