During pregnancy, the nutritional requirements of the woman’s body change. Though the diet is carefully curated to eat only healthy and nutritional foods, it is not practical for the body to absorb all the nutrition. Protein is a macronutrient that is always much talked about, especially during pregnancy. When the body requires more of this macronutrient, it is always best to support your body with protein supplements, like protein powder for pregnant women.
There are several protein powders and supplements available in the market. This article will discuss some of the best protein powders for pregnant women in India, along with their pros and cons. Let’s get started and you can decide which protein powder to go for, after reading this.
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Top 5 Best Protein Powder For Pregnant Women in India
One of the much-needed macronutrients during pregnancy is protein. Several protein powders are carefully curated to cater to the nutritional requirements of expectant mothers. Let us discuss some of the best protein powders for pregnant women in India – 2024.
1. Protinex Mama
Protinex Mama is one of the most popular protein supplements, supporting the nutritional requirements of expectant mothers for several years. The protein powder comprises 23 essential vitamins and minerals, and 11 immune nutrients. It not only contains milk but also soy protein. It promotes good health and highly supports the fetus’s DHA development. Protinex also comes in five different flavors. The following are the primary ingredient composition of Protinex Mama-
- Soya protein
- Skimmed milk powder
- Maltodextrin
- Wheat flour
- Corn Flour
- Soy fiber
- Algal oil (a rich source of DHA)
- Malt extract
- Vitamins and minerals
Pros
- High composition of vitamins and nutrients
- Supports pregnancy and Lactation
- Helps to improve DHA – for fetal brain development
- 100 percent vegetarian
Cons
- This might not suit you if you are intolerant to any ingredients, especially soy and wheat.
2. SimMom Plus
SimMom Plus is rich in nutrients responsible for fetal brain development, including DHA, choline, iron, zinc, and iodine. It also contains folic acid which helps in minimizing the risk of neural tube defects in the developing fetus. Protein is also critical for building fetal tissues. It contains a balanced nutrition comprising vitamins, protein, and minerals. Two servings of SimMom daily helps satisfy 100 percent of the daily RDA requirement for pregnant women. It also contains nutrients supporting lactation, enabling lactating mothers to get adequate nutrients. It is composed of the following ingredients-
- Milk Solids
- Maltodextrin
- Sucrose and cocoa powder (2.5%)
- Fructooligosaccharides
- Minerals
- Vitamins
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
- Lutein
Pros
- It helps meet the energy requirements of both pregnant women and lactating mothers
- It is low in sugar and fat, thereby promoting healthy weight gain during pregnancy
- Antioxidants vitamins E and C help support immunity
- It is made from vegetarian sources
Cons
- It may not be suitable if you are vegan and looking for soy-based protein
3. Develo Mothers’ Veloprot Pregnancy & Lactation Protein Supplement
The Develo pregnancy protein health and nutrition drink offers three types of protein blends that aid healthy fetal growth. This drink gives pregnant women and new mothers the perfect energy and balance for their dietary requirements. The perfect blend of nutrients promotes good fetal brain development. It also contains micronutrients that support the healthy birth weight of the baby. The best part about the Develo powder is that it comes in 8 different flavors that give you a wide choice. Whip your favorite flavor with milk to enjoy the energetic and healthy drink. It contains the following ingredients-
- Corn Syrup Solids
- Protein blend including soy isolate, milk protein concentrate, and whey protein concentrate
- Sunflower oil
- Dicalcium phosphate
- Magnesium Sulphate
- Potassium Chloride
- DHA
- Iron
- Folic Acid
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B12
- Iodine
- Vitamin A
Pros
- Aids in better health and nourishment of the mother and the fetus
- 100% natural and free from side effects
- Assists in fetal brain development
- Promotes better weight management of the mother and the fetus
- Proteins and vitamins help in the formation of strong bones and teeth
- Enhances and supports a healthy digestive system
- Helps build immunity
- Gives a wide choice of flavors to choose from
Cons
- It might not be suitable for women who are allergic to soy
4. British Biologicals Pro-PL
Pro-PL is a well-balanced protein powder rich in vitamins and proteins for pregnant women. It provides nutrition and helps in proper weight management during pregnancy. It comprises essential vitamins and minerals that support neural, brain, visual, and cognitive development. Pro-PL is free from trans fat and cholesterol. It is available in three different flavors. Pro-PL contains the following ingredients-
- Skimmed milk powder
- Maltodextrin
- Soy protein isolate
- Inulin (Dietary Fiber)
- Sunflower Oil powder
- Evening Primrose Oil powder
- Minerals
- DHA-rich Algal Oil Powder
- Vitamins
- Sucralose
- Natural Cocoa/vanilla powder
Pros
- Enhances good health.
- Aids proper weight management.
- Reduces risks of IUGR (Intrauterine growth restriction), preeclampsia, PROM (premature rupture of membranes) and preterm delivery.
- Helps in improving the cognitive development and immune function of the fetus.
- It helps to reduce the chances of low birth weight (LBW) and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) births
- It is vegetarian.
- Pro-Pl is also gluten-free, making it a good choice for women suffering from gluten allergy during pregnancy
- Easy to digest.
Cons
- It might not be suitable if you are allergic to soy and milk products
5. Vivamom™ Maternal Nutrition Supplement
The Vivamom™ Maternal Nutrition supplement is a carefully curated high-protein supplement for all pregnant women. It contains whey and casein protein that helps the fetus to gain adequate weight and avoid low birth weight. Dietary fiber assists in regular bowel movements and bridges the gap, if any, in daily fiber requirements. Two important probiotics, lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 & Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactic HN019, help boost and enrich the mother’s immune system. The following are the primary ingredients-
- Whey and casein protein
- Dietary fiber
- DHA
- Probiotics
- Hemo Nutrients (Iron, vitamin B12, folic acid)
Apart from the above, the Vivamom maternal nutritional supplements comprise the following-
- Milk solids
- Whey protein
- Maltodextrin
- Fructose
- Sucrose
- Calcium Caseinate
- Minerals
- Flavoring substances
- Acidity regulators
- DHA powder
- Vitamins
Pros
- Reduces the risk of low birth weight
- Improves fetal health and growth
- Aids bowel movements
- Helps meet the daily dietary requirements
- It is low-sugar, low-fat, gluten-free, and trans fat-free
- Improves the mother’s immunity
- Folic acid, iron, and vitamin B12 help in normal blood formation and help in meeting the increased iron requirements for fetal growth
Cons
- Not for people who have lactose intolerance
- It is not fit for people suffering from galactosemia
During pregnancy, the mother`s dietary requirements increase as they need to support the growing fetus. Also, expectant mothers might not eat properly due to morning sickness. Protein powders for pregnant women act as saviors for expectant mothers and help them bridge the gap between the requirements and actual consumption. Always remember to read the composition of the protein powder that you choose. The protein powders must never provide excess protein to your body.
It is always better to take your doctor’s advice before consuming protein powder. Choose to consume only if your body requires it and the doctors recommend it as safe. Else, the prenatal vitamins will do the job by themselves. Happy pregnancy!
FAQ’s
1. How to Choose The Suitable Protein Powder For Pregnant Women?
Protein powders can supplement the daily dietary requirements of pregnant women. However, you must consider certain factors before choosing a suitable protein powder. You need to choose the one that is free from additives such as caffeine and herbs. The protein powder should not have excess added sugar or artificial sweeteners as excess sugar consumption is not considered safe during pregnancy. Also, remember that the FDA does not regulate protein powders. So, please ensure that the powder you choose is tested and verified as fit to consume by any third-party certification. You can easily find them on the logo cover.
2. During Which Month Should Pregnant Women Start Consuming Protein Powder?
One can begin to consume the protein powder during the second and third trimesters. It helps the fetus to get adequate nutrients. It is always recommended to get the doctor’s advice before consuming the protein powder.
3. What Can Protein Powders Be Mixed With?
Generally, protein powders are mixed with milk and water. However, you can also incorporate them in smoothies, soup, oatmeal, hot drinks, and any other drink you wish.
Read Also: How to Choose Nutritional Drinks During Pregnancy?
