Zinc During Pregnancy — Importance, Benefits and Sources
Zinc is an essential mineral that you can find in some foods and can even get through a healthy, balanced diet. Being a micronutrient, it is mainly needed for cell division, protein synthesis and growth. Zinc is a powerful mineral that plays a vital role in the body’s proper functioning and is essential during pregnancy.
For expecting mothers, doctors prescribe Zinc to ensure healthy prenatal nutrition, which will help in positive pregnancy outcomes. The role of Zinc during pregnancy is to make sure the Foetus grows properly. Proper consumption of Zinc in diet can lead to healthy birth weight. The expected mother should ensure that severe zinc deficiency during pregnancy can put the baby at risk for low birth weight (LBW).
Role of Zinc During Pregnancy
Zinc plays a significant role in pregnancy, and its benefits are different for the pregnant woman and the fetus. Some of these are mentioned below:
Zinc for Pregnant Women
· It can help maintain a strong immune system
· Averts intra-uterine infection
· Ensure proper hormonal balance
· Helps in the production of the placenta
Zinc for Foetus
· Zinc can boost the growth of cells
· Improvement of DNA production and functioning
· It provides protein-based structural support that makes up the cells
Sources/Nutritional support of Zinc for expected mother and Foetus
There are different zinc sources, which include beef chuck roast, pork loin, pumpkin seeds, and legumes like chickpeas, lentils, and beans. It also includes Swiss, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, Almonds, and cashews.
Is there any Zinc Supplements for Pregnant Woman?
During pregnancy, your doctor prescribes iron, calcium, and folic acid supplements. They may also prescribe you a multivitamin supplement that may contain Zinc. All you have to do is follow your doctor’s advice for all supplements during pregnancy and meet your daily zinc requirement.
