4 Minerals Required by Children and Pregnant Women

mineralsThey play a vital role in the human body, working with other nutrients and enzymes to ensure our bones, muscles and immune system are in good condition. If anyone can develop mineral deficiencies, pregnant women and children are at higher risk because of their high mineral needs during pregnancy and growth. For example, pregnant women need to consume a certain amount of calcium to support the rapid formation of fetal bones. After delivery, infants and young children grow very quickly, during which time they need a lot of calcium to promote healthy bone growth.

This article recommends 4 minerals for every pregnant mother that are beneficial to the health of herself and her child.

1. Iron

Iron performs many functions in the human body, helping the body produce red blood cells and carrying oxygen throughout the body. When we eat iron-rich foods like liver, red meat, fruits and vegetables, our stomach absorbs the iron. Eating foods rich in vitamin C helps the body absorb iron. Iron deficiency, also known as anemia, has become a major mineral challenge for children and pregnant women. Anemia occurs when the body loses iron too quickly, which can be caused by malnutrition in children or excessive blood loss in women during pregnancy or menstruation. Iron deficiency can also affect the immune system. Some studies have shown that low iron levels can even affect heart or lung function; in other studies, low calcium levels have been linked to a higher risk of complications before and after birth.

Tips：建議成年女性每日攝入14.8mg鐵元素，1-3歲幼童每日可攝入7mg，4-13歲的孩子則每日攝入10mg。

2. Calcium

Calcium is one of the minerals required for normal bone development in pregnant women and children, and helps the fetus form cartilage and healthy muscles. After birth, young children need adequate calcium levels to grow strong teeth, bones and maintain bone mass into adulthood. Studies show that children who consume high levels of calcium have a lower risk of osteoporosis in adulthood. Calcium is also beneficial for pregnant mothers. Adequate calcium intake can also prevent fatigue and physical weakness during pregnancy. Today, calcium deficiency has become an important cause of slower bone development in children and the main cause of osteoporosis in adults. As we all know, some of the symptoms of low calcium include weak bones, muscle cramps, and dry skin. Rich sources of calcium include milk, cheese and fish bones.

Tips: Pregnant women are advised to take 18 mg of calcium daily before the 50th week of pregnancy, and then increase the dose to 330 mg daily until delivery.

3. Iodine

Because pregnant mothers need high iodine during pregnancy, and during pregnancy, the kidney's iodine excretion rate will increase, and the female body will lose a large amount of iodine through urination, so the lost iodine content needs to be continuously replenished. In addition, iodine helps children's thyroid function properly. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck that controls a child's metabolism, growth, and normal brain development. Low iodine levels can lead to thyroid problems, which is why some people, especially adult women, develop a prominent lump on the front of their neck. Marine fish, shellfish, meat, milk and eggs are some rich sources of iodine.

Tips：建議媽媽們每日服用90-140微克的碘以強化她們的母乳。如果您正在給孩子吃奶粉，請確保您選擇了一款含碘的奶粉。最好為足月的孩子選擇50-100微克的奶粉，為早產的孩子選擇200微克左右的奶粉。

4. Zinc

Zinc plays several important roles in the human body, helping to create new cells for the rapid growth of fetuses and infants, and protecting mothers and children from infection by boosting immunity. This mineral also helps the body produce enzymes that are used to break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in our diet. Today, zinc deficiency is common among men, women, and children. Low zinc levels may be responsible for slow growth and weakened immune systems in children, and recent findings suggest that zinc deficiency during pregnancy may lead to complications in children. Meat, whole-grain cereals and legumes are the highest sources of zinc. However, eating fish, fruits and green leafy vegetables can also provide the body with this mineral.

Tips: It is recommended that pregnant women over 18 years old take 11 mg of zinc daily. Generally speaking, the daily dose of zinc supplementation should not exceed 25 mg unless directed by a physician.

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