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Calcium supplement??
Started
by mazgirl
on April 18, 2011
I went to my OB/GYN today for a pre-conception visit. When she found out I was vegan, she told me that along with a prenatal vitamin, I need to take a calcium supplement since I don't eat dairy. I politely nodded and thought "I don't need that, she doesn't understand" (because she also told me how it's hard for vegans to get enough protein and said I need to be careful about that). But now I'm wondering... do I need one? Are any of you other vegan mamas-to-be taking anything besides a vegan prenatal vitamin? Also I read somewhere that pregnant vegans should take DHA? I eat lots of walnuts and ground flaxseeds for my omega-3s, is that enough or does the DHA provide something else?
hi - not pregnant but wanted to say that I recently had extensive bloodwork done and my calcium levels were not only good, but on the high end of the average scale....and I have not had a dairy product and have been vegan for about 25 years! just be sure that you are eating a ton of dark leafy greens and you will get enough calcium - and then some! there are several vegan pregnancy books out there, find a good one so that you can feel good about your choices!
I'm not sure, but I remember reading somewhere that some people have problems converting the ALA in flax to DHA. Sometimes the conversion is slow, which may be why he mentioned a specific DHA supplement. I can't remember where I read it, but you might as well look into it to be safe. I am definitely no expert!
Thanks ann ann, I feel that I get enough calcium from my diet, and also I have heard that vegans need to take in less than omnis anyway because we're not eating the dairy products that can leach calcium from our bones, so it is good to have you confirm this! Catconsrv, i took your advice and did more research and think I will be taking DHA during pregnancy just to be safe. Thanks to you both!
I think it is better to be safe than sorry when you are pregnant especially, and DHA is so important. ann ann is right, I would just focus on getting a lot of calcium rich leafy greens. I have never heard of a vegan that has osteoperosis. Good luck with your impending pregnancy!
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