Protein Absorption and Pregnancy
These days it’s popular to buy protein products that boast high grams of protein as a great thing for your body – and especially during pregnancy, many OBGYNs and nutritionists suggest up to 70 grams a day for the average pregnancy. Which is intimidating to say the least! Especially if you are in the stage of maternity where meat and other forms of protein sound awful and make you want to throw up. If that’s not you then awesome!! But nausea is a reality for up to 75% of pregnant women.
So what is the rule of thumb for protein absorption during pregnancy and frankly any time for women? 20 – 30 grams will be metabolized in the course of an hour – more than that and it will be eliminated as waste. It won’t hurt you unless you are over-consuming by a rate much higher – but the point is that it won’t help you and your pregnancy diet, either.
Some Tips to Optimize Protein Absorption:
- Always combine your protein with some form of Vitamin C. This mostly helps absorb any iron you are intaking with your protein but it also aids in protein absorption. (Try a Mommi Vanilla shake with half orange juice/half milk for a creamsicle. You will get enough Vitamin C to absorb the 20 grams of protein in the shake)
- Space out your protein so your body will utilize it better – Eating every 3 hours has many benefits besides nutrition during pregnancy – it can help you avoid sickness and lightheadedness that often accompanies the 40 weeks of gestation.
- Try to walk around often and exercise appropriately to metabolize the protein and put it to work for your body. Absorption works much better with movement.
Let Mommi supplement your protein needs during pregnancy visit our shop HERE. To get 15% off your first purchase use code PROTEINBABY.
