Dates, as in the fruit, are a source of the B vitamin folate, which is crucial during pregnancy. Folate helps prevent severe birth defects like spina bifida.
Folate in Dates
While dates are a good source of folate, it's important to understand their contribution in relation to the daily recommended amount during pregnancy.
- Folate content: 100 grams of dates provide 15 mcg of folate.
- Daily recommendation: Doctors recommend that pregnant women consume 600 mcg of folate daily. This is often achieved through a folic acid supplement.
Dates and Pregnancy: Key Points
While dates can be part of a healthy pregnancy diet, here are some key aspects to keep in mind:
- Folate supplement: It's important to note that the folate found in dates alone won't meet the daily requirement. So, a supplement is typically recommended during pregnancy.
- Overall diet: Dates should be considered part of a balanced diet, not a sole source of any specific nutrient during pregnancy.
- Other benefits: Dates contain fiber and other nutrients, which can be beneficial for overall health.
Summary
| Nutrient | Dates (100g) | Daily Recommended for Pregnancy |
|---|---|---|
| Folate | 15 mcg | 600 mcg |
Dates are beneficial during pregnancy due to their folate content. However, it is essential to consume additional folic acid through supplementation to meet the daily recommended amount, not solely relying on dates.
