Vitamins and minerals in school are taught in reductionist manner that we never take a step back to think about them in a functional perspective in regards to the class of the vitamins. Instead these micronutrients are usually classed in school in terms of fat or water soluble and separated between vitamins and minerals. This doesn’t always make sense for some nutrients. Take vitamin D for example. This nutrient would be better taught as a hormone regulator, because its actions align in that arena contrary to the metabolic regulation seen by other vitamins, or minerals.
A functional perspective and grouping is the approach taken in the recent publication, Nourishing Generations: An Exploration of Micronutrient Needs Beyond the RDAs for Pregnancy and Lactation: A Reference Manual. In this exploration of the intricate world of nutrition for pregnancy and lactation, we depart from conventional classifications and opt for a conceptual grouping based on functionality rather than solubility. This approach allows us to delve into the synergies of nutrients that work together within specific physiological processes, offering a holistic understanding of their roles. Vitamins and minerals in this publication are not grouped by class or solubility. Rather they are ordered in roughly in groupings of functionality. For example, all the nutrients that are utilized in the TCA Cycle/Krebs Cycle are discussed consecutively. Or vitamin D, calcium, and vitamin K are grouped together due to their role in bone metabolism and maintenance.
Water-Soluble B Vitamins and Folate: Coenzymes in Action
The water-soluble B vitamins, encompassing biotin and folate, function as coenzymes, actively participating in various physiological reactions. These vitamins, including choline, contribute by donating or providing essential components for optimal functioning. Within this group, B1 to B5 play pivotal roles in energy metabolism, while folate is indispensable for amino acid metabolism and the TCA cycle. Biotin, with its involvement in synthesis and modification processes, and B12, with its diverse metabolic functions and red blood cell production, complete this dynamic ensemble.
Vitamin C: Beyond Antioxidation to Collagen Synthesis
Vitamin C, a crucial water-soluble vitamin, stands as a major antioxidant, safeguarding the body from oxidative stress. Its significance extends to the synthesis of collagen, a fundamental component crucial for the growth of the placenta, skin, and the developing baby (Parida et al., 2023).
Fat-Soluble Vitamins: Builders and Protectors
In contrast, the fat-soluble vitamins operate in the realm of maintenance and construction, playing vital roles in system-building rather than direct metabolism. Vitamin A, essential for vision and an antioxidant, joins forces with vitamin D to support immune system function. The trio of vitamins D, K, and calcium takes center stage in the formation and upkeep of bones and teeth, while vitamin K also contributes to blood clotting. Similar to vitamin C, vitamin E operates as an antioxidant, completing the ensemble of fat-soluble defenders.
Minerals: Guardians of Regulation, Structure, and Metabolism
Our focus on minerals shifts to their regulatory, structural, and metabolic functions, with special attention given to those crucial for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Emphasizing minerals needed in higher quantities, we turn our gaze to sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, and magnesium. These minerals, pivotal in regulating fluid balance and expansion, remain essential for the physiological marvel of pregnancy. It’s important to note that while modern science has made strides in understanding these minerals, certain aspects of how a woman’s body expands during pregnancy still elude our complete comprehension.
With this functional perspective as our guide, we embark on a journey through individual chapters of each micronutrient, unraveling the unique contributions of each nutrient to the intricate tapestry of maternal nutrition.
