The article was professionally consulted by Dr. Pham Thi Yen, Grade I Specialist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
Calcium and iron are two extremely important substances for pregnant women. However, taking iron and calcium at the same time will interfere with the absorption of the substance.1. The role of iron for pregnant women
In the process of forming red blood cells and creating immune system enzymes, helping to strengthen the body's resistance, iron plays an extremely important role. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia as well as fatigue, especially for pregnant women, iron deficiency can also affect the development of the fetus.
The transport of oxygen to the mother's body and the fetus will be seriously affected if there is a lack of iron. Normally, a pregnant woman needs more blood than usual, which helps to improve the health and development needs of the fetus.
In addition, iron supplementation also has the effect of increasing appetite. Pregnant women who are anemic (due to iron deficiency), will feel loss of appetite, have difficulty sleeping, and feel tired because the amount of oxygen to the brain and cells in the body is very low. Iron deficiency is also the cause of decreased resistance in the mother, leading to infection. This more or less affects the baby born, who will have a high risk of anemia, leading to poor health.
For mothers, iron deficiency increases the risk of premature birth, postpartum infection, postpartum hemorrhage, physical weakness, etc. This is also a factor leading to fetal malnutrition, prematurity, low birth weight, affecting the physical and mental development of the child later.
2. Why do pregnant women need to supplement calcium?
Calcium is an important factor in the formation of bones and teeth and ensuring the development of the fetus. During pregnancy, the need for calcium continuously increases. If the amount of calcium is not fully met, it will adversely affect the development of the fetus later on, such as slow growth, rickets or bone deformities.
Calcium supplementation for pregnant women is also important for the health of the pregnant woman herself. When lacking calcium, pregnant women often have numb legs, fatigue, and insomnia. When breastfeeding, the mother's body is weak, often sweats, and is prone to back pain, shoulder fatigue, and joint pain. Long-term calcium deficiency after many births is a prerequisite for osteoporosis when mothers enter menopause.
So when should pregnant women take calcium during the day? Normally, the morning is the time when you can be exposed to more sunlight, and taking calcium in the evening or afternoon will cause calcium deposits, causing diseases such as kidney stones, constipation, etc. Therefore, the ideal time to supplement is after breakfast.
3. Why should you not take iron and calcium at the same time?
When supplementing iron, pregnant women should note not to take iron supplements at the same time as milk, calcium or foods rich in calcium because calcium hinders the ability to absorb iron. Iron is a nutrient that is very difficult to absorb and calcium reduces this process. Therefore, pregnant women should not take iron and calcium supplements at the same time.
To avoid possible interactions, doctors advise pregnant women to use these two nutrients a few hours apart. Here are some notes when supplementing iron and calcium during pregnancy:
- Calcium supplementation: Pay attention to providing enough calcium, not exceeding 2,500mg/day to avoid overdose, causing hypercalcemia. When supplementing calcium, pregnant women should note that they should not combine it with foods such as chocolate, tea, and coffee at the same time to avoid interactions that may reduce calcium absorption.
- Iron supplementation: Iron tablets should be taken on an empty stomach and with drinks rich in vitamin C such as orange juice, lemon juice, etc. In addition, when taking iron supplements, pregnant women need to drink plenty of water and eat foods rich in fiber to prevent constipation. Only take the medicine with boiled water that has been cooled, avoid using tea or coffee because it will reduce iron absorption.
When using iron and calcium, pregnant women should consult a doctor to be able to use iron and calcium correctly and in the right dosage.
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