During pregnancy, the need for vitamins, minerals, trace elements, essential fatty acids and other vital substances (micronutrients) is particularly high. As a rule, the increase in vitamin requirements alone is over 30%. The reason for this is the alignment of the flow balance of the maternal metabolism with the needs of the growing child. The new formation of the tissue of the placenta and the increased metabolic rate of the mother also contribute to an additional demand for vital substances (micronutrients). Many vitamins, especially those of the B group, are involved in numerous metabolic processes. Blood tests of newborns have shown that their concentrations of water-soluble vitamins are higher than the maternal values. Consequently, an adequate supply of vitamins through the diet is essential. However, it is often not possible to cover the very high requirement of all vital substances (micronutrients) through the daily diet alone during pregnancy, which makes additional supplementation of vital substances (micronutrients) urgently necessary. In particular, in many cases the supply of B vitamins, vitamin D and E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, iron as well as zinc is not sufficient. A vital substance preparation secures the body’s own reserves, reduces the risk of birth defects and helps to prevent possible pregnancy-related disorders or diseases – anemia (anemia), diabetes mellitus, gestosis with high blood pressure, edema formation and high protein excretion – in the mother.
In order to determine the specific daily requirement of vitamins, minerals and trace elements, the pregnant woman’s energy metabolism, body weight, body composition, dietary composition, climatic factors and the changed conditions of pregnancy in particular must be taken into account. Vital substance deficiencies (micronutrients) often occur as a result of unbalanced and one-sided diets – high consumption of refined grain products – as well as undercaloric food intake. A hormonally induced change in taste, unexplained binge eating or cravings are typical symptoms during pregnancy and in many cases lead to incorrect nutrition as well as vital substance deficiencies. If women have taken the contraceptive pill before pregnancy, the vital substance requirement (micronutrients) can increase additionally. Such oral ovulation inhibitors impair the metabolism of certain vital substances (micronutrients). The birth control pill decreases the absorption of vitamins B1, B2, B6, B9, B12, C, E and folic acid. The estrogens contained in the pill also hinder the absorption of magnesium and zinc. For this reason, women who wish to have children should stop taking the contraceptive pill at least 3-6 months before the planned conception and replace it with another form of contraception. During this time, care should be taken to ensure that vital substances (micronutrients) in particular are absorbed, the absorption of which has previously been inhibited by oral ovulation inhibitors. This applies to the intake of B vitamins, vitamin C, E, folic acid and magnesium, as well as zinc, in order to replenish the body stores of these vital substances (micronutrients).
