How Essential is Zinc During Pregnancy?

Known as the building block of life, zinc is a mineral present in many foods and supports protein synthesis, development of cells and tissue, and metabolism. Zinc also keeps your immune system strong by helping your body protect itself against infections¹.

A Good Start for a Healthy Brain

During pregnancy, zinc plays an essential role. It supports your baby’s growth and aids normal brain development, which contributes to future learning and development². At a time when your baby is growing from a single cell into a little person made of trillions of cells, you can help by ensuring a healthy intake of zinc by taking a well-balanced diet. Maintaining a healthy intake of zinc throughout pregnancy has also been linked to a lower risk of premature birth⁴.

Consuming Zinc During Pregnancy

Unfortunately, your immune system leaves you more vulnerable to infection³ during pregnancy. Thus, getting the right amount of zinc in your diet is especially important.

Rich sources of zinc include^5,6:

•    Well-cooked oysters and shellfish

•    Red meat such as beef

•    Poultry

•    Oatmeal

•    Nuts, beans and soya

•    Dairy products and eggs

How Much Zinc is Enough?

The recommended amount of zinc for during pregnancy is 7 mg per day, which is the same for everybody else. However, your needs rise significantly while breastfeeding, increasing to 13 mg per day until your baby is 4 months old, and falling to 9.5 mg per day beyond that. Worry not if you can’t remember these figures – a well-balanced diet should be enough to supply all the zinc you need⁵.