Are you pregnant or planning a pregnancy? Ideally, then you must know the significance of a nutritious diet. A diet rich in Vitamins and minerals is crucial for the healthy development of the baby.
Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin needed by the body for the creation of DNA and red blood cells. It is a water-soluble Vitamin and absorbed in the intestines. Vitamin B12 helps in the development of the nervous system and the brain in unborn babies.
Vitamin B12 deficiency in pregnant women can cause neural tube defects in infants. Vitamin B12 supplements given to pregnant women reduce the risk of miscarriage. It is important for cell reproduction and protein-tissue synthesis as well. A Vitamin B 12 rich food contains meat, poultry, dairy products and breakfast cereals.
Check out the benefits and side effects of vitamin B12 during pregnancy. Also understand the signs of Vitamin B12 deficiency and it’s dosage in pregnancy.
Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin. Everybody needs this vitamin for the proper functioning of the body. Our bodies can’t make this so it’s necessary to consume them through foods and supplements. Vitamin B12 tablets or foods should be consumed often as our bodies can’t store them for a long time. Vitamin B12 uses during pregnancy are many. It’s very crucial for the healthy development of the baby and well-being of the mother. This helps to prevent the birth defects and relieve some pregnancy symptoms. It’s important to take quality prenatal Vitamin B12 supplements to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
If you are pregnant and want a healthy baby then Vitamin B12 intake is essential. Vitamin B12 benefits for pregnant women include:
Vitamin B12 benefits by absorbing and digesting the food in pregnant women. Proper metabolism during pregnancy helps to prevent gastric troubles.
A point to remember: Folic acid supplements may interfere with vitamin B-12. Be sure to tell your doctor if you take folic acid during pregnancy. .- HERA
Excessive intake of Vitamin B12 during pregnancy can have some side effects too. Generally, vitamin B12 intake does not cause any serious side effects. There may be some cases of allergic reactions from excess intake of Vitamin B12 as side effects.
The daily dose of Vitamin B12 can increase during pregnancy. Unborn baby needs it for its optimal development. During pregnancy women should consume 2.6 micrograms Vitamin B12 per day. Vitamin B12 metabolism during lactation involves the mechanism of secretion and forms in milk. For lactating women 2.8 microgram dose is recommended per day. There are two ways of obtaining Vitamin B12. One is by consuming food items rich in the vitamin and second is by taking supplements. Vitamin B12 tablets available in the market should be taken as per medical advice.
Hera pro tip: If you are a vegan then you should consume non-dairy milk. Almond milk or soya milk is the best non-dairy milk. They are rich in Vitamin B12. While, Hera’s Prenatal essentials can help organ development, boost the immune system and prevent birth abnormalities. Made with clean ingredients, it is everything you will need to support and perfectly nourish your baby..- HERA
Cyanocobalamin is the manmade form of Vitamin B12. Cyanocobalamin deficiency during pregnancy can cause anaemia. Vegetarian women are more at risk of Vitamin B12 deficiency.
If your doctor suspects Vitamin B12 deficiency then he might suggest some blood tests. Blood test informs about the presence of methylmalonic acid. Higher levels of methylmalonic acid indicate lower levels of vitamin B12 in the body. For finding out serious deficiency antibodies test and schilling test is done.
Pregnant women who follow a restrictive diet like vegan or vegetarians may need Vitamin B12 supplements. Pregnant women should consult a doctor before taking any kind of vitamin B12 capsules. If someone has serious deficiency of vitamin B12 during pregnancy then injections may also be recommended.
Vitamin B12 is essential during pregnancy. Pregnancy diets must consist of foods high in vitamin B12 content. Meat, fish and dairy products are rich in Vitamin B12. It helps in the development of the spinal cord and nervous system of the unborn baby. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause neural tube defects in babies. If you are a vegetarian you should consult your doctor for taking vitamin B12 tablets.