Micronutrient therapy
| Adequate nutrient intake already required in the pregnancy planning phase |
| The Well-filled micronutrient reserves of the mother support a healthy development of the child and promote a smooth course of the pregnancy. Due to the formation of additional or new tissue and the associated high cell division rate, there is a considerable additional requirement for numerous vitamins and minerals during pregnancy. In contrast, the energy requirement increases only slightly. Since the pre-gravid nutritional status influences both fertility and the course of the pregnancy, it makes sense to ensure an adequate supply of essential nutrients well before conception. A poor micronutrient status pre-conception is often carried over into pregnancy and can no longer be compensated for during the course of the pregnancy. Deficiencies in maternal metabolism pose an increased health risk for both mother and child. |
| Improve Folic Acid status |
| The vitamin Folic Acid is required for the healthy development of the child's nervous system between the 21st and 27th day of pregnancy, as the neural tube closes during this period. At this point, very few women know that they are pregnant. This is a serious problem, as the status of folic acid in women is generally classified as critical. |
| Prevent anemia |
| Anemia is usually caused by iron-, folic acid- and vitamin-B12- deficiency. In particular, the iron status at the beginning of pregnancy has an important influence on the course of pregnancy. |
| Support child's bone development – conserve maternal calcium reserves |
| A sufficient calcium status in the mother is necessary to build up the bone structure in children. Inadequate calcium- and vitamin D intake is evident in decreased bone mineralization in the child and in demineralization of the maternal bone matrix. |
| More micronutrients for healthy brain and nerve development |
| From the beginning of pregnancy, but especially from the beginning of the 3rd trimester, the unborn child is increasingly dependent on the supply of omega-3 fatty acid DHA. This period extends well into breastfeeding. An adequate DHA supply is a prerequisite for the healthy development of the brain and the central nervous system. It is assumed that the fetus accumulates about 30 mg omega-3 fatty acids per week in the brain. Deficiency during this critical phase is associated with mental and psychomotor damage and visual function disorders. The trace element iodine plays a particularly important role in child development. A latent iodine deficiency leads to goitre formation and disorders in fetal brain development. In addition, a lack of vitamin B12 or zinc can lead to neurological symptoms. |