Nutrients, how much more and why do you need, and where to get them?
Riboflavin- The demand during pregnancy increases by 25% compared to a non-pregnant woman.
Why does a pregnant woman need Ribolavin?
Riboflavin is crucial to the pregnant woman for:
- development and growth of fetus, a deficiency may lead to birth defects. In addition, a deficiency of riboflavin has been linked to pre-term birth (this is birth before 37 weeks and is associated with multiple complications)
- proper regulation of blood pressure, a deficiency may lead to pre-eclampsia (Pre-eclampsia is a potentially serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs, usually liver and kidneys)
- proper functioning of red blood cells, a deficiency may lead to anemia (when the body does not have enough "healthy" red blood cells to function properly)
- maintaining a healthy immune system, a deficiency may lead to poor immune function and making pregnant women more susceptible to infections and illnesses
So, in what foods is Riboflavin found?
- Meats
- Fortified foods
- Nuts
- Green vegetables
- Dairy milk
- Yogurt
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Lean beef
- Organ meats
- Chicken breast
- Salmon
- Almonds
- Spinach