Pregnancy and protein powders for pregnant women? Are they needed and are they safe? The answer to this is a big YES, they are absolutely safe and extremely required for both, the mother and the baby.
Pregnancy is a complicated process a woman faces in this stage of life. Each week of pregnancy is crucial since it explains a child’s development. Morning sickness, pregnancy-induced hypertension, back pain, and nausea are the common symptoms they experience at an early stage.
As we know there is no magic formula for a pregnancy diet since it requires special attention in terms of vitamins like D micronutrients, and macronutrients like proteins.
Proteins take part in restructuring, wear and tear, and repair of cells in the human body. During pregnancy, protein benefits by making antibodies to develop the immune system making hormones and enzymes transport oxygen for survival. The standard protein requirements are listed:
First trimester – 1-1.2g/kg/BW
Second trimester – 1.5-1.8g/kg/BW
Third trimester – 1.8-2g/kg/BW
Though protein can be met through foods including chicken, fish, beef, eggs, dairy, soy, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, 90 percent pregnancy protein powder of women in India are still deficient in proteins or are not able to meet them and here comes the picture where protein supplementation is a must under any doctor or nutritionist’s recommendation.
Many of them fear having them due to additives/sugar content/caffeine added. But many brands encourage women’s well-being, by adding natural flavors and super herbs like tulsi, ashwagandha, spirulina, etc. And these types of proteins can be added in day-to-day life where at least you get 25 grams of protein.
Extra attention needs to be given when opting for any specific brand. Categories that should not be neglected are the ingredient list, sugar content, caffeine added, source-form of protein, fillers and flavoring agents, added natural sweeteners, excess of any vitamin/mineral, and last but very important certifications which need to be eyed upon!!
If all these criteria are met by the specific brand, the plant protein powder then needs to be commenced as soon as possible. The best time to consume these protein supplements is at any time of the day as per convenience and feasibility.
It can be mixed with smoothies or any milk-based recipes. There is research that states that any supplementation that is low in carbohydrates/has too many carbohydrates and meets more than 20 percent of protein requirements would conversely impair fetal growth.
Balanced protein energy supplementation (up to 20% of energy as protein) provided during pregnancy appears to improve fetal growth and increase infants’ birth weight.
Nutrition and diet
Geeta is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to right kind of diet. She has an extensive knowledge about food science which reflects in her blogs. She believes in providing most authenticated inf... Read More
