Congratulations! You're pregnant, and now you're probably wondering about everything that goes into your mouth. If you are thinking of adding protein powder to your daily regimen or have been advised by a doctor or nutritionist, you might be worried about its safety during pregnancy. Don't worry; we've got you covered.
Understanding Protein Powder
Protein is essential for growth and repair in the human body. It is responsible for maintaining fluid balance and producing antibodies that protect us from infection (1). Since our bodies do not make enough protein on their own, it's necessary to consume adequate amounts through food sources like meat, eggs, dairy products, nuts and seeds.
This is where protein powders come in handy – they provide an easy way to increase protein intake without having to eat tons of animal-based proteins throughout the day (2). Commonly found types of protein powders include whey (dairy), plant-based (soy or pea), casein (dairy) among others.
Although there are different varieties available with varying nutritional profiles depending on the purpose it was developed for; all of them function as supplements in aiding muscle-building activities.
Is Protein Powder Safe During Pregnancy?
Good news! According to studies by health experts over the years (3),(4) , consuming moderate amounts of dietary supplements turned out safe alongside balanced diets while bearing children but certain risks remain possible.
While there seems no direct evidence indicating consumption can harm pregnancy outcomes nor cause fetal malformations related conditions may occur such as excessive weight gain due lack consideration taken with calorie count controlled precisely towards growing requirements needed at each trimester e.g folic acid deficiency that leads neural tube abnormalities should be considered before supplementing 'if possible’ under medical expert guidance.(BMI must also be monitored regularly following a healthy range caloric intake pattern).
If any questions come about regarding the safety of adding protein powder to your daily routine, it would be a wise decision to speak with your doctor. Similarly, make sure you have full comprehension and understanding of their prescriptions.
Considerations To Note Before Taking Protein Powder
Before chugging down any supplements that claim packs of lean muscles or other benefits ensure they are labelled with certifications like Food and Drug Administration (FDA) certification or consulted with a qualified expert beforehand. Certain factors such as allergies must also be keenly observed before taking in the artificial substance.
Can I take whey protein while pregnant?
Yes! Whey is commonly derived from dairy products through traditional cheese making process typically sanitized in line with standard practices all suggesting good practice but personal reactions may vary hence it's important to check for allergens (5).
What type of plant-based protein should one take during pregnancy?
Soy, pea proteins made from synthetic sources without contaminants prove to do just great; choosing between those two is highly dependent person-to-person based on personal preference or dietary restrictions/allergies towards soybeans (6).
How much protein intake is enough when pregnant?
Pregnant women need atleast 75g per day falling within healthy bodily limits recommended by health organizations (7)
Conclusion
In conclusion, Stay hydrated throughout pregnancy and eat whole-food-based diets filled up plenty lean meats,half-filled healthy carbs/veggies along side monitoring BMI regularly isn’t bad at all but moderate supplementation can't hurt mostly since pack beneficial serving amounts utrifying needs more than mere food sometimes meet fully hence developing professionals will advise on this properly.(Though there aren't any severe adverse effects noted across different research works done so far )).
If taken moderately well under medical guidance/advice(if applicable), implemented gradually alongside low-calorie controlled diet habits ,protein powders shouldn't cause harm neither compromise natural birth processes rather will provide the body with necessary nutrients to keep up throughout pregnancy.