Adv Exp Med Biol. 1994;352:173-86.Author information1Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs 06269-4017.AbstractThis overview of vitamin B12 metabolism and requirements during the continuum of pregnancy and lactation has identified several gaps in our knowledge. More information is needed concerning the roles of the different transcobalamins during pregnancy and lactation, including their impact on placental and mammary transfer of cobalamin and their effect on intestinal absorption in the infant. Knowledge is needed about the relative importance of maternal stores and current dietary intake on fetal storage of the vitamin, and on its concentration in breast milk. Because there is some evidence that infant's urinary methylmalonic acid excretion is reduced by intakes slightly higher than the current RDA, the adequacy of the current RDA for vitamin B12 during infancy should be verified. Finally, it is possible that vitamin B12 deficiency is more common in pregnant and lactating women and their young children in developing countries than has been recognized previously, due primarily to malabsorption.
It is important to confirm whether or not this is the case, in view of its potential impact on infant neurobehavioral development and the relative ease with which supplements of the vitamin could be provided.PIP: Vitamin B12 metabolism and requirements during pregnancy and lactation are reviewed. Pregnant women who have been strict vegetarians for only a few years, and even those who consume low amounts of animal products, are more likely to become vitamin B12 deficient during pregnancy and lactation, to give birth to an infant who develops clinical or biochemical signs of B12 deficiency, and/or to have low levels of this vitamin in their breast milk. Populations that consume large amounts of animal products ingest 3-32 mcg/day, compared to 0-0.25 mcg/day for strict vegetarians. Changes in B12 metabolism during pregnancy affect intestinal absorption, changes in plasma concentrations, and placental transport. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) during pregnancy is an increase from 2.0 mcg/day to 2.2 mcg/day to cover fetal storage.
The World Health Organization (WHO) advises an increase of 0.4 mcg/day to a total of 1.4 mcg/day. Vitamin B12 metabolism during lactation involves the mechanism of secretion and forms in milk. For lactating women the WHO recommends that intake be increased by 0.3 mcg/day to a total of 1.3 mcg/day, while the RDA is increased from 2.0 to 2.6 mcg/day. There is some evidence that the infant's urinary methylmalonic acid excretion is reduced by intakes slightly higher than the current RDA, therefore the adequacy of the current RDA for vitamin B12 during infancy should be verified. Knowledge is also needed about the relative importance of maternal stores and current dietary intake on fetal storage of the vitamin, and on its concentration in breast milk. It is possible that vitamin B12 deficiency is more common in pregnant and lactating women and their young children in developing countries than has been recognized previously, primarily because of malabsorption.PMID: 7832046 [Indexed for MEDLINE] Publication typeReviewMeSH termsDeveloping CountriesFemaleHumansInfant, NewbornLactation/metabolism*Nutritional RequirementsNutritional Status*Pregnancy/metabolism*Pregnancy ComplicationsVitamin B 12/chemistryVitamin B 12/metabolism*Vitamin B 12 Deficiency/epidemiologySubstanceVitamin B 12MedicalClinicalTrials.govPregnancy - Genetic AlliancePregnancy - MedlinePlus Health InformationMiscellaneousCYANOCOBALAMIN - Hazardous Substances Data Bank
Try to get these vitamins daily: A -- More than 2,500 IU twice a day is too much (watch for extra Vitamin A in other fortified products like protein bars, breakfast bars, or meal-replacement products) B1 (thiamin) -- 25 mg B2 (Riboflavin) -- 25 mg B3 (Niacin) -- at least 30 mg B5 (pantothenic acid) -- at least 30 mg B6 (pyridoxine) -- 3 mg twice a day B9 (folic acid) -- 400 mcg B12 -- 400 mcg twice a day Biotin -- 300 mcg C -- 400 mg twice a day (remember it's water-soluble, so you need two doses over the day) D -- 600 IU twice a day E -- 200 IU twice a day (or, preferably, 400 IU of mixed tocopherols) Find out more about this book: YOU: Having a Baby: The Owner's Manual to a Happy and Healthy PregnancyPregnancy is an incredibly sacred time. Your body is changing and accommodating to grow a precious, beautiful life within. You’ll definitely need to choose what you’re putting in your body carefully to help that incredible baby develop and give him or her the healthiest start possible.
The idea of “eating for two” is not really true- some researchers believe that excessive weight gain during pregnancy can actually contribute to a more difficult birth and other health complications. There’s no need to double your caloric intake simply because you’re pregnant, or let all dietary rules leap out the window. Besides, you don’t want to put less than ideal, processed foods in your body that would end up in the baby. But you will need to increase your caloric intake by about 300 calories per day. There are also certain nutrients you should make a special effort to get more of in your diet while you’re at it. Choose your foods wisely! There’s really not much that you need to consume when you’re pregnant that you didn’t need when you weren’t pregnant. You’ll need to increase your intake of certain nutrients, though, because they’re especially helpful for preventing birth defects and reducing the likelihood of complications. Folate (found naturally in foods) and folic acid (the supplement) are especially important the first 28 days after conception.
Since you may not know you’re pregnant right away, consider increasing your intake if you’re trying to get pregnant and continue throughout the pregnancy. The CDC actually recommends folic acid supplements, but you can also increase your folate consumption to meet the RDA prior to pregnancy with foods like leafy greens, fruits, fruit juices (skip the store-bought juices, though, and juice your own!), nuts, beans, peas, and grains. 1 cup of raw spinach has 58 mcg and a cup of cooked, drained, unsalted spinach contains a whopping 263 mcg 1 cup of cooked quinoa has 78 mcg Parsley has 91 mcg in one cup The recommended daily amount to decrease the likelihood of neural tube defects like spinal bifida and anencephaly is 400 mcg. My Raw Tabouli Salad with Hemp Seeds gives you folic acid (via lots of parsley!) and omega-3s, which are also important during pregnancy. Eat your chia seeds! Many women don’t get enough omega-3s while they’re pregnant (DHA is especially important for a developing fetus).
Some women have been trained to believe that the best–or only–source of omega-3s is fish, and when they learn that certain types of fish, in fact, can be dangerous because of their mercury content, they may cut back on seafood without replacing the omega-3s in their diet. A fetus’ exposure to mercury in the womb could result in mental retardation, cerebral palsy, deafness, and blindness, but both baby and mom need omega-3s. Since the consumption of seafood should be severely limited (no more than 12 oz. per week, or roughly two meals) during pregnancy, but omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for healthy neurological and eye development in the baby, women have to seek out other sources. Luckily for Beauty Detoxers, we know that you can get your omega-3s from seeds, nuts, algae (including seaweed), and avocados. Pregnant women need 300 mg of omega-3s per day. If you’re still concerned, algae-based DHA supplements are available. DHA may not be present in your prenatal vitamins.
When you’re pregnant, the baby needs calcium to develop. If there’s not enough calcium for both of you, the baby will still take what it needs, leaving you, mom, with potentially weakened bones. The recommended amount of calcium for pregnant women is 1,400 mg. Don’t head straight for the dairy products, though! Since dairy is acidic, it, too, will leach the calcium from your bones in your body’s attempt to neutralize it. Instead, seek out Beauty Greens—bok choy, broccoli, collard greens, cucumbers, kale, romaine lettuce, sea vegetables, turnip greens, spinach and sesame seeds/tahini to reach your recommended calcium goal per day. To absorb all that calcium, you’ll need another Beauty Nutrient, magnesium. Side note about magnesium: it also helps keep our bowels regular, so if you’re experiencing constipation during pregnancy, increasing your magnesium intake could help. Hempseeds, pumpkin seeds, and spirulina are all good sources of magnesium. While you shouldn’t depend on your prenatal vitamins to cover all your calcium needs, there is usually some (anywhere from 75 to 300 mg) to supplement an already nutritious diet.
When you’re pregnant, your risk of developing iron deficiency anemia is heightened because your body needs about 15 to 18 mg when you’re not pregnant, and then 27 mg or more when you are. Iron deficiency is already a common problem all over the world. Add pregnancy to that, and you need to be especially careful, especially if you’re a vegetarian. In addition to anemia in the mom, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition says an iron deficiency could mean a decrease in birth weight, complications during labor and delivery, and even impaired maternal functioning could result. Pumpkin seeds (1 oz = 4.2 mg), spirulina, spinach (1 cup, raw = .81 mg and, when raw, includes vitamin C for best absorption), lentils (1/2 cup, cooked = 3.3 mg), chickpeas (1/2 cup, cooked = 2.4 mg), navy beans, black beans, and kidney beans are all good sources of iron. Eat the legumes with foods rich in vitamin C, like bell peppers, hot peppers, thyme, parsley, and leafy greens to maximize the iron absorption.
Vitamin D is necessary for absorbing the calcium in your diet (and making your baby’s bones strong). With sun exposure, your body creates vitamin D, so you may not be deficient or in need of a supplement if you get plenty of sun. However most of us, pregnant or not, do need a vitamin D supplement. Pregnant women need at least 600 IU of vitamin D per day. Some prenatal multi-vitamins have all of that (and in some cases, more, like New Chapter’s Perfect Prenatal), so you won’t necessarily need an extra supplement. In 2007, the Canadian Pediatric Society stated that pregnant women needed 2,000 IU per day. A deficiency in vitamin D could lead to recurrent wheezing episodes later in life. If you’re not vegan, one tablespoon of cod liver oil can offer 1,360 IU of vitamin D. A B12 supplement may be recommended while you’re pregnant, especially if you’re a vegetarian or vegan mommy-to-be. B12 is important for the baby’s developing brain. It’s also important for the mom, before, during, and after pregnancy, and while breastfeeding.
While you’re body will be more efficient at creating B vitamins in your gut with the right balance of healthy flora, it is a general recommendation across the board, as I mention in the Beauty Detox books, to take a B12 supplement if you are vegetarian or vegan. The B12 in the body will go to the fetus first (so be sure to get enough for the baby and yourself so you don’t become deficient!), and the baby will generally have enough stored up for the first four months of life as protection in case the mother is deficient at first. You’ll need to continue with a B12 supplement while breastfeeding to ensure that your baby is getting enough. Moms who don’t eat animal products will need the vitamin for their babies and themselves. Deficiency shows up as lethargy, irritability, and developmental delays. The RDA for B12 in pregnant women is 2.6 mcg and 2.8 mcg for breastfeeding women. Though it depends on your size of course, a general recommendation by the Mayo Clinic is 71 grams of protein per day for pregnant women.
You can hit this requirement whether you eat animal protein or not. Some of the best sources of plant-based protein include: Just as there are foods you should try to get more of in your diet while you’re pregnant, it’s super important to avoid certain foods due the potential toxins that are present, like mercury or dangerous bacteria, despite any potential benefits (like the omega-3s in fish). You’ll want to discuss the limitations with your healthcare provider, of course, but the Mayo Clinic lists: Remember that one of the biggest sources of environmental toxins entering your body is through animal foods, which are concentrate toxins in their flesh as contaminants move up the food supply. You can absolutely follow the Beauty Detox guidelines and eat Beauty Detox Foods while you’re pregnant, like cutting out refined foods, dairy, gluten, and fried foods and eating Light to Heavy throughout the day. In fact, it’s a sure way to get plenty of the nutrients you and your growing baby need while you’re pregnant.