Why is Calcium important for pregnant and Nursing moms!
Welcoming a child into this world involves a lot of changes for a mother. The process of childbirth is truly a magical experience. A women's body goes under a lot of physical as well as hormonal changes right from the day she conceives, then the childbirth and post-partum changes. During pregnancy, the child derives all essential nutrients from the mother's body and after birth through her breast milk. Calcium is the most important mineral that is utilised throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding . Breastfeeding moms have double duty: They must nourish their babies and themselves.Being busy with a newborn can make it difficult to attend to your own needs.
Calcium intake should not be neglected by mothers because of the following facts:
Pregnancy and Bone Health
During pregnancy, the baby growing in its mother’s womb needs plenty of calcium to develop. If the mother doesn’t get enough calcium, her baby will draw what it needs from the mother’s bones.
Breastfeeding and Bone Health
Breastfeeding also affects a mother’s bones. If their diet lacks in calcium, the body will withdraw calcium from the bones to supply it to the breast-feeding infant. Studies have shown that women often lose 3 to 5 percent of their bone mass during breastfeeding, most likely due to insufficient intake of calcium from diet.
Mothers need to consume 1,000 mg-1,300 mg of calcium per day to protect themselves from bone loss during lactation.The amount of calcium the mother needs depends on the amount of breast milk produced and how long breastfeeding continues. Women also may lose bone mass during breastfeeding because they’re producing less estrogen, which is the hormone that protects bones.
More Calcium to Maintain Oral Health
Maintaining oral health for the prevention of bone loss around the teeth is important for pregnant and lactating women. Particularly nursing mothers should take enough calcium in their diet because lack of it is the major contributor to various oral disorders and inflamation of tissues surrounding the teeth
Intake of Calcium through diet :
A balanced diet with adequate calcium, regular exercise, and a healthy lifestyle are good for mothers and their babies.
Some good sources of Calcium are :
Dairy products, such as cheese, milk and yogurt
Dark green leafy vegetables, such as broccoli and kale
Fish with edible soft bones, such as sardines and canned salmon
Calcium-fortified foods and beverages, such as soy products, cereal and fruit juices, and milk substitutes
What if you are unable to meet recommended Calcium Requirement?
Nutritional demands during lactation are high and can have a negative impact on both you and your infant if they are not met.Therefore, Supplements are taken when calcium supply from other sources is inadequate to meet the demands of the body during pregnancy.
The two main forms of calcium supplements are carbonate and citrate. Calcium carbonate is cheapest and therefore often a good first choice. Other forms of calcium in supplements include gluconate and lactate. In addition, some calcium supplements are combined with vitamins and other minerals. For instance, some calcium supplements may also contain vitamin D or magnesium. Check the ingredient list to see which form of calcium your calcium supplement is and what other nutrients it may contain
Calcium supplements are available in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, chews, liquids and powders. If you have trouble swallowing pills, then go for chewable or liquid calcium supplement.
Your body must be able to absorb the calcium for it to be effective. All varieties of calcium supplements are better absorbed when taken in small doses (500 mg or less) at mealtimes. Calcium citrate is absorbed equally well when taken with or without food and is a form recommended for individuals with low stomach acid (more common in people over 50 or taking acid blockers), inflammatory bowel disease or absorption disorders.
Supplements not only replenish calcium levels in your body but also reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Disclaimer : Before you decide to pop those pills, you should consult a doctor as Calcium supplements are available without a prescription in a wide range of preparations.
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