Nutrients, how much more and why do you need and where to get them?

Vitamin B6- The demand during pregnancy increases by 50% compared to a non-pregnant woman. 

Why does a pregnant lady need Vitamin B6?

Vitamin B6 is crucial to a pregnant woman for :

• proper functioning of red blood cells, and a deficiency may lead to anemia (abnormal functioning of red blood cells in mother)
• proper functioning of the nervous system, deficiency may lead to symptoms such as neuropathy (tingling, numbness, pain in hands and feet), muscle weakness and difficulty with coordination and balance
• good health of skin, a deficiency may lead to a dermatitis, characterized by inflammation, dryness and flaky skin
• proper immune system functioning, a deficiency may lead to a weakened immune response, making individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses. 
• regulation of hormones of mood and nervous systems, a deficiency makes the woman more prone to mood disorders, depression and anxiety, and hormonal-related mood swings 

So, in what foods is Vitamin B6 found?

• Beef Liver 
• Tuna
• Salmon
• Fortified cereals                           
• Chickpeas
• Poultry
• Dark leafy greens
• Bananas
• Papayas
• Oranges and 
• Cantaloupe