As a leader in Canada’s poultry industry, Granny’s is not only committed to providing consumers with high-quality chicken and turkey products, we are continually seeking innovative ways to improve the many nutritional benefits that poultry offers.
Healthy pregnancy
Folic acid
If taken before and during early pregnancy, consuming at least 0.4 mg of folic acid can prevent up to 70% of neural tube defects. These include spina bifida, a condition in which the spine fails to close properly, and anencephaly, a usually fatal defect that leads to a baby being born with an underdeveloped brain or incomplete skull.
Zinc
Zinc is necessary for proper growth, and also supports the immune system. During pregnancy and lactation, 11-12 mg of zinc is needed. It is found naturally in dark meat chicken and turkey meat, broccoli, eggs, green beans, green peas, lean meats, lentils, plain yogurt, cooked seafood, spinach, Swiss cheese, tofu, tomato juice, whole grains, and wheat germ.
Calcium and vitamin D
These nutrients are necessary for proper bone development and the production of breast milk. Children whose mothers are deficient in vitamin D during pregnancy may grow up with lower than normal bone mass, putting them at risk of osteoporosis-related fractures later in life. During pregnancy and lactation, women need 1,000-1,300 mg per day of calcium and 200 IU of vitamin D. Vitamin D is acquired through sunlight exposure, egg yolks, liver and fatty fish. Good sources of calcium include milk, yogurt and cheese.
Selenium
Selenium plays a role in normal growth and development. During pregnancy and lactation 60-70 mcg is needed daily. Selenium is commonly found in poultry, Brazil nuts, seafood, kidney, liver, meat, whole grain pasta, sunflower seeds, oatmeal, soy nuts, other nuts, eggs and low-fat dairy products.
Iron
Iron is required for production of hemoglobin. The recommended daily intake for iron in pregnancy is 27 mg. Iron can be found in poultry, meat, fish and whole grains.
