Zinc in Pregnancy – Benefits, Dosage and Food Sources

The health of a pregnant woman is the most important thing that one should never overlook. What a woman eats during this crucial time should be a perfect dose of all the required minerals and nutrients. This will not only ensure the good health of a mother but will also ensure the proper development of the fetus.

Talking specifically about zinc, it is a mineral that has many benefits associated with it, and thus, it becomes important for a pregnant woman to get to know everything about this helpful mineral. In this article, we have covered all the necessary information on the importance of zinc in pregnancy. Let’s read and understand!

What Is Zinc?

Zinc has a major role to play in body development and functioning. It is in simple words, a powerful mineral that would offer the best health benefits to the pregnant woman and her fetus. Zinc can be naturally found in certain food items or it can also be added to your diet in the form of supplements. Either way, this mineral will offer the intended benefits to a pregnant woman.

Can I Take Zinc While Pregnant?

Zinc is vital for crucial processes like protein synthesis, cell division, and nucleic acid metabolism, essential for development. Additionally, it supports our sense of taste and smell, aids the immune system, and promotes wound healing. While most women obtain sufficient zinc from meat, prenatal vitamins offer a reliable source. Plant-based zinc is less readily absorbed. Vegetarian or vegan mothers should consult their healthcare provider about zinc supplementation, which may include forms like zinc gluconate.

Why Zinc Is Necessary When Pregnant?

Zinc is generally known to maintain a healthy immune system, boost normal body growth, helps with DNA metabolism, and also helps in speedy wound healing.

As far as the role of zinc in pregnancy is concerned, the benefits of taking zinc while pregnant are different for the pregnant woman and the fetus.

1. Zinc Benefits for Pregnant Women

• Zinc helps maintain a strong immune system
• Averts intra-uterine infection
• Helps balance the hormones
• Aids in the production of the placenta

2. Zinc Benefits for Developing Baby

• Boosts cell growth
• Boosts DNA production and functioning
• Provides structural support to the proteins that make up the cells

Recommended Daily Intake of Zinc in Pregnancy

The daily and maximum zinc dose in pregnancy depends on the age factor, greatly. To get an insight into the recommended daily intake values, read the following:

• For an 18 yr old or younger pregnant woman: 12 milligrams
• For a 19 yr old or older pregnant woman: 11 milligrams
• For an 18 yr old or younger breastfeeding woman: 13 milligrams
• For a 19 yr old or older breastfeeding woman: 12 milligrams

What Are the Food Sources of Zinc?

The major food sources that have been found rich in zinc, include:

1. Dark Chocolate

Chocolates are loved by all. No one can resist its sweet taste. But they contain high sugar levels that can turn to be injurious to health. However, dark chocolate is quite different as it contains low sugar levels and more of essential zinc.

2. Lentils

Lentils have always been a rich source of vitamins and minerals. And, one such mineral that can be easily found in lentils is zinc. Lentils are also rich in proteins and fibres thus should be included in the daily diet.

3. Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are not only a good source of zinc but are also found to be high in omega-3 fats and magnesium. You could add pumpkin seeds to your salads or eat its roasted version.

4. Chickpeas

Chickpeas are a good source of protein and fibre and thus a recommended option for vegetarians. An added advantage of chickpeas is that they help in improving digestion and therefore help a pregnant woman keep away from acidity or other digestive issues.

5. Sesame Seeds

In 100 grams of sesame seeds, zinc concentration is about 7.8 milligrams. Sesame is also found to be a good source of phytosterols, I.e. a compound that helps control cholesterol and sesamin, i.e. a compound that helps balance the hormones.

6. Kidney Beans

Kidney beans are a good choice to consider if you are a vegetarian. This sumptuous food source helps in regulating blood sugar levels and also helps in providing you with a satisfactory diet.

7. Yoghurt

Yogurt is known to be a probiotic dairy product that is rich in zinc, i.e. in one cup of yoghurt, 1.4 milligrams of zinc is found. Consuming yoghurt would help you in improving immunity, controlling mood swings, and also helps boost cardiovascular health.

8. Lamb or Beef

Lamb and beef are believed to be the best sources of zinc, undoubtedly. A pregnant woman who eats meat is unlikely to develop a zinc deficiency. But it is always recommended to roast your meat perfectly as raw meat can lead to health issues in pregnant women.

9. Cashews

In one ounce of cashews, about 1.6 milligrams of zinc is found. Also, these are found to be high in unsaturated fatty acids and protein value. The consumption of cashew would help in lessening inflammation, maintain good bone health, and would keep your hunger calls satisfied as it keeps you full for longer durations.

FAQ’s

Some of the common questions that are on people’s mind include:

1. Can I Take Zinc Supplements in Pregnancy?

A pregnant woman who eats meat is less likely to develop a zinc deficiency whereas for the vegetarians the same cannot be said. When the normal diet is not enough for body’s zinc requirement, zinc supplement in pregnancy are recommended.

Zinc as a supplement generally comes in three forms, i.e. an oral supplement, a nasal spray, and in the form of prenatal vitamins. As far as a pregnant woman is concerned, it is recommended to prefer prenatal vitamins. However, it is recommended to consume the doctor prescribed, zinc tablets for pregnancy along with food. This is because zinc supplements can lead to upsetting your stomach if taken alone.

2. What Happens if you Consume too Much Zinc during Pregnancy?

The presence of zinc in the body needs to be controlled. As it is said” Excess of anything can be poisonous”, same goes for zinc. Excess of zinc during pregnancy in woman’s body can lead to vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea or even stomach aches.

In fact, even research has stated that an adult should not be getting more than 40 milligrams of zinc intake in a day’s time.

3. What are the Signs of Zinc Deficiency when Pregnant?

The signs of zinc deficiencies in pregnant women include:

• Weakened sense of taste and smell
• Lack of appetite
• Lack of immunity to allergies and infections
• Impaired growth of the fetus

4. Can I take Zinc for Cold during Pregnancy?

Research indicates that zinc lozenges and syrups have the potential to shorten the duration of a common cold by approximately one day, although they may not influence its severity. It’s important to exercise caution, as excessive consumption of zinc lozenges can lead to complications for both the expectant mother and the fetus. These oral forms often incorporate zinc gluconate. Before considering over-the-counter cold remedies during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, it is imperative to consult with a healthcare professional.

Now, whenever the question “Can I take zinc while pregnant?” comes to your mind, you’ll be able to answer ‘Yes’ confidently. This ensures proper maintenance of normal health conditions of you and your foetus. Also, keep in mind to always consult a doctor for proper dietary recommendations and supplement choices when zinc is what you are concerned about.

References/Resources:

1. Zinc in diet; medlineplus.gov; https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002416.htm

2. Zinc; ods.od.nih.gov; https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/

3. ZINC SUPPLEMENTATION DURING PREGNANCY; izincg.org; https://www.izincg.org/zinc-supplementation-during-pregnancy

4. Zinc Supplement (Oral Route, Parenteral Route); mayoclinic.org; https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/zinc-supplement-oral-route-parenteral-route/before-using/drg-20070269

5. Foods high in zinc; healthdirect.gov.au; https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/foods-high-in-zinc

6. Zinc supplements during pregnancy may counteract damage from early alcohol exposure; eurekalert.org; https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/853230

7. Zinc; mayoclinic.org; https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-zinc/art-20366112

8. Zinc: Foods, Functions, How much do you need & more; eufic.org; https://www.eufic.org/en/vitamins-and-minerals/article/zinc-foods-functions-how-much-do-you-need-more

Also Read: 

Manganese when Pregnant
Calcium Rich Diet during Pregnancy
Taking Vitamin B12 in Pregnancy
Carbohydrates during Pregnancy