During pregnancy, an incredible journey begins as a new life develops within the body. This phase requires a significant increase in essential nutrients and vitamins. Among these, folic acid, or folate, is recognized as the paramount pregnancy vitamin, prompting many women to take it as a supplement. Below is an overview of the increased daily requirements for various vitamins and which of them the German Society for Nutrition (DGE) recommends supplementing.
Pregnancy Vitamins: Which Vitamins Does the Body Need and Why?
The demand for vitamins rises significantly during pregnancy. Many of these cannot be solely met through dietary sources, making supplementation crucial. The DGE recommends that pregnant women take folic acid and iodine. Depending on the mother’s nutritional status, the intake of iron supplements may also be advised due to the fetus’s high iron needs. Regular checks of blood iron levels should be conducted during prenatal visits. These vitamins and nutrients serve specific functions during pregnancy:
- Calcium: Essential for building bone structures.
- Folic Acid: Vital for the growth of maternal tissue and the development of the nervous system.
- Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA): Crucial for the brain, nerve, and eye development.
- Iodine: Important for thyroid hormone production, growth, and healthy development of internal organs.
- Iron: Key for fetal brain development.
In addition to folic acid, all B vitamins are critical for the body of a pregnant woman. Vitamins B1 to B5 are essential for energy metabolism and cognitive function. Vitamin B7 plays a role in maintaining healthy skin and hair, while Vitamin B12 is needed for cell division and normal immune function. Magnesium can help prevent cramps and premature labor, and Vitamin D is essential for bone formation. DHA, primarily obtained from fish products, is believed to influence memory positively.
Vitamins: When Are Supplements Necessary During Pregnancy?
Although Germany generally does not face vitamin and nutrient deficiencies due to balanced nutrition, certain nutrients are frequently under-consumed. According to the Robert Koch Institute, 29.7% of women are insufficiently supplied with Vitamin D. A staggering 86% are under-supplied with folic acid, according to Techniker Krankenkasse. Furthermore, approximately 30% do not meet the recommended daily iodine intake as outlined by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
Self-diagnosis and self-treatment with supplements should be avoided during pregnancy or at any other time. It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider and conduct blood tests to determine the necessity of supplements. The adage “more is better” does not apply here. While water-soluble B vitamins and Vitamin C are generally excreted through urine when in excess, caution is advised with fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin D due to the risk of toxicity.
Why Should Pregnant Women Take Folic Acid?
In the early weeks of pregnancy, the fetal nervous system develops rapidly. For healthy cell growth, adequate folate or folic acid is essential to prevent birth defects. Over 86% of women in Germany experience slight folic acid deficiency, leading the DGE to recommend folic acid supplementation prior to conception. A daily intake of 400 micrograms of folic acid through supplements, alongside a folate-rich diet, can significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Notably, “folic acid” refers to synthetically produced folate, which is absorbed differently than naturally occurring dietary folate, justifying the use of folate equivalents for daily recommendations.
Why Should Iodine Be Supplemented During Pregnancy?
Iodine is an essential trace element for the body, primarily sourced from food via soil. However, the iodine content in German soil is low. To ensure adequate iodine intake, iodized salt is commonly recommended. With increased maternal energy demands, a preventive iodine intake is advised starting from the 12th week of pregnancy. Daily intake of iodine should ideally be around 100 micrograms from supplements in addition to dietary sources. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting supplements.
A deficiency in iodine during pregnancy raises the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. Babies require sufficient iodine for thyroid hormone production. Long-term deficiency can lead to severe birth defects, impairments, or even growth restrictions in infants.
Consequences of Vitamin Deficiency During Pregnancy
An iodine deficiency in pregnancy increases the risks of:
- Miscarriage and stillbirth
- Intellectual disabilities
- Birth defects
A folate deficiency during pregnancy raises the risks of:
- Congenital malformations affecting the brain or spinal cord, known as neural tube defects.
- Spina bifida, commonly known as “open back.”
Additional deficiency symptoms include:
- A calcium deficiency may result in dental deformities in children later on.
- A vitamin B6 deficiency can lead to seizures in infants.
A vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to symptoms in infants such as:
- Developmental delays
- Low blood pressure
- Tremors or seizures
Pregnancy: Which Vitamins Have Increased Daily Requirements?
Pregnant and nursing women have increased daily requirements for almost all vitamins, except Vitamin D and K. The daily requirement for Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) does not increase during pregnancy, but nursing women require 7 mg daily instead of 5 mg. For Biotin (Vitamin B7), the requirement increases slightly from 40 micrograms per day to 45 micrograms per day during nursing. Here’s an overview:
Vitamin A:
- Pregnant: 800 µg-activity equivalent per day
- Nursing: 1300 µg-activity equivalent per day
- Regular daily requirement for adults: 700 µg-activity equivalent per day
Vitamin E:
- Pregnant: 13 mg-equivalent per day
- Nursing: 17 mg-equivalent per day
- Regular daily requirements for adults up to 65: 12 mg-equivalent per day
Vitamin B1:
- Pregnant: 2nd Trimester: 1.2 mg per day; 3rd Trimester: 1.3 mg per day
- Nursing: 1.3 mg per day
- Regular daily requirement for adults: 1.0 mg per day
Which Minerals Are Necessary During Pregnancy?
The daily requirements for minerals also increase for pregnant and nursing women, specifically for potassium, phosphorus, iron, iodine, zinc, and selenium. Certain values increase only for nursing mothers.
- Selenium: 75 µg per day (regular 60)
- Potassium: 4400 mg per day (regular 4000)
These micronutrients have increased daily requirements during pregnancy and nursing:
- Phosphorus: Pregnant: 800 mg per day; Nursing: 900 mg per day (regular 700)
- Iodine: Pregnant: 230 µg per day; Nursing: 260 µg per day (regular 200)
Regarding zinc, its absorption depends significantly on the phytate content of the diet. A high phytate intake can bind zinc, preventing its absorption. Phytinsäure is found in nuts and whole grains.
- Low phytate intake: Pregnant 1st Trimester: 7 mg per day; 2nd and 3rd Trimester: 9 mg per day; Nursing: 11 mg per day (regular 7)
- Medium phytate intake: Pregnant 1st Trimester: 9 mg per day; 2nd and 3rd Trimester: 11 mg per day; Nursing: 13 mg per day (regular 8)
- High phytate intake: Pregnant 1st Trimester: 11 mg per day; 2nd and 3rd Trimester: 13 mg per day; Nursing: 14 mg per day (regular 10)
For minerals like magnesium, calcium, sodium, and chloride, daily requirements do not change during pregnancy.
