Author Question: Why is fat, particularly essential fatty acids, such as an important part of the diet during ... (Read 63 times)

bcretired · **on:** Aug 20, 2018

Why is fat, particularly essential fatty acids, such as an important part of the diet during pregnancy?

Question 2

Pregnant women who are vegans are at higher risk for certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Identify the vitamins and minerals of concern and provide recommendations for how these vitamins and minerals could be obtained through food.

flannelavenger · **Reply #1 on:** Aug 20, 2018

Answer to Question 1

All essential fatty acids play important roles in the growth and development of a healthy baby as well as making other fatty acids needed by the body. In addition, DHA is important for brain development and retina formation in the fetus. During pregnancy the AI is 13 g/day for linoleic acid and 1.4 g/day for linolenic acid.

Answer to Question 2

Vegans who become pregnant need to be concerned with getting adequate amounts of vitamin B12, vitamin B6, iron, calcium, and zinc because they've eliminated all foods of animal origin. These nutrients can be made up by including additional servings of grains, legumes, nuts, and calcium-fortified foods such as tofu and soy milk. B12 can be added to the diet via fortified cereal or nutritional yeast.