Which nutrients are typically increased in daily requirements during pregnancy and lactation?

• A. Only vitamin C.
• B. Folate, iron, and calcium.
• C. Vitamin D alone.
• D. Only protein.

Answer: (B)

Nutrient needs rise during pregnancy and lactation to support fetal development and milk production. Folate is essential for rapid cell division and neural tube formation in early pregnancy, so folate requirements increase to help prevent neural tube defects and support ongoing fetal growth. Iron becomes crucial because maternal blood volume expands and the fetus requires iron stores, making higher daily iron intake important to prevent anemia and support development. Calcium is needed for fetal bone mineralization and to maintain the mother’s bone health, and it also supports milk production after birth, so adequate calcium intake is emphasized. Together, these nutrients—folate, iron, and calcium—are the ones most clearly increased in daily requirements during pregnancy and lactation.