Maternal nutrition
Pregnancy is a time of joy and change for women, and it requires more focus on the daily diet. A healthy diet and lifestyle during pregnancy can support the healthy growth and development of the baby; while it can reduce the risk of common pregnancy complications and discomfort. Both maternal underweight and overweight increase the risk of developing acute and chronic diseases for the mum-to-be and her baby.
Products for maternal nutrition is a rapidly growing category due to the growing numbers of consumers focusing on health. Also the scientific evidence on the importance of healthy nutrition during pregnancy contribute to the growing category.
Millennial mums give birth to 80% of babies born today. They are a health-conscious group focused on nutrition, safety and convenience, and they are willing to pay a premium for products that meet their needs. Arla Foods Ingredients offers several solutions that match their quest for health, safety and convenience throughout the pregnancy and breastfeeding period.
The diet must supply all the necessary building blocks to support the mum’s nutritional requirements and promote the healthy development of the baby. To secure optimal growth, extra protein is needed for the development of the foetus, placenta and maternal tissues. Arla Foods Ingredients has several ingredients that are highly suitable to cover the increased protein requirements during pregnancy. Whey protein is a superior source of high quality protein with a high level of essential amino acids and it is easy to digest helping to prevent the discomfort that often occurs during pregnancy. In addition, studies have suggested a beneficial effect of whey proteins on blood sugar control and satiety.
For pregnant women with a low calcium intake, calcium supplementation may reduce the risk of maternal bone loss and various pregnancy complications like the risk of pre-eclampsia and preterm birth. In addition, calcium is important to ensure optimum bone and teeth mineralisation in foetal life for a healthy development of the baby. Our Capolac® ingredient has a high content of milk calcium (> 24%) and a structure of calcium phosphate similar to that of bone and teeth.
Phospholipids and gangliosides are bioactive lipids that support cognitive development in early infancy. Animal studies have demonstrated that gangliosides are capable of crossing the placenta, and are available to the developing foetus, making it a relevant nutrient during pregnancy. Lacprodan® MFGM-10 is a whey protein concentrate containing phospholipids, gangliosides and choline supporting healthy development of the baby.
Lacprodan® whey protein, Capolac® and Lacprodan® MFGM-10 supply the building blocks for a healthy pregnancy and can be used in food solutions - ideal for the modern urban mum.
Related products:
- Lacprodan® whey protein, Nutrilac® PB-8420, Capolac® and Lacprodan® MFGM-10
