Zinc helps in pregnancy: the myth in check

There are many myths surrounding pregnancy and one of them concerns nutrients such as zinc. You can find out how important zinc really is for the health of mother and baby here.

Zinc is important in pregnancy - that's what the myth says

A healthy diet is essential if you want to stay healthy. In exceptional situations such as pregnancy, a conscious supply of nutrients to the body is even more important.

• The trace element zinc is essential for our body. Zinc is significantly involved in numerous important processes such as the formation of the genetic material, cell renewal or the protection of the immune system.
• The need for zinc increases significantly from the fourth month of pregnancy, since the unborn child increasingly needs nutrients itself. For this reason, the need for nutrients during pregnancy increases by almost 50 percent.
• In addition, zinc deficiency during pregnancy is promoted by the additional intake of iron. The iron supplements block the optimal utilization of zinc.
• So it is by no means a myth that women have an increased need for zinc during pregnancy. On the contrary: if you consume too little zinc during pregnancy, the unborn child can also be harmed. Scientists suspect that malformations or a low birth weight can also be attributed to zinc deficiency.
• In addition, the risk of miscarriage increases if you do not pay attention to the optimal supply of nutrients during pregnancy.

These foods contain the nutrient

In order to provide your body with sufficient zinc during pregnancy, you do not necessarily have to resort to dietary supplements. There is plenty of zinc in the following foods, among others:

• A lot of zinc is found in oysters; in 100 grams at least over 20 milligrams. But also high-fat sea fish, such as sardines, have a high zinc content. However, you should avoid raw fish during pregnancy.
• Meat is also very zinc-rich, but you shouldn't eat raw meat or liver during pregnancy.
• Eggs and milk products such as hard cheese, which provide some other valuable nutrients in addition to zinc, are also recommended.
• Nuts, oatmeal, wheat germ, linseed, poppy seeds, cocoa and whole grain products are also healthy and bristle with trace elements such as zinc.