Function in Pregnancy: Vitamin E is necessary for both mother and baby’s lung function, providing protection against asthma. It establishes proper formation and function of the reproductive system and ensures healthy muscle and red blood cell function. Vitamin E’s antioxidants give protection from cellular damage, and it enhances production of collagen, helping to prevent stretch marks.
Symptoms of deficiency: Muscle weakness, age spots, degeneration of nerves in hands and feet leading to pain, tingling or loss of sensation, night blindness, lack of normal reflexes, loss of coordination.
Effects of deficiency on mother and baby: Infertility, rupture of red blood cells, muscular wasting, abnormal fat deposits, decreased birthweight, may increase risk of premature birth.
Sources (Each choice provides ~33% of your daily Vitamin E, pick three):
• 1/4 cup almonds
• 1/2 cup hazelnuts
• 2 Tablespoons shelled sunflower seeds
• 2 Tablespoons roasted or soaked almond butter
• 4 Tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 Tablespoon unrefined red palm oil
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons raw avocado oil
• 1 large avocado
• 1/4 teaspoon cold-pressed wheat germ oil
