Nutrients for fertility, pregnancy & lactation – with folic acid, iron, iodine + DHA – 1 x monthly pack of 30 tablets + 30 capsules

Nutrition plays a crucial role in fertility, pregnancy, and lactation. A well-balanced diet that is rich in essential nutrients can help to support a healthy pregnancy, optimize fetal growth, and ensure an adequate supply of milk for the newborn. This article will focus on four essential nutrients that are especially important during these stages: folic acid, iron, iodine, and DHA.

Folic Acid

Folic acid, also known as folate, is a B-vitamin that is important for cell growth and development. During pregnancy, folic acid is essential for the development of the neural tube, which forms the baby’s brain and spinal cord. A deficiency in folic acid during pregnancy can lead to neural tube defects, which can cause serious birth defects.

Folic acid can be found in many foods, including leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, and fortified cereals. However, it can be difficult to get enough folic acid from food alone, which is why many doctors recommend that women who are trying to conceive or are pregnant take a daily folic acid supplement of 400-800 micrograms.

Iron

Iron is an essential mineral that is needed to produce hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. During pregnancy, the body requires more iron to support the growth of the placenta and the fetus. Iron deficiency during pregnancy can lead to anemia, which can increase the risk of premature delivery, low birth weight, and postpartum hemorrhage.

Good dietary sources of iron include lean red meat, poultry, fish, beans, and fortified cereals. However, some women may need to take an iron supplement during pregnancy if their iron levels are low. It’s important to talk to your doctor about whether you need an iron supplement and how much you should take.

Iodine

Iodine is a mineral that is essential for the production of thyroid hormones, which are important for fetal brain development. A deficiency in iodine during pregnancy can lead to intellectual disabilities and other developmental problems in the baby.

Iodine can be found in seafood, dairy products, and iodized salt. However, many women do not get enough iodine from their diet alone, which is why some doctors recommend that women who are trying to conceive or are pregnant take a daily iodine supplement of 150 micrograms.

DHA

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is an omega-3 fatty acid that is important for fetal brain and eye development. DHA is found in fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, and sardines, as well as in fortified foods and supplements.

It can be difficult to get enough DHA from food alone, especially for women who do not eat fish. That’s why some doctors recommend that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding take a daily DHA supplement of 200-300 milligrams.

Conclusion

Folic acid, iron, iodine, and DHA are four essential nutrients that are especially important during fertility, pregnancy, and lactation. A well-balanced diet that includes a variety of foods can help to ensure that you get enough of these important nutrients. However, some women may need to take supplements to ensure that they are getting enough. It’s important to talk to your doctor about your individual nutrient needs and whether you need to take supplements.