Prenatal Nutrition - Minerals

Iron

Mineral name : Ferum (Fe)

Absorbable form : ferrous fumarate (32.6%), ferrous gluconate (18.46%), ferrous sulfate (11.33%)

Functions : formation of hemoglobin, myoglobin, leghemoglobin

Deficiency :

1. anemia

2. preterm delivery

3. infant low birth weight

4. inferior neonatal health

5. poor congenital motor and mental development

Daily requirement :  360mg (prenatal), 320mg (lactation), 320mg (normal)

Source: red meat, lentils, beans, poultry, fish, leafy vegetables,

Superfood : liver, kidney, clams & oysters, octopus,  pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate

Absorbtion enhanced by : before meal, Vitamin C

Absorbtion interfered by : Calcium, coffee, tea

Side effects : constipation, nausea, sickness, diarrhea, heartburn

Calcium

Mineral name : Calcium (Ca)

Absorbable form : Calcium carbonate (40%), tricalcium phosphate (39%), dicalcium phosphate (29%), calcium citrate (24%), calcium lactate (18%), monocalcium phosphate (17%), calcium gluconate (9%)

Functions : fetal muscle, heart, nerves, bone and teeth development

Deficiency :

1. maternal risk of osteoporosis

2. pre-eclampsia

Daily requirement :  1000mg (prenatal), 1000mg (lactation), 1200mg (normal)

Source: Seaweeds, nuts, beans, leafy vegetables, dairy products, fruits

Superfood : anchovies, sardines, fig, tofu, cheese, milk

Absorbtion enhanced by : vitamin D, intake of <600mg a="" at="" o:p="" time="">

Absorbtion interfered by : phosphorus, fat, protein, chocolate, coffee

Side effects : bloating, constipation