insideKENT Magazine Issue 74 - May 2018 | Page 130

HEALTH+WELLNESS
THE BENEFITS OF VITAMINS FOR KIDS cont.
development of the foetus while reducing the risk of nutritional
deficiency-related foetal disorders. Through the avoidance of processed
foods and a few pointers toward key nutrients reproductive nutrition
can be easy:
Folic Acid. Probably the most well-known nutrient for maternal and
foetal health, folic acid is necessary prior to conception in the prevention
of neural tube defects (NTD) – research shows those the took folic acid
four to eight weeks prior to conception had the least risk of foetal NTD.
Vitamin B12. Together with folate is essential to produce new DNA
and cell development; both play a major role in oocyte health and foetal
development.
Inositol. A further member of the B vitamin family shown to be essential
for conceptual and maternal health, inositol is present in every cell and
has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity. This is vital for those
with polycystic ovary syndrome as these individuals experience
disrupted blood glucose control and are at risk of gestational diabetes.
Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Antioxidant compounds
are essential for the protection from free radical damage to female
reproductive tissues and are nutritional antioxidants that buffer and
recycle the pool of antioxidant compounds. Research supports the use
of vitamin C reported to improve fertility outcomes in women with
luteal phase defects and irregular menstrual cycles, and that vitamin C
has been associated with reduced risk of miscarriage and breakthrough
bleeding.
The nutrients discussed outline the ideal preparation for conception
and forms a basis for healthy sperm, oocytes and fertilisation. This basis
can be developed further to support the needs of the mother and foetus.
The brain and eyes are dense sources of the omega 3 essential fatty
acids, especially Docosahexaenoic acid, otherwise referred to as DHA.
DHA is known to contribute to structural and cellular tissues conferring
the benefit of flexibility, therefore allowing the easy passage of nutrients
into the cell and waste out.
To support the development of bones and blood, several minerals are
necessary in gradually increasing quantities. Calcium, magnesium,
vitamin D and vitamin K are necessary for bones and at a later point,
teeth. Iron, and B vitamins including folic acid are necessary for the
increased production of blood to allow the foetus to develop its own
blood supply.
Iodine deficiency is a worldwide problem and especially so in pregnancy.
It is reported that low iodine status in pregnancy may be a co