Nutrients, how much more and why do you need and where to get them?
Choline- The demand of choline in pregnancy increases by 10% compared to a non-pregnant woman.
Why does a pregnant lady need Choline?
Choline is crucial to the pregnant woman for:
- proper brain development and formation of neural connections in the baby. Inadequate intake of choline may lead to neural defects and behavioral problems.
- production of stress hormones and the brain's own stress-response systems, inadequate intake may lead to the child developing stress-related disorders regarding anxiety and attention problems.
- proper liver function of the mother- an inadequate intake of choline may lead to liver dysfunction in the mother.
So, in what foods is Choline found?
- Meat
- Fish
- Poultry
- Dairy
- Eggs
- Salmon
- Cod
- Chicken breast
- Legumes