[Medical Q&A] What are the ways to supplement calcium during pregnancy preparation?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Shang Xuejun, Chief Physician, General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command of PLA

During the pregnancy preparation period, calcium can be supplemented through diet and calcium supplements. Foods rich in calcium include: ① milk and its products, such as yogurt, milk powder, cheese, and soy milk; ② vegetables, such as soybeans, amaranth, mustard greens, sea, fungus, seaweed, bean sprouts, white radish, and carrots; ③ shelled seafood, such as shrimp skin, shellfish, and snails. If you need to supplement calcium tablets, it is best to take them during mealtime. The gastric juice secreted at this time can help dissociate more calcium ions, allowing the body to better absorb calcium. In addition, iron and calcium may compete with each other when absorbed in the small intestine, so these two nutrients are best taken several hours apart rather than at the same time.

At the same time, sunbathing is beneficial to the absorption of calcium. Sunbathing can promote the production of vitamin D, and vitamin D can promote the absorption and utilization of calcium.