Copper and Pregnancy
A recent study suggests pregnant women should obtain the daily recommended amount of copper and iron in their diet through properly balanced nutrition.High-resolution version of this photo.
Copper is an essential trace element for your hair, skin and bones, as well as your central nervous and cardiovascular systems, immune and reproductive systems, and even gene transcription. It's also an enabler, helping the human body to use other minerals, such as iron.
But while copper is needed to transport iron from red blood cells into your body, too much iron can inhibit the body from using much-needed minerals-including copper. Similarly, too much zinc inhibits the body's ability to absorb copper.
According to a recent study in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, pregnant women who take iron supplements have a greater risk of zinc and copper deficiency, which can lead to high blood pressure and smaller baby size.
The study suggests that in order to receive a recommended 2 to 3 milligrams of copper and 27 milligrams of iron per day, pregnant women would be better off skipping supplements altogether and obtaining the minerals through a properly balanced diet. Cu
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Also in this Issue:
- Mankind's "Alloy" in the War Against Bacteria
- Naturally Antimicrobial, Copper May Also Improve Air Quality
- Copper Roof Crowns Historic Saratoga Track Renovation
- A Penny for Your Tongue
- Copper Under the Microscope
- Copper and Pregnancy