During pregnancy, it is important to have not only sufficient essential macronutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, but also an adequate amount of micronutrients, i.e., minerals (especially iron and calcium) and vitamins. In this article, we will discuss vitamin A, whose deficiency or excess can cause various health complications that may subsequently affect the health of the child.
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The importance of vitamin A
Vitamin A has many functions in the human body. In general, it is important for organ development. In an unborn child, it contributes to the proper development of immunity. Furthermore, it supports the production of skin cells and is also important for the development of the visual organs. It also plays an essential role in the development of the nervous and respiratory systems.
Deficiency and excess of vitamin A
Vitamin A deficiency is life-threatening for both the unborn child and the pregnant mother. There is a high risk of infections; it also causes iron deficiency, which can subsequently lead to anemia, premature birth, low birth weight, or congenital abnormalities such as blindness. Excess is manifested in women by thinning of the bones, or osteoporosis.
Which foods are highest in vitamin A?
You might be surprised, but vitamin A is found in many foods you commonly consume. These include leafy vegetables such as spinach. Additionally, orange-colored fruits and vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes, mango, papaya, peaches) contain beta-carotene, also known as provitamin A (which the body converts into vitamin A). Vitamin A is fat-soluble; so when you prepare a salad for dinner that includes carrots, for example, do not forget to drizzle it with a little oil. Among animal products, you can find vitamin A in eggs, meat and dairy products (yogurts and cheeses), and fish.
Be careful with the consumption of liver and sea fish
However, the highest amount of vitamin A is found in liver, whether beef or chicken, where it is stored. Therefore, be careful about the amount you consume.
Furthermore, avoid consuming fish that contain a high proportion of mercury. These are primarily sea fish such as mackerel or tuna. Mercury can accumulate in the blood and subsequently affect the child’s development and cause diseases of the nervous system.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it should be noted that there is no need to supplement vitamin A, as you can obtain a sufficient amount from common foods. Just be careful about the amount of liver you consume and the fish, even after giving birth. Follow the rule of everything in moderation and with common sense, and ensure a varied and balanced diet.
