Calcium supplementation is one of the issues that many pregnant women are concerned about during pregnancy. However, according to Dr. Le Van Hien - General Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Obstetrics and Gynecology Association, high calcium levels do not mean good absorption efficiency.
Sharing in episode 405 of the program "Family Doctor" with the theme "Calcium absorption problem during pregnancy: Content or quality?", Dr. Le Van Hien said that the psychology of choosing products with as high a calcium content as possible is one of the common mistakes.
Because of the desire for the fetus to develop healthily, some pregnant mothers increase their calcium use by themselves without paying attention to the actual needs and absorption capacity of the body. Inappropriate supplementation can lead to constipation and indigestion.
In the opposite direction, there are cases of taking calcium regularly but still experiencing cramps or back pain. According to experts, the effectiveness of supplementation depends not only on the amount of calcium introduced into the body but also on absorption and use.
Calcium plays a role in the formation and development of the fetal bone and teeth system, and also participates in the activity of the heart muscle and nervous system. For pregnant women, appropriate calcium supplementation also contributes to reducing the risk of pre-eclampsia.
At the program, experts noted that calcium absorption is affected by many factors. Pregnant mothers should not drink calcium at the same time as iron, tea or coffee. Vitamin D and K are also mentioned as supporting the process of calcium absorption and use.
Instead of taking a large amount at once, dividing the dose according to professional instructions may be more appropriate in some cases.
Dr. Le Van Hien also analyzed three common forms of calcium including Carbonate Calcium, Citrat Calcium and Microcrystalline MCHA Calcium. Each form has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, so there is no suitable choice for all pregnant women.
According to experts, the health status, diet and tolerability of each person need to be considered when supplementing calcium. Pregnant mothers should also not arbitrarily increase the dose based on word of mouth or apply other people's usage methods.
Regular prenatal check-ups help doctors assess the nutritional needs and health status of pregnant women, thereby providing appropriate supplementation directions for each stage of pregnancy.
Through this theme, "Family Doctor" continues to provide health counseling content close to common problems in family life. The program "Family Doctor" is broadcast at 12:50 PM every Sunday on THVL1 channel.
