Pregnancy and Magnesium
Magnesium in pregnancy: introduction
Magnesium is considered a very important mineral in pregnancy.
On the other hand, as we will see later, this statement can be considered misleading, since each nutrient performs indispensable and irreplaceable functions. However, only in certain cases, the increase in magnesium intake in pregnancy can occur not only useful but even necessary. Let's see why.
General information on magnesium
Magnesium (Mg ++) is a nutritional mineral that belongs to the group of microelements. It performs many functions, including the sharing in enzymatic reactions, the excitability of nerve and muscle membranes, thermoregulation, protein synthesis and nucleic acids, synaptic transmission, alkalinization, modulation of arterial pressure, etc. Magnesium is mainly found in foods of vegetable origin, such as legumes, vegetables, whole grains, sweet fruits, oilseeds, algae and cocoa. Absorption occurs in the small intestine and is hindered by the presence of calcium. It is also subject to the influence of certain antinutritional agents such as phytates; instead, the plasmatic vitamin D content has a positive effect on absorption. The main excretion routes are urine and faeces, but also vomiting determines their elimination from the body. Magnesium deficiency is manifested by nausea, vomiting, anorexia, muscle cramps, vasodilation, cardiac arrhythmia and coma; excess does not occur in people with normal kidney function. In pregnancy it also exercises other roles, most of which are preventive. Let's look at them in more detail.
Pregnancy requirements
Importance of magnesium in pregnancy
Magnesium is therefore a very important mineral. In truth, there is no "proper mineral" nutrient more important than the other; they are all essential, with some exceptions represented by microelements whose role for health is not yet well defined.
We have already mentioned the main functions of magnesium, but not those specific (or alleged) in pregnancy which, moreover, are often confused with each other. It is in fact a common misunderstanding to mix the prevention of the deficiency effects with what should be the effects of an increase in the intake beyond the norm.
Since this is a fairly complex topic, to facilitate understanding below we will propose a practical example:
- Magnesium has an alkalizing effect. It is an absolute characteristic; magnesium has an alkalizing power that is introduced in small or large quantities. Then, the healthy organism is able to manage excesses and nutritional defects by regulating absorption and excretion, taking it from the bones or eliminating it with urine. The alkalizing characteristic of magnesium is however objective.
- Magnesium deficiency can be responsible for dangerous uterine contractions. However, this does not mean that increasing the magnesium intake BEYOND the recommended ration (the normal ration, which any pregnant woman should respect) reduces the risk of uterine contractions, premature birth, etc.
To avoid confusing our readers too much, we will only specify that:
if the intake of magnesium with the diet is already normal, the preventive functions of a possible nutritional increase are reduced almost to zero. On the other hand, if the nutritional regime of pregnant women is dangerously at risk of magnesium deficiency, increasing the intake is certainly the best choice.
Causes of magnesium deficiency in pregnancy
In pregnancy, the supply of magnesium with food may not fully cover the needs of the mother. We emphasize "of the mother", not of the fetus, as this physiological condition always prefers the coverage of the child's needs. He therefore risks being left without only his mother, not his son. However, any mineral deficiency, affecting the muscles (striated but also smooth), may endanger the outcome of the pregnancy due to possible unwanted uterine contractions.
Possible reasons for magnesium deficiency, often co-occurring, are:
- Increased needs due to pregnancy
- Insufficient intake with the diet (also due to nausea)
- Vomiting, due to nausea, which causes the expulsion of magnesium from the body
- Excessive sweating.
Effects of magnesium increase, if deficient, in pregnancy
We now summarize the effects of the increase in magnesium in pregnancy (especially when the diet is potentially deficient in the mineral):
- Ensures proper fetal growth
- Prevents underweight at birth
- Reduces the risk of preeclampsia or gestosis
- Regulates uterine contractions
- Reduces the risk of premature birth
- Reduces the risk of gravidic hypertension
- Prevents muscle cramps
- Reduces the feeling of nausea and vomiting
- Reduces the feeling of tiredness, weakness, irritability and insomnia.
Conclusions
What is the use of supplementing a balanced diet with magnesium?
To nothing. According to a study of 3 April 2014 called "Magnesium supplementation in pregnancy" which examined the "Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register" (31 March 2013), there is not enough significant evidence to prove the benefits of dietary supplementation magnesium in pregnancy.
