Vitamins and minerals precious pregnant

During the nine months it is very important to follow a proper diet, including a balanced intake of all major macronutrients. But there are also substances which, although contained in foods in very small quantities, are essential for proper fetal development and well-being of the mother, and are vitamins and minerals.

"Feeding in an appropriate manner is critical for both the expectant mother and for the new mother" emphasizes Prof. Irene Cetin, head of the OR of obstetrics and gynecology at the Luigi Sacco Hospital in Milan. "Having healthy eating habits and a proper body mass index in fact improves the chance of conception and promotes the proper course of pregnancy.

But once the baby is born, the power of the mother will affect the quality of milk and thus the health of the child . In particular, some micro nutrients help prevent birth defects, reduce the risk of premature birth and low birth weight, promote the development of the baby's nervous system, in addition to preserving the health of the mother. Nevertheless, according to several scientific studies in Europe show that the intake of vitamins and minerals in the pre-conception and during pregnancy is still insufficient, and this without distinction of social classes. "

The tricks to get the most vitamins & co

• To preserve the vitamins and minerals contained in the food, give the preference to whole foods or not too refined, preferably to be cooked with steam in a pressure cooker or grilled or, when possible, to be eaten raw.
• Once you purchase fruit and vegetables, do not leave them for days in the refrigerator, but consume in the shortest possible time, one of the main enemies of the vitamins is precisely the time!
• Keep extra virgin olive oil away from light and heat.
• NOTE: It is always preferable to tap into these valuable nutrients from food and not from supplements: synthetic substances may accumulate on them possible side effects.Furthermore, foods are composed of different substances that act in synergy, namely enhancing oh other (for example, think of the fruit which has simultaneously carotids, vitamin C, potassium, fiber, water). Never take supplements on their own initiative, then, but always consult with your gynecologist, who will consider whether to prescribe to the mother!

Let's see what are the most important vitamins and minerals during the nine months and in which foods are present , with the help of Professor Irene Cetin, head of the OR of obstetrics and gynecology at the Luigi Sacco Hospital in Milan and Professor University of Milan, and Dr. Christian Berti, Food Technologist and Ph.D. in Experimental and Clinical Nutrition.