Podcast PTA FUNK: Einfach Englisch lernen – Vitamins

Dialogue

Customer: Good afternoon, I’d like to ask a few questions if I may?

PTA: Yes, of course. Go ahead.

Customer: I’ve been vegan for a couple of years and my partner and I are now planning a family. People keep telling me that a vegan pregnancy is a big risk to take. Is that true?

PTA: Not if you plan carefully. Good nutrition prior to conception and during pregnancy is extremely important as two lives or more depend on it. Deficiencies can lead to serious health problems.

Customer: So, what do I need to do?

PTA: Are you on the pill?

Customer: I’ve just finished my last pack.

PTA: Then it is vital to start taking folate immediately. It’s essential for the healthy development of the foetus and reduces the risk of a neural tube defect.

Customer: What’s that?

PTA: It concerns genes involved in the folate metabolic pathway and a shortage can trigger conditions such as spina bifida, which is when the baby’s spine and spinal cord don’t form properly. The neural tube develops in the first 20-30 days, when the pregnancy has often not yet been recognized.

Customer: Oh, so folate is important. How do I take it?

PTA: A folate supplement containing 400 micrograms of folic acid – that’s what the synthetically produced form is called - is recommended from one month before pregnancy and for the first 12 weeks. Those who get pregnant earlier than four weeks before starting to take folate, should start with a dose of 800 micrograms Customer: Ok, what else?

PTA: Vitamin B12 is essential for the baby’s brain and nervous system and you’ll need more than when you’re not pregnant. 4,5 micrograms a day are advisable.

Customer: Right.

PTA: I suggest you get a blood test done to confirm your iron status. Should it need boosting, you should discuss it with your gyn. It’s easier before becoming pregnant as you only have your own needs to consider. Iron is important for healthy blood cells and brain development. It’s absorbed more easily with the help of vitamin C found in oranges, tomatoes and berries.

Customer: I eat a lot of whole grain, nuts and seeds for iron and zinc as well as plenty vitamin C.

PTA: Good. 150 micrograms of iodine should be included in one of your prenatal supplements as a deficiency increases the risk of delays in an infant’s development. How do you manage omega 3 fatty acids?

Customer: I take vegan Omega 3 capsules every day. Is that ok?

PTA: That’s fine. Do you get enough vitamin D?

Customer: Oh yes, I know that it helps the body absorb calcium for the bones. I take a supplement in the winter.

PTA: Then it’s essential that you take it during pregnancy, too. You should be more aware of your calcium and protein intake as this is more difficult for vegans to fulfil. I’ll give you a more detailed recommendation later on.

Customer: Is it true that eating soya should be avoided? That it’s harmful?

PTA: There is some speculation that it causes a decrease in testosterone levels but so far there is no scientific evidence.

Customer: Is there anything else I need to know?

PTA: Do you have any health conditions or take any medication regularly?

Customer: No. I consider myself very healthy.

PTA: Then I wish you good luck with your family planning. Feel free to come back should any questions arise.

Customer: Thank you very much, I’ll do that.

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PTA FUNK, der Podcast von DAS PTA MAGAZIN, beleuchtet Themen, die PTA interessieren. Egal, ob zuhause auf dem Sofa oder in der Bahn: Klicken Sie auf unsere Webseite, und hören Sie zu. Natürlich können Sie PTA FUNK auch über Apple Podcast, Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music und Podimo hören. Diese Episode dauert 4:37 Minuten.