Importance of Zinc During Pregnancy

The Need for micronutrients in pregnancy

Pregnancy is a crucial period in which a woman’s nutritional requirements rise substantially. Aside from calories, micronutrients such as iron, calcium, iodine, folic acid and zinc in pregnancy are also essential in promoting maternal health and foetal development.

These small nutrients, although needed in small quantities are crucial for the development of the baby’s organs, tissues and immune system. Among these,  zinc is a vital nutrient that is often left unnoticed when it comes to pregnancy micronutrients.

Importance of zinc as a trace element

Zinc is an essential mineral required for various functions of the body. It cannot be stored in large quantities and thus regular consumption through diet is necessary. During pregnancy, zinc plays an important role as it directly impacts the health of mother and the child.

Proper maternal nutrition in India which includes adequate zinc, is key to ensuring healthy babies and safe pregnancies.

Role of zinc in pregnancy

Functions of zinc in pregnancy

Zinc is responsible for numerous essential functions, including:

• Cell division and growth: Helps in the production of new cells, tissues and supports baby’s fast growth.
• DNA synthesis and gene expression: It controls proper replication of genetic material and foetal development.
• Enzymatic Reactions: Zinc is a cofactor for than 300 enzymes that regulate digestion, metabolism and nerve function.
• Immune system support: Assists with a healthy immune defence, lowering the potential for infections.
• Wound healing and tissue repair: Supporting skin integrity and healing, important after childbirth.

Specific significance during pregnancy

In pregnant women, zinc has other vital functions:

• It helps in the speedy development of the baby’s organs, placenta and nervous system.
• It helps in hormonal balance, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
• Zinc also enhances the mother’s capacity for dealing with the physiological demands of pregnancy.

Zinc Requirement during pregnancy

Higher zinc requirement because of foetal growth and maternal adaptations. Pregnancy boosts a woman’s demand for zinc since the mineral is passed on incessantly from mother to child. It helps in developing the child’s immune system, muscles and bones.

The mother’s body also needs more zinc to adapt to changes associated with pregnancy.

Recommended dietary allowance (RDA) during pregnancy

Pregnant women based on international and national recommendations, are advised to take approx. 12mg of zinc per day, although specific requirements can change. Maintenance of this intake through food or Zinc supplementation for pregnancy is necessary to prevent deficiency.

Consequence of Zinc deficiency in India

Maternal effects

Zinc deficiency in India is a major issue and my cause:

• Increased susceptibility to infections because of impaired immunity.
• Lengthy labour and obstetric complications during delivery.
• Increased risk of postpartum hemmorrhage (excess bleeding after birth).

Foetal and infant effects

In infants, the consequence is also severe:

• There is an increased risk of preterm birth due to zinc deficiency, for which the infant’s birth occurs prior to 37 weeks.
• Low birth weight due to zinc deficiency can accompany possible long-term growth problems and other health issues.
• Increased chances of congenital abnormalities, such as neural tube defects.
• Impaired immune development, with greater risk of infections for infants.

Zinc deficiency: High prevalence in India

According to some research, nearly 60-65% of Indian pregnant women suffer from insufficient zinc intake. This makes zinc deficiency, one of the major yet overlooked public health scenario related to Indian pregnant women nutrition.

Causes

Various reasons may lead to zinc deficiency:

• Low food intake: Most Indian diets, particularly vegetarian are shortfall of zinc
• Poor absorption: Phytates in staple foods such as cereals and rice hinder zinc absorption.
• Socioeconomic problems: Poor access to various foods and general undernutrition further aggravate the issue.

Regional research and statistics

Studies from various regions of India constantly indicate the close link between zinc deficiency and poor pregnancy outcomes, prioritising the need for improved antenatal nutrition advice and specific interventions.

Sources of Zinc in the Diet

Animal sources

Meat, poultry, fish, milk, and eggs are good sources of well-absorbed zinc.

Plant-based sources

Legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are sources of zinc along with phytates that reduce its absorption.

Vegetarian diets and challenges

Since most Indians are vegetarians, enhancing zinc consumption can be challenging. Methods include:

• Soaking, fermentation, or germination of grains and legumes to lower phytate content.
• Pairing zinc-containing foods with foods containing vitamin C such as citrus fruits to enhance absorption.
• Prioritising dietary sources of zinc in India tailored to local eating habits is crucial for bridging nutritional deficiencies.

Supplementation and Public Health recommendations

When is it advised to take supplements?

When intake from food is poor or when deficiency is diagnosed, physicians can prescribe pregnancy zinc supplementation by way of single tablets or multivitamins.

Multivitamin and multimineral supplements

Prenatal supplements that also contain folic acid and iron now feature zinc in many. The combined method provides greater nutritional support for mom and baby.

WHO and UNICEF guidelines

International organizations suggest zinc-enriched diets and supplements as cost-effective interventions to counter pregnancy micronutrients deficiencies in developing countries, such as India.

Importance of dietary guidance and consciousness

Antenatal nutrition counseling programs serve to enlighten families about how to enhance zinc consumption, identify signs of deficiency, and appreciate long-term gains from well-balanced food.

Practical Advice for Pregnant Indian Women

How to increase zinc consumption through diet?

• Have a serving of dairy, egg, or fish in your diet every day if at all possible.
• Use combined meals such as dal with vegetables or whole wheat chapati along with curd, which have more nutrients.
• Make use of cooking techniques such as sprouting legumes to increase zinc bioavailability.

Significance of antenatal check-ups

Regular check-ups assist in tracking nutritional status, identifying early signs of deficiency, and receiving personalised advice regarding maternal nutrition in India.

Trimacare pregnancy supplement: Most preferred zinc supplement in India

Trimacare pregnancy supplement is formulated and developed by a panel of doctors, pharmacologists, and nutritionists under the regulations of WHO and ICMR. Trimacare is available in 3 packs for 3 trimesters since the pregnant body requires something special during each trimester, and it meets all the 20+ nutrients that a pregnant woman and child need holistically and to complement the needs in the best way.

All three Trimacare products i.e., Trimacare 1 (pregnancy multivitamins for first trimester pregnancy), Trimacare 2 (pregnancy multivitamins for second trimester pregnancy) and Trimacare 3 (pregnancy multivitamins for third trimester pregnancy) have 12 mg of Zinc which is recommended by top gynaecologists of India. Trimacare contains Zinc in the form of Zinc sulphate monohydrate and delivers 100% Required Daily Allowances (RDA) .

Zinc in Trimacare helps in healing wounds, cell division, the creation of DNA and proteins. Zinc prevents premature birth and low birth weight.

Conclusion

Zinc is much more than simply another mineral — it’s a building block of healthy pregnancies and babies. Taking sufficient zinc for pregnancy prevents preterm birth zinc, low birth weight zinc, and infections. Because zinc deficiency rates are so prevalent in India, it’s even more important that pregnant women pay attention to foods that are high in zinc, take supplements if recommended, and receive regular antenatal nutrition guidance. By taking such easy precautions, pregnancy becomes safer and future generations healthier.

FAQs

1. Why is zinc necessary during pregnancy?

Zinc during pregnancy is important because it supports cell growth, DNA synthesis, and developing the baby’s organs and immune system. It also maintains the immune health of the mother, suppressing infections and ensuring a smooth pregnancy.

2. What if a pregnant woman lacks zinc?

Zinc deficiency in India is widespread and can cause issues such as enhanced infections in the mother, late labor, or postpartum hemorrhage. For the infant, it increases the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight and even birth defects without zinc.

3. How much zinc does a pregnant woman need each day?

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is about 12 mg per day during pregnancy. This need may be higher if you are carrying twins or have nutritional gaps.