When and How Should Pregnant Women Supplement Calcium?
Aug 05, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Yanli
Introduction
It is recommended that pregnant women begin calcium supplementation during the second trimester—around week 20 of pregnancy—with an appropriate dose of calcium. During pregnancy, adequate nutrition is essential to support fetal growth and development. Insufficient maternal intake may lead to deficiencies in iron and calcium. Calcium deficiency in pregnant women can cause lower-limb muscle cramps, particularly noticeable during the second and third trimesters.
Pregnant women are advised to begin calcium supplementation during the second trimester—around week 20 of pregnancy—with an appropriate dose of calcium. During pregnancy, the growing fetus demands increased nutritional support, and insufficient maternal intake may lead to deficiencies in iron and calcium. Calcium deficiency in pregnant women can manifest as leg cramps, particularly noticeable during the second and third trimesters. Therefore, calcium supplementation should commence in the second trimester.
Calcium supplementation can be achieved through dietary sources (“food-based supplementation”) or pharmaceutical preparations (“medication-based supplementation”). Pregnant women should consume calcium-rich foods—for example, one jin (500 g) of milk daily provides over 500 mg of calcium. However, if a pregnant woman cannot consistently consume one jin of milk—or an equivalent amount of calcium from other dairy products—daily during the second trimester, calcium supplementation is recommended. Calcium tablets should be taken in small, divided doses throughout the day. Concurrent supplementation with vitamin D and vitamin K enhances calcium absorption and its deposition into bone tissue. Bone broth contains very little calcium but is high in fat; frequent consumption may contribute to weight gain.
