Dr
Sonhee Park, Senior Research Scientist in Research & Development
of Shaklee Corporation (USA) emphasised that deficiency in
nutrients such as Vitamin B9 (folate) is highly prevalent in
pregnancy and breastfeeding women and their infants. Deficiency in
Vitamin B9 during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of
birth defects and in B12, iodine, and iron with other common
complications in infants and mothers.
Dr Sonhee Park, Senior Research Scientist in Research & Development of Shaklee Corporation (USA)
Organised
by one of Malaysia’s leading nutrition companies, Shaklee Products
(M) Sdn Bhd (“Shaklee Malaysia”), the expert roundtable session
themed “All About Fertility & Pregnancy:
Truths & Myths” also saw other expert
panellists, namely Dr Mathi Arasu Muthusamy, Fertility Specialist &
Medical Director of Fertility Associates and Dr Nurzarina Abdul
Rahman, Founder and Certified Lactation Counsellor of Gravidities
Consultancy, discuss topics surrounding pregnancy, breastfeeding and
fertility.
“Nutrition
is key in all stages of life, especially in the reproductive years
for women who plan on conceiving. As the saying goes, “a healthy
mother makes a healthy baby.” While every mother wants the best for
her children, nutrition plays a fundamental role in paving a
conducive environment for fertility to take place (pre-conceptional),
a healthy pregnancy (prenatal), and a sustainable motherhood journey
especially during breastfeeding (postnatal),”
said Park. Vitamin B9 deficiency during pregnancy has been found to
increase the risk of birth defects, such as spina bifida and other
serious and irreversible birth defects in the brain, spinal cords,
and heart. Associated with the development of neurological and
cognitive functions of the foetus and infant, B12 and iodine are also
critical vitamin and mineral for expecting mothers to consume optimum
levels. According to the Ministry of Health in Malaysia, expectant
mothers are recommended to consume 600 mcg of folic acid, 4.5 mcg of
B12, and 200 mcg of iodine per day.
Docosahexaenoic
acid (DHA)
is a nutrient that will be transferred to the baby during both
pregnancy and breastfeeding phases and is essential for brain, eye
and nervous system development. However, since growing babies rely on
their mothers for DHA supply, it is important for mothers to consume
sufficient DHA. Calcium is another essential nutrient for baby’s
bone and tooth formation. Calcium loss from mother’s bone will be
increased to meet baby’s calcium needs if her diet is lacking in
calcium. Hence, it is important to consume sufficient calcium during
pregnancy and throughout the breastfeeding period for her own bone
health and for baby’s strong bones and teeth. Thus, a careful
dietary intake with these nutrients in mind is critical for both the
mother and the baby.
Fundamentals
of Prenatal & Postnatal Nutrition
Nutrition
exerts an important influence on pregnancy outcomes.
Over the years, multiple research have pointed out the value of
nutrition interventions to help women achieve adequate diet for a
normal, stable pregnancy.
Essential
nutrition in the prenatal and postnatal stages contributes to several
factors namely:
Reduce
the risk of anaemia in the mother
Reduce
risk of birth defects of the offspring
Restore
nutrient loss during lactation period (postnatal)
Facilitate
weight management for better health (postpartum)
