Vitamin D‑Rich Foods For Pregnant Women

Wednesday, December 9, 2015, 18:05

Vitamin D is essential to build and maintain strong bones and healthy teeth. In the same way, it also plays an important role during pregnancy. It enables the body to absorb and hold onto that calcium and other minerals, which the baby needs. Therefore, it is important to include foods to meet the daily requirement of vitamin D in pregnant women.

It is important to get the daily requirement of vitamin D during pregnancy for the well-being and development of the baby. Consuming the required amount of vitamin D can prevent pre-term labour and infections. Vitamin D is necessary for maintaining a healthy immune function, healthy cell division and bone health.

It is necessary for the absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorous. Low vitamin D levels can increase the risk of certain types of cancers, autoimmune diseases, neurological diseases, insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases.

Vitamin D invests in the well-being of the baby by supporting a healthy bone development. Deficiency of vitamin D is associated with pre-eclampsia. Sunlight is not the only source of vitamin D. Vitamin D is also readily available in the form of food.

In this article, we at Boldsky will be sharing with you some of the vitamin D‑rich foods to be consumed by pregnant women. Read on to know more about it.

Orange Juice: Orange juice is fortified and one cup of fortified orange juice can provide about 45 IU of vitamin D. It increases the vitamin D intake and improves the overall health. It is also a good source of potassium, vitamin C and folic acid.

Fatty Fish: Fatty fishes are high in omega-3 fatty acids. It is very much essential for the building block of a baby's brain. Oily fish such as trout, herring and cat fish contain more vitamins than other non-fortified foods.

Eggs: Eggs are one of the foods to be consumed during pregnancy. The yolk in the egg contains vitamin D. It's a convenient way to get vitamin D. One whole egg contains about 40 IU of vitamin D. It is good to eat the whole egg, as it contributes to the daily requirement of vitamin D.

Cereal: In addition to milk, cold cereals are fortified with vitamin D. Starting your day with fortified cereals is the best way to get all the necessary nutrients. Cereals are also rich in vitamin B, which makes it a perfect food to be consumed during pregnancy.

Mushrooms: Mushrooms are one of the good sources of vitamin D. The riboflavin, in mushroom, produces energy for the activities of red blood cells in pregnant women and the foetus. Mushrooms produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, hence are the best options to be included for pregnant women.