Iron is a part of all cells and(as part of the protein hemoglobin) carries oxygen from our lungs throughout our bodies. Iron deficiency is a decrease in the red cells of blood as a result of lack of iron in the blood. Iron deficiency anemia is usually caused by a diet insufficient in iron or from blood loss. Iron deficiency is common in pregnant women, occurring in 35% to 75% because their volume of blood increases and because the growing fetus needs iron.

Iron deficiency can lead to an increased risk of premature delivery and a low-birth-weight baby. So it is necessary to prevent iron deficiency by taking sufficient diet and iron supplements. The amount of iron you need shoots up during pregnancy from 18 to 27 milligrams (mg) a day.

Most doctors recommend iron supplements for their pregnant patients. And because it’s hard to get enough iron through diet alone, the recommended amount of iron during pregnancy is 30 milligrams a day. Iron supplements are best absorbed if taken with foods rich in vitamin C, such as orange, grapefruit, or tomato juice.

Iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women and in infants after delivery is easily preventable by eating a balanced, nutritious, iron-rich diet and taking iron supplements as prescribed by your doctor. Pregnant women can get more iron from eating more iron-rich foods, from supplements, or from both. Medical care during pregnancy should include screening for anemia.

Dyslexia is an inherited condition that makes it extremely difficult for children and young people to read, write, and spell in native language—despite at least average intelligence. Dyslexic children are usually extremely bright, yet they fail to reach their full potential academically. Fish oil is known for reducing stress, helps regain brain alertness for the once young, and promotes well-being in general. Fish oil can dramatically boost the performances of young kids at school. Fish oil is an ideal dietary supplement as it provides health benefits and is regarded as ‘wonder food’. Adding fish oil in diet to treat dyslexia will make a huge difference.

Hundreds of studies have proven fish oil to be vitally important for the development of a child’s brain. A recent study has revealed that students who took fish oil scored an average of 2 grades higher than the students who didn’t take it. Fish oil supplements have been shown to help dyslexic children, especially those with signs of EFA deficiency and ADHD tendencies

Fish oil supplements and dyslexia are best handled during pregnancy and while nursing. Children born to mothers who eat lots of oily fish or supplement with good quality fish oil supplements are less likely to have ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, and many other developmental difficulties. Fish oil supplements are extremely safe and their only side effect is mild digestive upset.

Dosage recommendations for fish oil supplements vary, depending on several factors. For dyslexia start with a supplement providing 500 mg of EPA. After a few months you can reduce this dose. You should take vitamin E supplement with the fish oil to prevent oxidation.

Vitamin D helps building bones, tissues, and teeth and enables the body to use calcium and phosphorus. Your body needs it as well as the baby, so the required amount is more than that of normal routine.

• Normally a pregnant woman needs about 10 micrograms of Vitamin D supply daily. This level can be attained by having following
• Four 8-ounce servings of skim milk
• Egg yolks
• Sardines
• Canned salmon
• Getting a little sunshine also helps your skin manufacture it

Vitamin is crucial for healthy skin, bones, and eyes. It also helps to create the cells that will make up your baby’s internal organs. A proper and balanced intake of Vitamin A ensures the healthy growth of your baby.

In order to fulfill the Vitamin A requirements, i.e. about 800 micrograms during pregnancy, you need to have a list of food items that contain Vitamin A. Here’s a list out of which you can have any four servings to meet the daily requirements of Vitamin A:

• 3/4 cup vegetable juice
• 3/4 cup dark yellow vegetables
• 8 ounces milk
• 1/2 cup cantaloupe
• 1 large peach or nectarine
• 1 cup dark leafy vegetables

Since natural ingredients can fulfill your daily requirements of Vitamin A, so don’t use the supplements, as excessive intake can be harmful for you and your baby both.