Calcium from Food vs. Supplements: What’s Best During Pregnancy

Calcium is a crucial nutrient in pregnancy, which is vital for the development of your baby’s bones, teeth, muscles, and nervous system. A balanced diet can meet your calcium needs, but most pregnant women are concerned about taking calcium for pregnancy supplements or whether they must depend on calcium foods for pregnancy. Let us see what the best way to get your daily dose of calcium during pregnancy.

Calcium supplements: Are they important?

Though food should be the primary source of calcium, some pregnant women may struggle to meet their calcium needs, especially if they follow dietary restrictions. In such instances, the best calcium supplement can fill the gap. If pregnant women are not getting enough from their diet, a calcium tab for pregnancy can be useful.  Calcium for pregnancy supplements help in reducing hypertension and preventing complications such as pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and neonatal mortality (NNM). Intake of foods with high calcium levels during pregnancy and the best pregnancy calcium supplement promotes the growth of a healthy heart, nerves and muscles in children. Inadequate calcium tab consumption for pregnancy may lead to complications such as a higher chance of developing osteoporosis, a disease that makes bones weak.

Choosing the best calcium supplement

If you prefer to take a supplement, follow these tips to choose the best calcium supplement. There are two popular types of calcium- calcium citrate, which can be taken on an empty stomach and calcium carbonate, which needs calcium-rich foods for improved absorption during pregnancy.

• Inclusion of vitamin D: Choose a supplement that contains vitamin D, as it improves calcium absorption.
• Absorption rate: Avoid taking high dosages at once, instead split your intake throughout the day.

Is it better to take Calcium Supplements or eat food?

For a pregnant woman, the ideal approach is to get most of their calcium from calcium-rich foods and take calcium tablets only as required. Additional nutrients included in whole foods including magnesium, phosphorus and vitamin K2, support healthy bones and calcium absorption. However, a calcium tab for pregnancy may be a useful supplement, if you are susceptible to calcium deficiency because of dietary restrictions or health issues.

Buy Trimacare: The best calcium supplement

Trimacare prenatal multivitamins are carefully crafted following WHO and ICMR standards and are strongly prescribed by top gynaecologists across the nation. Trimacare prenatal tablets are formulated for every trimester and address the different nutritional requirements of pregnancy, giving complete support with essential 20+ nutrients that are important for the pregnant mother and child’s well-being.

Trimacare 2 and Trimacare 3 pregnancy supplements contain 500mg of calcium, which is needed for the baby’s bone and tooth development. Calcium also helps in muscle contraction, hormone control, and nerve cell function. Trimacare is different from other calcium tablets because it contains a bowel regulator to avoid constipation during pregnancy. These are the reasons why Trimacare is the best calcium tab for pregnancy.

Conclusion

Calcium is essential for you and your baby during pregnancy. Opt for the best calcium sources in foods, and only resort to a pregnancy calcium supplement if advised by your healthcare provider.

Through food or supplements, getting enough calcium will help your baby develop and grow healthily.

FAQs

Q1. When should a calcium tab for pregnancy be taken?

If taking calcium carbonate, take it with food for improved absorption. Calcium citrate can be taken at any time. Do not take calcium at the same time as iron supplements, as they compete for absorption, take them a few hours apart.

Q2. What is the best calcium supplement for pregnancy?

The best calcium supplement depends on your dietary needs and absorption preferences. Calcium carbonate (which should be taken with food) and calcium citrate (which can be taken on an empty stomach) are common options. A supplement with added Vitamin D is beneficial for better absorption.

Q3. Does calcium help prevent leg cramps during pregnancy?

Yes, calcium supports muscle function and may help reduce leg cramps, which are common in pregnancy. Consuming calcium-rich foods for pregnancy or taking the best calcium supplement can help prevent muscle discomfort.