Nutrition
Nutrition is the process of providing or obtaining the food necessary for health & growth
Better nutrition is related to improved infant, child & maternal health, stronger
immune systems, safer pregnancy & childbirth, lower risk of non-communicable diseases (such as diabetes & cardiovascular disease), & longevity
Improving the mother's diet before and during pregnancy reduces the risk of medical
problems for her and her infant
Food Groups
Proteins
Building blocks of the body
Carbohydrates
Major source of energy in all diets; either simple or complex- breakdown into glucose
Fats
Concentrated source of energy made up of fatty acids; helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins
Folic Acid
Reduces risk of congenital malformations and increases birth weight
Vitamin B12
Helps keep body’s nerve and blood cells healthy and helps make DNA
Vitamin B6
Required for metabolism, brain development of baby, & to reduce nausea & vomiting during pregnancy
Vitamin D
Helps absorb calcium for strong bones, also required for muscle, nerve and immune function.
Made by body when bare skin is exposed to sun.
Iron
Needed for hemoglobin synthesis, mental function & to provide immunity against diseases
Calcium
Essential, both during pregnancy & lactation, for proper formation of bones & teeth of the offspring, for secretion of breast-milk rich in calcium and to prevent osteoporosis in the mother.
Water & Salt
Points to Ponder
Importance of Nutritional Supplements
Nutritional supplements or dietary supplements are intended to provide nutrients that may otherwise not be consumed in sufficient quantities in the diet; e.g., vitamins, minerals, proteins, amino acids or other nutritional substances. Products are usually ingested in capsule, tablet or liquid form.
Though it is possible to meet the requirements for most of the nutrients through a balanced diet, pregnant/lactating women are advised to take daily supplements of iron, folic acid, vitamin B and calcium.
Always consult your doctor before taking any medicines
References
1. https://www.sciencedirect.com
2. https://www.who.int/health-topics/nutrition
3. https://www.nin.res.in/downloads/DietaryGuidelinesforNINwebsite.pdf
4. https://www.nature.com/subjects/nutritional-supplements
5. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/list-all/
6. https://medlineplus.gov/healthtopics.html