Nutrition for Special Groups

Nutrition for Special Groups 3(3+0)

Lesson 10 : Nutritional Requirements During Pregnancy

Other Nutrients

S.No	NUTRIENT	Normal Adult woman	Pregnant woman
1.	Retinol (mcg/d)	600	800
2.	Β- carotene (mcg/d)	4800	6400
3.	Thiamine (mg/d) Sedentary Moderate Heavy	1.0 1.1 1.4	+0.2 +0.2 +0.2
4.	Riboflavin (mg) Sedentary Moderate Heavy	1.1 1.3 1.5	+0.2 +0.2 +0.2
5.	Niacin (mg) Sedentary Moderate Heavy	12 14 16	+2 +2 +2
6.	Pyridoxine (mg)	2.0	2.5
7.	Ascorbic acid (mg)	40	60
8.	Folic acid (µg)	200	500
9.	Vitamin B12 (µg)	1	1.2

The recommended intake of folic acid is based on its role in promoting normal foetal growth and preventing macrocytic anemia of pregnancy. Folic acid is needed for the synthesis of essential components of DNA and RNA which increase rapidly during growth thereby increasing the requirements. Also folic acid is essential for the maturation of RBC s which must increase as the mothers blood volume increases.