Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in your body and is involved in many important functions, including muscle contractions, blood pressure regulation, and blood sugar control. Additionally, it supports the functioning of vital tissues in the cornea, lens and retina, making it crucial for vision. Better take magnesium supplements for pregnancy, soon-to-be moms!
You may be wondering - if it is this important, how do we obtain magnesium? Magnesium can be found in many foods both naturally and through fortification, but for most, this is not enough, and can lead to magnesium deficiency.
Magnesium deficiency can lead to nausea, fatigue, weakness, and loss of appetite. Low levels of magnesium of long periods of time can cause chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis.
This all points to how magnesium is an extremely important mineral for the body, and why magnesium supplements may hence help you meet this health need.
What magnesium supplements are and why pregnant mothers need it
It is recommended to take magnesium supplements for pregnancy when you are unable to meet typical magnesium needs from simply food, or if you may have a health condition or dietary restriction which impacts your magnesium intake.
Commonly, pregnant mothers and mothers who breastfeed face this problem of magnesium deficiency, hence it is recommended to make use of magnesium supplements.
When they are taken, they help with headaches, muscle pains, stress management, insomnia, and more, aiding pregnant and breastfeeding mothers on a daily basis.
Types of magnesium
It is important to note the different types of magnesium and their benefits, so you can choose one best suited for your needs.
Magnesium Citrate
Affordable and easily absorbed, often used to treat constipation.
Magnesium oxide/milk of magnesia
Often used for relief of digestive issues including indigestion and constipation, best recommended for pregnant mothers looking to resolve constipation issues.
Magnesium chloride
Well-absorbed option often used to treat low magnesium levels.
Magnesium sulfare/epsom salt
Mostly added to baths to soothe muscle aches and sores.
Magnesium glycinate
Hypothesised to be effective in reducing anxiety, depression, and insomnia, with few side effects and gentle on stomach, but more research has to be done.
Which type of magnesium is safe to take during pregnancy?
When looking to increase magnesium intake, it is important to first look at what foods you can take for natural magnesium intake.
Magnesium-rich foods include leafy greens, nuts, seeds, brown rice, and avocado. Typically, your body can absorb 30-40% of magnesium from foods, but people who are older, or have special health or dietary restrictions may face difficulty.
Magnesium supplements hence aid greatly - specifically, magnesium citrate and magnesium glycinate, the easiest for absorption into the body.
These also provide the necessary amount of magnesium for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers!
Top 5 magnesium supplements for pregnancy in Singapore
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Supplement
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Best for
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Phillip's, Genuine Milk of Magnesia
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Best for constipation during pregnancy
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Holistic Way High Strength Calcium Magnesium Zinc
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Best for all-rounded vitamin
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Biofinest Magnesium Citrate
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Best recommended magnesium citrate
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Biofinest Magnesium Glycinate
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Best recommended magnesium glycinate
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VOOST Magnesium Effervescent Vitamin
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Best for easy absorption into body
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[product-comparison-table title="Top 5 Magnesium Supplements For Pregnancy in Singapore"]
Best for constipation during pregnancy
Milk of Magnesia is not simply a great basic magnesium supplement for pregnancy, but also an incredibly highly relied upon constipation treatment, and Phillips’ provides one of the best ones in the market.
It helps provide and deliver magnesium to the body as well as treat occasional irregular constipation, and produces bowel movement between half to 6 hours.
Features:
- Gentle on the stomach yet effective #1 milk of magnesia brand.
- Helps in stool softening.
- Cramp-free, sugar-free.
Best for all-rounded vitamin
Holistic Way’s product is a blend of vitamins and minerals that help make it a good, all-rounded supplement, It helps maintain not just appropriate magnesium levels, but also healthy bones, teeth, skin, muscle, and immune function.
Features:
- Vitamin D helps the absorption of calcium.
- Vitamin K2 helps calcium’s transport into the bone tissue.
- Zinc promotes healthy bone formation and mineralisation.
Best recommended magnesium citrate
Biofinest’s magnesium citrate is a great product as the best recommended magnesium citrate.
It is packaged in quick release capsules ensuring convenience of consumption and provides a variety of health benefits, such as better bowel movement, helping relieve constipation, and clear the intestines effectively.
Features:
- Extremely easy to absorb.
- Supports kidney function by decreasing levels of calcium oxalate and phosphate.
- Helps proper muscle function to relieve tight, sore, and cramped muscles.
Best recommended magnesium glycinate
Other than the above magnesium citrate, Biofinest also has a reliable magnesium glycinate product, containing essential dietary magnesium formulated with high magnesium retention.
It is the perfect addition to your daily wellness routine, promoting enzyme production, and supporting your overall health.
Features:
- Helps relieve stress and anxiety, maintain a positive outlook and calmness.
- Reduces cyclical anxiety, stress, mood swings, bloating, and migraine.
- Gluten-free and non-GMO.
Best for easy absorption into body
VOOST’s effervescent capsules are the most convenient and easily absorbed form of magnesium supplement - simply drop a capsule into a cup of water and drink it!
This is hence best recommended for easy absorption into the body, while providing you the necessary level of magnesium.
Features:
- Supports muscle health, nervous system health, bone health, as well as general health and wellbeing.
- Delicious citrus flavour.
- Vegan, no added sugar, preservatives, dairy, lactose or yeast.
Price Comparison Table
Now that you have a better idea of what to look out for when choosing a suitable magnesium supplement, it’s time to make a purchase.
Below is a compiled table of mentioned magnesium supplements for pregnancy and prices to help you make the best cost purchase!
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Brand
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Best for...
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Price
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Number of doses
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Price/dose
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Phillip's, Genuine Milk of Magnesia
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Best for constipation during pregnancy
|
$15.90
|
35
|
$0.45
|
|
Holistic Way High Strength Calcium Magnesium Zinc
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Best for all-rounded vitamin
|
$33.15
|
60
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$0.52
|
|
Biofinest Magnesium Citrate
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Best recommended magnesium citrate
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$19.95
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40
|
$0.50
|
|
Biofinest Magnesium Glycinate
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Best recommended magnesium glycinate
|
$22.95
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40
|
$0.57
|
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VOOST Magnesium Effervescent Vitamin
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Best for easy absorption into body
|
$18.90
|
20
|
$0.945
|
Note: Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication. However, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
And of course, when you're pregnant, there are unstoppable food cravings! Check out: Common Pregnancy Food Cravings and Where To Get Them
