There are 8 types of B vitamins known as vitamin B complex. Among the eight types of B vitamins, vitamin B6 has a very important role in maintaining the health of pregnant women and fetuses. Let's learn more about vitamin B6 and its benefits for pregnant women.
Vitamin B6 is a type of vitamin that is included in the type of water-soluble vitamins. Vitamin B6 functions to process protein into amino acids and digest carbohydrates and fats so that the body can obtain nutrients and energy.
Vitamin B6 also plays an important role in supporting the production of red blood cells and maintaining healthy brain and nerves. In pregnant women, vitamin B6 is useful in the formation of body organs and fetal growth, preventing anemia during pregnancy, and increasing energy.
Benefits of Vitamin B6 for Pregnant Women
The following is a row of the benefits of vitamin B6 for pregnant women:
1. Relieves nausea
One of the benefits of vitamin B6 for pregnant women is to relieve nausea caused by morning sickness. Nausea and vomiting are very common symptoms of pregnancy experienced by pregnant women.
This complaint is often felt during the first trimester, but pregnant women in the middle of the second or third trimester can also experience it.
2. Supports fetal brain and nerve growth
Vitamin B6 is not only beneficial for the health of pregnant women, but also plays a major role in the formation and development of the nerves and brain of the fetus. With adequate intake of vitamin B6, the fetus can grow and develop normally, and has a lower risk of developing developmental disorders.
3. Prevent preeclampsia
Lack of vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, zinc, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and vitamin E, can increase the risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women. Therefore, it is important to always meet the needs of vitamin B6 to prevent this and indirectly help prevent premature birth.
However, further research is still needed to determine the relationship of vitamin B6 in preventing preeclampsia.
4. Preventing the fetus from being born with low weight
Low birth weight (LBW) is a condition of babies born weighing less than 2500 grams. LBW is one of the main causes of health problems and death in newborns.
Malnutrition or lack of nutritional intake during pregnancy, such as protein, carbohydrates, or vitamins, including vitamin B6, is one of the factors that can increase the risk of a baby being born with a low birth weight. Therefore, pregnant women are recommended to always meet the intake of vitamin B6.
5. Maintain blood sugar levels
Consumption of vitamin B6 is known to keep blood sugar levels normal. One of the benefits of vitamin B6 for pregnant women, especially pregnant women who suffer from gestational diabetes, is to control and prevent an increase in blood sugar levels.
Vitamin B6 Needs for Pregnant Women
The amount of vitamin B6 needed for pregnant women is about 1.8–2 mg per day. However, in pregnant women who have certain complaints, such as frequent nausea or underweight, the intake of vitamin B6 may need to be higher.
Vitamin B6 can be obtained naturally in the following foods:
- Seeds, e.g. sunflower seeds, sesame, flaxseed (flaxseed)
- Legumes, such as peanuts, soybeans, chickpeas (chickpeas), and cashews
- Fish, meat and beef liver
- Fruits, such as bananas, pumpkins, prunes, watermelon, and avocados
- Vegetables, including moringa leaves, spinach, potatoes, and onions
Apart from foods rich in vitamin B6, vitamin B6 intake for pregnant women can also be obtained through supplements. Vitamin B6 supplements are usually prescribed by doctors when pregnant women experience severe nausea or if it is difficult to meet vitamin B6 intake from food.
If you want to use vitamin B6 supplements during pregnancy, you are advised to consult a doctor first so that the doctor can determine the dose.
Avoid taking vitamin B6 supplements without a doctor's instructions because of the risk of causing excess vitamin B6. This can make pregnant women experience complaints in the form of tingling or numbness in the hands and feet.
The health of pregnant women must be maintained with adequate nutritional intake. One of the nutrients that are needed by pregnant women is vitamin B complex, including vitamin B6. However, so that pregnant women can meet the intake of vitamin B6 as needed, consult a gynecologist during a pregnancy examination.