SASOLBURG. ΓÇô The old adage that a mother-to-be is eating for two is not quite accurate as excessive intake of food may result in the onset of weight-problems while still not providing the necessary nutrients for development of the baby.
What the mother-to-be eats affects the development of the babyΓÇÖs teeth. Primary tooth development has already started by the third month of pregnancy, and permanent teeth begin to form several months before birth. Vitamin A helps to develop the tooth enamel and vitamin C is important in the formation of the inner tooth structure. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. For optimum development of teeth and bones it is necessary that sufficient sources of calcium are available in the diet, and that the body has the ability to absorb the calcium into the bloodstream.
Calcium supplements have been shown to be largely excreted unabsorbed in the faeces. Calcium seems to be better absorbed if it is available in the diet rather than in pill form. Good sources of calcium are dairy products and canned pilchards and sardines with the cooked bones included in the can mashed into the fish and eaten. It is not essential to drink gallons of milk or to eat tons of cheese and tinned fish. Three quarters of a glass of milk, preferably low fat, is adequate.
News source: Mooivaal Media – Vaalweekblad