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Facts and
FallaciesAdvice, beliefs and stories
about pregnancy and nutrition abound. While some may be beneficial, others are
potentially harmful. If you are unsure about something you are told, ask a
health care practitioner for clarification. Some common misconceptions and facts
follow.
Fallacy: Now that you are pregnant, you should be eating for
two.
Fact: It is true that nutrient
needs increase (see Table 3), but energy requirements only increase by about 300
kilocalories per day for the second and third trimester of pregnancy. A
relatively modest amount of food can provide the extra kilocalories. It is
important to choose nutrient dense foods to supply the extra nutrients.
Table 3. Energy and Nutrient Needs
During Pregnancy:
Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA)/DRI
| Nutrient |
Non-Pregnant |
Pregnant |
| *Energy
(kilocalories per day) |
adequate
to maintain weight |
+300 |
| *Protein
(g) |
50 |
60 |
| Vitamin
A (mcg RE) |
800 |
800 |
| *Vitamin
D (mcg) |
5 |
5 |
| Vitamin
E (mg) |
8 |
10 |
| Vitamin
C (mg) |
60 |
70 |
| Thiamin
(mg) |
1.1 |
1.4 |
| Riboflavin
(mg) |
1.1 |
1.4 |
| Niacin
(mg) |
14 |
18 |
| Vitamin
B6 (mg) |
1.3 |
1.9 |
| Vitamin
B12 (mg) |
2.4 |
2.6 |
| Folate
(mcg) |
400 |
600 |
| *Calcium
(mg) |
1000 |
<19
yrs.=1300
19-50 yrs.=1000
|
| *Phosphorus
(mg) |
700 |
<19
yrs.=1250
19-50 yrs.=700
|
| Magnesium
(mg) |
310-320 |
<19
yrs.=400
19-50 yrs.=350-360
|
| Iron
(mg) |
15 |
30 |
| Zinc
(mg) |
12 |
15 |
| Iodine
(mcg) |
150 |
175 |
| Selenium
(mcg) |
55 |
65 |
From: Committee on Dietary Allowances. Food
and Nutrition Board. Washington, D.C.: National Academy of Sciences, 1989, 1997,
1998.
*Note: Additional kilocalories, protein, vitamin D, calcium
and phosphorus may be needed for adolescents during pregnancy. Consult your
health care practitioner.
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