Q&A: What levels of calcium and magnesium for pregnancy?

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Question: What levels of calcium and magnesium do you recommend for pregnant moms?

Andrea Candee responds: Calcium is an important mineral both for the pregnant mom’s teeth, bones and organs, as well as the development of baby’s bones. Calcium needs increase by about 20 percent during pregnancy.

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As important a mineral as calcium is, however, it is a difficult mineral for the body to absorb and requires the presence of other nutrients to assist in its absorption – notably Vitamin D, boron and magnesium. The best sources of highly assimilable minerals are dark green, leafy vegetables and sea vegetables (seaweeds). A half a cup of cooked kale contains 100mg of calcium, a half cup green beans is 55mg, an orange contains 55mg and a 3-ounce portion of salmon contains 55mg.

Phosphorus also promotes calcium absorption and can be found in sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and figs.

Most multi-vitamin/mineral formulas contain plenty of calcium. To ensure its absorption, I recommend also taking an herbal formula high in silica, a substance that enhances calcium’s absorption. A favorite of mine is Dr. Christopher’s Calcium Assimilation formula.

The answer to your actual question is 1500mg of calcium and about 600mg of magnesium — but as you can see above, it is the bioavailability of the calcium rather than the amount that is important.

© Andrea Candee

Andrea Candee is a master herbalist, media expert, nationally known lecturer and author of the award-winning Gentle Healing for Baby and Child (Simon & Schuster), which received The National parenting Center’s Seal of Approval. Andrea is noted nationally for her unique and successful approach to Lyme Disease. She lives and maintains a consultation health practice in New York and shares much of her knowledge at www.AndreaCandee.com.