Eating healthy during your pregnancy will help you to maintain quality nutrients in your body to help you and to help in the growth of your baby. Although the majority of your nutrition will come from food you eat, Iron could possibly be one nutrient your Physician will have you take in both you pre-natal vitamin and an additional supplement.Hemoglobin is a red blood cell protein that is created by iron. This protein helps to transport oxygen to tissue and your organs. Once you are pregnant, your body will need to make additional blood for you and baby. Additionally with blood increase, your body’s requirement for iron will increase by as much as 50 percent.

Some simple tips for iron supplement consumption – take on an empty stomach for easier absorption, plus it will cut down on nausea. Both calcium and caffeine will affect iron absorption into your body, so make sure to take iron and calcium separately and try to drink caffeinated products some time after iron consumption.

Foods rich in Iron are:

• Liver
• Lean beef
• Chicken
• Iron-fortified cereal
• Spinach
• Lentils
• Kidney beans
• Raisins

Some benefits of Iron are:

• Produces hemoglobin
• Produces collagen
• Protects body from infection

Some risks associated with vitamin E are:

• Not enough will cause iron deficiency
• Iron deficiency could cause heart issues

Recommended daily intake:

• Infants
  • Birth to 6 months, .27 mg/day
  • 7 months to 12 months, 11 mg/day

• Women
  • Pregnant, 27 mg/day
  • Nursing, under 18, 10 mg/day
  • Nursing, over 18, 9 mg/day

Other Nutritional links:
Essential Nutrients during Pregnancy
Vitamin A and Pregnancy
Women Need More Folic Acid
Vitamin E and Pregnancy

This information is offered to you as information only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult your medical professional for information and or questions.

Source: Iron, A Healthy Me