Importance of iron fortified food during pregnancy
Iron deficiency is among the most common nutritional deficiencies globally, and it affects more than 20% of the world’s population, as iron imparts an important role in the formation of blood.
Iron deficiency often leads to anemia which is defined as having a blood hemoglobin (Hb) level below standard which usually results due to insufficient dietary intake of iron, poor utilization of iron from ingested food, or combination of both.
Human body doesn’t naturally make iron. Iron can only be obtained through diet or through supplements. That’s why increasing of iron-rich foods intake in pregnant woman can be important, especially during pregnancy.
When woman is pregnant, they need about twice the amount of iron because woman body uses iron to make extra blood for baby. And yet, about 50% of pregnant women don’t get enough of this important mineral.
Why is iron important during pregnancy?
- Iron is essential during pregnancy and lactation.
- It gives stamina to the mother, and is essential in proper brain development and blood cell formation for the baby.
- Pregnancy increases woman blood supply by up to 50 percent. That’s where iron comes in. Iron is used by the body to make red blood cells. An increase in blood supply means that you’ll need more red blood cells and more iron to make those blood cells.
- Also, it helps in treating and preventing iron deficiency anemia. Hence, incorporating iron-rich foods in your diet is extremely important for a healthy pregnancy and baby.
- Iron rich foods can either be vegetarian or non-vegetarian based.
- Low iron may make a pregnant person feel tired, have headaches, get dizzy, feel weak, or have shortness of breath. These are often things that a pregnant person may experience at some point in their pregnancy anyway, so all pregnant people have their iron levels tested regardless of symptoms.
There are two types of iron:
- Iron from animal foods called Heme iron (Non-vegetarian source)
- Iron from plant foods called Non-heme iron (Vegetarian source)
Vegetarian sources of iron include:
- Fortified Cereals
- Green leafy vegetables – e.g., spinach, methi (fenugreek)
- Dried seeds and nuts
- Whole grains
- Pulses and beans – e.g., lentils, peas, soy, kidney bean
- Fruits – e.g., figs, dates, apples, raisins (dried fruits)
Non-vegetarian sources of iron include:
- Poultry – chicken breasts, chicken drumsticks
- Seafood – canned tuna, mackerel, trout, bass
- Eggs
- Meat
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Our ProShake Mom, a nutrition drink for pregnant women by Titus health tech is a simple solution to meet the increased nutritional needs of pregnant or nursing (lactating) mothers. A perfect complement to your healthy diet with its complete balanced nutrition packed with protein, vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients. It also helps provide the extra nutrition and energy to help you care for your new-born. It provides the energy, protein and calcium needs of a pregnant or breast-feeding mother.
Get in touch with us at +91 97277 53866 or send an email on info@titushealthtech.com for any query related to our nutrition products.
Note: Titus is most trusted nutrition products and private label nutrition manufacturer in India. The company manufactures and markets infant milk formulas, baby cereals, pregnancy nutrition, nutrition for kids and toddlers, and other specialty products including sports nutrition and diabetic nutrition.