What is the recommended daily intake of Vitamin B-12 for a pregnant athlete?

Vitamin B-12 is essential for various bodily functions, especially during pregnancy, as it plays a critical role in red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis. For pregnant athletes, the recommended daily intake of Vitamin B-12 is 2.6 mcg/day. This increased amount is necessary due to the heightened demands for nutrients during pregnancy, as both the mother and the developing fetus require sufficient levels of this vitamin for optimal health.

Pregnant individuals generally have different nutritional requirements than non-pregnant individuals, which is reflected in the guidelines for micronutrient intake. The recommendation of 2.6 mcg/day is specifically designed to support the increased metabolic and developmental needs during pregnancy, particularly for athletes who may have higher energy and nutrient requirements due to their physical activity levels. Maintaining adequate Vitamin B-12 levels helps prevent deficiencies that could affect both the mother’s health and the developing baby's neurological development.