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By the Perdays Team

Introduction

Pregnancy can be a physically demanding experience for most mums, and although diet, rest and moderate exercise go a long way towards supporting your health, there are times when supplementation may also be needed. Iron is one such mineral that is required by both women and developing babies. A deficiency in Iron could lead to a compromised supply to the baby, which could lead to fatigue and more. In this blog, Perdays discusses the importance of folate for pregnancy and ways in which Iron absorption can be enhanced by adding and avoiding certain minerals.

Foods That Improve Iron Absorption

Unfortunately, iron supplementation can sometimes be ineffective due to poor  absorption. Although this is sometimes caused by specific foods, in general, absorption can be enhanced with the help of: 

  • Vitamin C which has been shown to improve absorption by capturing non-heme iron and storing it in a form that the body can use 

Vitamin A, which may play an important role in bone growth and immunity, also helps improve Iron uptake.

Minerals and Foods That Hinder Iron Absorption

Foods and supplements that may hinder iron absorption include: 

  • Phytic acid found in grains, cereals, nuts and legumes may decrease iron absorption, however, the effects of phytate are reversible through use of Vitamin C supplements.
  • Calcium is important for many aspects of overall health, some studies show a possible link between calcium and an effect on short-term Iron absorption, it is recommended to take iron and calcium supplements separately.
  • Polyphenols contained in foods such coffee, tea, wine and some legumes may be responsible for the inhibition of Iron absorption. 

When it comes to Iron supplementation, folate for pregnancy or other natal nutrition supplements, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting a regimen. That’s because in order to ensure the best outcomes, it is important to consider your individual factors so that supplementation is beneficial for both you and baby.

High-Quality Iron Supplements for Pregnant Mothers in Australia

Whether you’re considering Iron supplements to combat fatigue or folate for pregnancy, Perdays has a holistic range for your pregnancy journey. Contact us online for more information on Iron absorption, or order online today!

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