Download Pregnancy, Nutrition, and Digestive Enzymes

Pregnancy, Nutrition, and Digestive Enzymes
DicQie Fuller-Looney, Ph.D. and Lisa Helffrich, RDN
There are very few times in a woman’s life when nutrition is as important as when she is
pregnant. During that period of gestation, both mother and the developing fetus have to acquire
the proper nutrients to sustain health and promote proper growth and development of the
baby. The nutritional demands for new bones, tissue, organs and blood formation are significant.
Additionally, the quality AND quantity of nutrients are equally important. This requires healthy
food selection, optimum digestion, good absorption processes, and adequate elimination of
wastes.
The nutritional status of the mother, even before embryonic development, can have significant
influences on the fetus. For instance, the mother supports the fertilized egg with the nutrients
she had stored in the egg prior to conception. After conception, the fertilized egg moves down
the uterus and implants itself on the uterine wall. This forms the placenta, and the egg now
derives its nutrients from the mother’s blood. The challenge placed on the mother is to maintain
an adequate supply of those nutrients and also to minimize the presence of any toxic materials.
The biological development of the baby is a very delicate process and can be susceptible to
variations in gene regulation. It is during the first 6 weeks of development that the formation
of the digestive system begins, and it is not until 6 months or more after birth when a fully
functioning digestive system is complete. Different nutrients affect the expression of the various
genes that are needed for proper development and vitality. Some genes need to be turned
off whereas other genes need to be turned on. In many cases if the opportunity for specific
gene expression is missed, it is lost and cannot be corrected. The fact that gene regulation is
controlled by nutrients and environmental factors emphasizes the critical need for adequate
nutrition, digestion, and elimination of wastes.
When considering the nutritional needs during pregnancy, the overall goal is for the mother to
give birth to a healthy, normal weight baby while remaining healthy herself. Calorie and nutrient
needs will vary from individual to individual depending on variables such as physical activity, age
and size. The Food and Nutrition Board of the National Research Council has determined the
RDA’s (recommended dietary allowance) for adult females age 25-50 who are 5’4” and weigh
120 pounds. Table 1.1 provides the general recommendations for calories, protein, vitamins, and
minerals to promote a healthy pregnancy. Please consult with your health care professional for
your individual needs.
Table 1.1 – RDA for adult women ages 25-50
Calories
Protein (gm)
Vitamin A (RE)
Non Pregnant
2200
46
800
Vitamin D (mg)
Vitamin E (mg)
Vitamin C (mg)
Folic Acid (mg)
Niacin (mg)
Riboflavin (mg)
Thiamine (mg)
Vitamin B6 (mg)
Vitamin B12 (mg)
Calcium (mg)
Phosphorus (mg)
Iodine (mg)
Iron (mg)
Magnesium (mg)
Zinc (mg)
5
8
60
180
13-15
1.2-1.3
1
1.6
20
800
800
150
15
280
12
Pregnant Food Sources
300
10
Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts
800
Meat, fish oils, dairy, eggs, dark green leafy vegetables and bright
yellow/orange fruits and vegetables
5
Sunlight and Vit D fortified dairy products
2
Oils, nuts, wheat germ
10
Citrus fruits, melons, dark green leafy vegetables, peppers
220
Spinach, navy beans, wheat germ, avocado, orange, peanuts
2
Beef, poultry, fish, nuts, legumes, fortified grains
0.3
Dairy products, enriched grains, eggs, meat, nuts
0.4
Whole grains, fortified cereals, pork
0.6
Chicken, fish, pork, nuts, legumes, whole grains
0.2
Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products
400
Dairy products, kale, broccoli, sardines, calcium fortified soy milk
400
Almost all foods contain phosphorus – protein foods are best source
25
Seafood and seaweeds, vegetables, meat, eggs, dairy products
15
Beef, poultry breast, soybeans, lentils
40
Legumes, nuts, whole grains, spinach
3
Pumpkin seeds, ginger root, pecans, split peas, rye, oats, nuts. Lima beans
In order to ensure proper nutrient acquisition from mother to baby, the mother’s digestive
system and circulatory system must be functioning properly. Assuming that the mother is
ingesting nutrient dense foods, the digestive process and circulatory system is essential for
delivering the nutritional benefit. Unfortunately, more often than not proper digestion is not
given adequate attention.
Contrary to common belief, the digestive system is less than perfect in most people. This is
due to poor food choices, lifestyle (stress), genetics and environmental influences. Fortunately,
supplemental enzymes are available which are very safe and effective. These digestive enzymes
can now be taken orally with meals to promote the bioavailability of nutrients from the diet.
Supplemental enzymes known as proteases may be taken between meals for systemic benefits
such as improved circulation and assistance with detoxification. Additionally, the use of
probiotics, friendly bacteria, can further support optimal digestion and elimination of wastes.
The end result is the promotion of a healthy pregnancy for both mother and child.
Proper growth, adequate development, and even future wellness into adulthood will depend
on the early nutrient acquisition process of mother and baby. Dr. DicQie Fuller-Looney and Lisa
Helffrich, RDN, as well as many practitioners, have safely and successfully used Transformation’s
digestive enzymes and probiotics with pregnant and nursing clients for over 30 years.