Essential nutrients to maintain a healthy pregnancy and successful fetal development are not only obtained from a varied and sufficient diet.
According to nutritionist Priscilla Soler, an expert in women’s health, it is ideal for pregnant women to supplement with vitamins and minerals before and during the nine months of pregnancy.
Regarding this, the Mexican Ministry of Health indicates that daily consumption of 400 micrograms of folic acid before and during pregnancy prevents neural tube defects and other congenital malformations.
However, medical science is incorporating other nutrients every day that provide extraordinary benefits for both the embryo and the woman.
Methylfolate, choline, and iron bisglycinate
In that sense, more and more gynecologists, nutritionists, and experts in maternal-fetal health are recommending methylfolate, as it is the truly absorbable form of synthetic folic acid (vitamin B9).
“About 25% of people have genetic mutations and simply cannot benefit from synthetic folic acid, which is why methylfolate is the most recommended option,” adds the expert.
On the other hand, the gynecologist-obstetrician Cynthia Dickter explains that methylfolate is a nutrient that prevents neural tube defects, a structure that gives rise to the brain, spinal cord, and other fundamental components of the embryo’s nervous system. That’s why it is recommended to consume it before pregnancy.
Choline is another essential micronutrient for a healthy pregnancy and fetal development. It plays a role in brain and nervous system health, while also improving muscle control and other cognitive functions.
“Choline is produced in very small amounts in the liver, however, for it to have a positive and lasting impact on the health of the embryo and fetus, it needs to be ingested as a supplement,” states gynecologist Dickter.
Some foods contain choline, among which beef, chicken, eggs, and dairy products stand out, as well as broccoli and cauliflower.
However, there are also prenatal supplements that contain the ideal amount of this nutrient to support a healthy pregnancy and breastfeeding, such as Prema and Omega+Colina from Holiherb, according to nutritionist Soler.
Finally, iron bisglycinate is a key micronutrient during pregnancy because it improves hemoglobin, a protein located in red blood cells that is responsible for transporting oxygen to all organs and tissues.
“When a woman is pregnant, her blood volume doubles. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent anemia with iron bisglycinate, which is more easily digested than any other type of iron,” says gynecologist Dickter.
Experts recommend that every woman of childbearing age who is seeking a pregnancy, or any female who is pregnant, attend their prenatal appointments to ensure a successful fetal development with the help of their gynecologist and nutritionist.