This is an automatically translated article.
The article was professionally consulted with Doctor Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
Although it is an important nutrient that needs to be supplemented during pregnancy, there are now quite a few pregnant women who arbitrarily supplement calcium, which has caused many complications. Therefore, the World Health Organization has made recommendations on calcium supplements during pregnancy.
1. Scientific basis for calcium intake during pregnancy
Evidence for the effects of calcium supplementation on outcomes other than hypertension/pre-eclampsia was obtained from the Cochrane systematic review. The review drew on data from 23 trials involving 18,587 pregnant women. The aim of the review was to determine the effect of calcium on maternal and perinatal outcomes.
Maternal outcomes of calcium supplementation
Studies show strong evidence that calcium supplementation does not affect maternal anemia or the rate of women having to undergo cesarean section. Moderate evidence indicates that calcium supplementation may have little or no effect on maternal mortality and may reduce or make no difference to the risk of urinary tract infections. Low-level evidence suggests that calcium supplementation may make little or no difference to maternal weight gain.
Side effects with calcium
Calcium supplements pose little or no risk of side effects, such as headaches, vomiting, back pain, swelling, vaginal and urinary problems, indigestion and abdominal pain. Calcium supplementation during pregnancy may pose little or no risk for urolithiasis, abdominal pain, and renal failure, all assessed as moderate in evidence. Low-level evidence suggests that there may be little or no effect on gallstone risk.
Fetal and Neonatal Outcomes
Calcium supplementation may have little or no association with low birth weight (<2500 g), which has been shown to be moderate in evidence. Low-level evidence suggests that calcium supplementation may have little or no effect on preterm birth before 37 weeks of gestation. However, when the trials were dose-stratified (<1000 mg versus 1000 mg), there is moderate evidence that high-dose calcium supplementation may reduce the risk of preterm birth.
Low-level evidence suggests that calcium supplementation may produce little or no increase in perinatal mortality and moderate evidence suggests little or no effect on stillbirth.
2. Recommendations on calcium intake during pregnancy
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that if there is low calcium in the daily diet of pregnant women, calcium supplements should be taken during pregnancy with an oral dose of 1.5-2.0 g/day. to reduce the risk of preeclampsia.
In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends that pregnant women also get calcium through calcium-rich foods available from natural products. Calcium-rich foods such as dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt or dark green vegetables also have calcium but in much smaller amounts. There are also some foods that are fortified with calcium such as calcium-fortified cereals, breads, orange juice and soy drinks. Pregnant women need to check the calcium content on food labels to know for sure the content of nutrients.
3. Things to know about calcium supplements for pregnant women
If you're allergic to milk, are lactose intolerant, or are a vegetarian, getting enough calcium from foods can be difficult or limited. If you are not getting enough calcium from food, your doctor may prescribe calcium supplements during pregnancy in the right amount.
Pregnant women need to choose the right type of calcium for two different types:
Calcium carbonate is less expensive and works best if the mother takes calcium carbonate while eating. Calcium citrate is most effective while eating or on an empty stomach.
Many calcium supplements also contain vitamin D to help the body absorb calcium better. However, it is limited to 500 mg at a time. To make sure your body absorbs as much calcium as possible, only 500 mg of calcium should be taken at a time. For example, one 500 mg tablet with breakfast and another with dinner.
Breastfeeding also requires more calcium, so mothers need to continue to take calcium supplements while breastfeeding. Studies show that mothers can lose 3% to 5% of bone mass while breastfeeding due to partial loss of calcium through breast milk. Therefore, mothers should eat foods with calcium and take supplements on the advice of doctors.
However, common side effects of calcium supplements include feeling bloated, uncomfortable, or constipated. Too much calcium can cause kidney stones and prevent the body from absorbing zinc and iron. During pregnancy, women should not take more than 2,500 mg of calcium per day or more than 3,000 mg if under 18 years old. If pregnant women are worried about getting too much calcium, they can go to medical centers and seek advice from qualified doctors.
Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital is implementing a package Maternity service, helping pregnant women to feel secure in monitoring, regular prenatal check-ups and dedicated care during labor and delivery. . With a team of highly qualified and experienced doctors, wholeheartedly for the benefit of the patient's health, will bring the best health to everyone!
Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.
References: extranet.who, webmd.com
