NUTRIENT REQUIREMENTS DURING WOMEN PREGNANCY AND LACTATION

During pregnancy and lactation, a woman's body undergoes significant changes.During this period, the need for nutrients increases, since it is necessary not only to maintain the health of the mother, but also to ensure the proper development of the fetus and newborn.In the Russian Federation, from 2019 to 2024, the federal project "Formation of a system of motivating citizens to a healthy lifestyle, including healthy eating and giving up bad habits" was launched, which is part of the national project "Demography".Within the framework of the federal project, lectures and consultations on healthy eating are held for various groups of the population, which confirms the relevance of the topic of scientific research work.Nutrients, the need for which increases during pregnancy and lactation, are proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.Proteins are the basis for the construction of cells and tissues.They are necessary for the formation of muscle and bone tissue, as well as for the synthesis of hormones and enzymes that regulate metabolism in the body.Legumes and nuts are the sources of plant protein, whereas fish, meat, eggs, dairy products without flavor additives contain protein of animal origin.Partial attention is paid to animal proteins due to their high nutritional value, as they contain all the essential amino acids necessary for the health of the mother and the development of the fetus.Carbohydrates, in turn, serve as a source of energy necessary for fetal growth and support the woman's activity and vitality.The main sources of carbohydrates are whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes.These products are rich in fiber, which helps normalize digestion and prevents constipation, which often occurs during pregnancy.Fats also play an important role in the diet of pregnant and lactating women.They are a concentrated source of energy and are necessary for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K).During pregnancy, polyunsaturated fatty acids such as Omega-3 and omega-6 are especially important, as they promote the development of the brain and nervous system of the fetus.Healthy sources of fat include fish, nuts, seeds (pumpkin, flax, sesame), avocados, and vegetable oils.It should be noted that trans fats and saturated fats found in fried foods can have a detrimental effect on the health of the mother and fetus.The standards of physiological needs for proteins, fats, carbohydrates and carbohydrates for women, as well as additional needs for them during pregnancy and breastfeeding are given in Table 1.