When is the best time to start taking calcium supplements during pregnancy?
Generally speaking, it is necessary to timely supplement calcium after three months of pregnancy. During this period, the fetus's growth and development are relatively fast, so the demand for calcium is also relatively high, which can promote the development of the child's bones. Calcium supplementation should be obtained through diet and moderate exercise, along with regular exposure to sunlight to supplement vitamin D, in order to achieve good calcium supplementation effects.
Pregnant women can start calcium supplementation after three months of pregnancy, as this is when the fetus's bones begin to grow and calcium requirements increase. From the 3rd to the 7th month of pregnancy, the recommended daily calcium intake is 1000 milligrams, including various foods. After the 7th month of pregnancy, it is recommended to supplement 1500 milligrams of calcium daily.
1. Maintain appropriate outdoor activities: Vitamin D can regulate calcium and phosphorus metabolism and promote calcium absorption. Outdoor activities allow for more sunlight exposure, and synthesizing enough vitamin D can be achieved by spending at least half an hour outdoors in sunny weather every day.
2. Reduce oxalic acid intake: Oxalic acid can combine with calcium in the intestine to form insoluble precipitates, affecting calcium absorption. Therefore, it is recommended that pregnant women consume 500-750 grams of vegetables and fruits daily. Alternatively, these vegetables can be briefly blanched in water to remove the astringent taste before cooking.
3. Reduce phytic acid intake: Phytic acid found in rice and refined grains can combine with calcium in the digestive tract, producing calcium phytate salts that are not absorbed by the body, significantly reducing calcium absorption.
