Discover how Vitamin D can assist with your own health and your growing baby.
Vitamin D helps your body to absorb two important minerals – calcium and phosphorus – which in turn, support the development of your growing baby’s bones and teeth.iv In addition, it also keeps them strong.
If you are not getting enough vitamin D during your pregnancy, it may increase your risk of pregnancy related complications such as pre-eclampsia and low birth weighti.
Vitamin D also supports a healthy immune system so you can take good care of your growing baby inside you!iv
How much vitamin D do you need during your pregnancy?
You should be getting 10 μg (micrograms) of vitamin D every day during your pregnancyii, the same as any other adult.
Where can you and your growing baby get vitamin D?
Get out into the sun if you can! Exposure to sunlight can help stimulate your skin to make vitamin D, which is essential for your bone health and your growing baby’s developing bones.
Taking a stroll outside on a sunny day two or three times a weekiii can keep you relaxed and fit, while also giving you vitamin D.
You may also chat with your doctor about taking vitamin D supplement, if you think you may not be getting enough vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency seems to be prevalent even in Asia, as people tend to stay in-door and avoid sun exposure.iv
If you’re looking for vitamin D in foods, you will find them in foods such as:
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Fatty fish (such as salmon and sardines)
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Eggs (especially egg yolks)
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Cereals fortified with vitamin D
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Dairy products fortified with vitamin D (such as milk and yoghurt)
Wonder what to consume during pregnancy? Opt for maternal milk which is scientifically formulated with highest DHA & choline for pregnant and lactating moms that is lower in fat compared to full cream milk to help support weight management while meeting the expert-recommended amount of folic acid, protein and calcium. You can also join the Enfamama A+ Club today to access exclusive content around pregnancy nutrition and growing baby's development, plus get FREE samples, vouchers and other amazing club benefits!
References:
iEFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition, and Allergies (NDA) (2016). Dietary Reference Values for Vitamin D. EFSA Journal, 14(10):4547.
iiVitamins and nutrition when pregnant - Pregnancy and baby guide. (n.d.). Retrieved April 10, 2017, from http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/vitamins-minerals-...
iiiVitamin D and Pregnancy. (2017). Retrieved April 10, 2017, from http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/vitamin-d-and-pregnancy/
ivNimitphong, Hataikarn & Holick, Michael F. (2013). Vitamin D status and sun exposure in southeast Asia. Dermatoendocrinol, 5(1): 34–37.
