Topic # 10 – Supplements

Respond to the following questions and justify your answers with a reliable source.  A reliable website source can be a government website with the ending .gov or .org.

1.  When it comes to consuming supplements, such as protein, vitamin, or mineral supplements, is it really necessary?
2.  Is it really safe?
3.  What is your opinion?

300+ word comment, and remember, when giving examples, be sure to give accurate information and/or data to back up your claim.

• Unless otherwise specified, all written assignments are to follow APA 7^TH Edition Guidelines:
  • Assignments must be typed, double-spaced on standard-sized paper (8.5″ x 11″) with 1″ margins on all sides.
  • 12 pt. Times New Roman font must be used for ALL assignments.
  • References need to be formatted using APA 7 with at least 2 references at bottom of the page.

• The Importance of Nutrition during Pregnancy.

Approximately 300 extra calories are needed daily to maintain a healthy pregnancy. These calories should come from a balanced diet of protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, with sweets and fats, kept to a minimum. A healthy, well-balanced diet during pregnancy can also help to minimize some pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and constipation.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends the following key components of a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy: appropriate weight gain, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and appropriate and timely vitamin and mineral supplementation.

Fluid intake is also an important part of healthy pregnancy nutrition. Women can take in enough fluids by drinking several glasses of water each day, in addition to the fluids in juices and soups. An expectant mother should talk with her healthcare provider or midwife about restricting her intake of caffeine and artificial sweeteners. All alcohol should be avoided during pregnancy.

Why is folic acid important?

The U.S. Public Health Service recommends that all women of childbearing age consume 400 micrograms (0.4 mg) of folic acid each day. Folic acid, a nutrient found in some green leafy vegetables, most berries, nuts, beans, citrus fruits, fortified breakfast cereals, and some vitamin supplements can help reduce the risk for birth defects of the brain and spinal cord (called neural tube defects). This can lead to varying degrees of paralysis, incontinence, and sometimes intellectual disability.

Folic acid is most beneficial during the first 28 days after conception when most neural tube defects occur. Unfortunately, many women do not realize they are pregnant before 28 days. Therefore, folic acid intake should begin prior to conception and continue through pregnancy. Your healthcare provider or midwife will recommend the appropriate amount of folic acid to meet your individual needs.

Most healthcare providers or midwives will prescribe a prenatal supplement before conception, or shortly afterward, to ensure all of the woman’s nutritional needs are met. However, a prenatal supplement does not replace a healthy diet.

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