Pregnancy Supplements vs Whole Foods: When Supplementation Becomes Essential

Pregnancy is a critical phase where nutritional needs increase! This is important for supporting the health of the mother and the growing baby. Essentially, a balanced diet that is rich in whole foods should fulfil the prenatal nutritional requirements. However, current day dietary patterns, lifestyle, and specific nutritional requirement make it necessary to intake prenatal vitamin tablets.

Why does Nutritional Need Increase During Pregnancy?

During the pregnancy, body emphasizes on the growing foetus. There is an expansion of blood volume, hormonal activity increases, and tissues also grow rapidly. As a result of which there is increase in the requirements of nutrients which cannot only be met by food. This is where prenatal vitamins such as folic acid tablets for pregnancy become essential to cope up with the vitamin deficiencies and provide adequate prenatal care and nutritional support.

Whether it is whole food or pregnancy nutritional supplement, both are equally important for a healthy pregnancy. Let us examine the importance of each of these for supporting maternal health and the growth of the foetus.

Why whole foods are essential?

Whole foods like leafy greens, fruits, lean protein, dairy, whole grains, nuts & seeds provide a wide range of vitamins, minerals, protein, healthy fats & fiber. For example, leafy greens provide folate, iron and magnesium. Daily products provide calcium, protein and iodine, and fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C.

Additionally, a balanced pregnancy diet helps with a healthy weight gain, improved immunity, better digestion and development of the baby’s organs. 

Although, there are various benefits of whole foods yet diet alone may not always meet pregnancy-specific nutritional demands.

What Pregnancy Nutritional Supplements do?

Pregnancy supplements are designed to treat the nutritional deficiencies which cannot be treated by the food alone. Some of the prenatal supplements recommended by the doctors include:-

• Folic acid - lowers the risk of neural tube defects 
• Iron - increases blood volume and helps to prevent anaemia
• Calcium and Vitamin D - helps to improve bone health, immunity and foetal skeletal development
• DHA/Omega-3 - helps with the development of the baby’s brain and eye development
• Vitamin B12 and Iodine - ensures optimal thyroid function and neurological development.

Pregnancy is exciting yet the journey may not be smooth. It can take a significant toll on the maternal health as it involves physical transformation, hormonal imbalances and more. During this crucial period, maintaining maternal health and managing proper foetal growth can be quite challenging. So, it’s important to consume a balanced diet. However, simply intaking whole foods may not be enough as the nutritional needs increase. This is where Trimacare, a trimester-specific and nutrient-rich pregnancy supplement can play a crucial role.  With a composition of more than 20 essential micronutrients (including iron, calcium and folate), it offers a comprehensive prenatal support, making mothers stronger for better pregnancy outcomes.