Special K Protein Shakes have gotten a lot of hype in recent years, but are they safe during pregnancy? Pregnant women have higher nutritional needs due to the different changes the body goes through during pregnancy. From an average of 45 grams of protein requirement per day for most women, pregnant women must take in at least 70 grams of protein every day. This means that during pregnancy, more protein-rich products must be consumed to help you and the growing baby in utero. Protein shakes claim to be good protein supplements because of their high protein content.
Special K Protein Shakes are manufactured by the Kellogg’s company. Available in four different flavors: milk chocolate, strawberry, French vanilla, and dark chocolate, these beverages are one of the most popular protein shakes on the market. It has high protein content, providing 10g of protein per bottle. They provide supplementation to pregnant women who need to achieve 70g of protein each day. These shakes also have vitamins and minerals, including calcium, selenium, and phosphorous. All of these are important for a smooth pregnancy and healthy fetal growth. For pregnant women who have difficulty achieving their required protein and nutrient intake every day, a bottle of Special K Protein Shake may help.
According to the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, protein supplementation can be linked to improved fetal growth and lowered risk of fetal and neonatal death. Because Special K Protein Shakes provide a good amount of protein, pregnant women can benefit from them to supplement their overall diet. They are not to replace any meal because a healthy and well-balanced diet is still a must for pregnant women to achieve the adequate amount of nutrients they and their babies need.
Can I Drink Special K Protein Shakes While Pregnant? Answer: Yes, Occasionally
Special K Protein Shakes provide a good serving of protein, which is beneficial to the pregnant woman and the baby inside. However, these shakes also contain other ingredients which may not be good for mother and baby, if taken in large amounts. These protein shakes also have artificial sweeteners, which should be limited during pregnancy. Although these shakes can be good protein and nutrient supplements to your diet, it is still best to consume your nutrients from real whole foods. Lean meats, fruits, and vegetables are all excellent sources of the vitamins and minerals that you and your baby need at this time. Consult with your doctor as to how you can have a healthy and well-balanced diet for a smooth pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Other Benefits of Special K Protein Shakes
Fortified with vitamins and minerals, Livestrong.com states that Special K Protein Shakes have “at least 25 percent of the daily value for all of the vitamins, along with minerals such as calcium, selenium and phosphorus.” This helps consumers reach their recommended nutrient intake per day. Aside from this, these shakes also provide 5g dietary fiber, which is a heart-healthy nutrient. They also have very low amounts of saturated fat, only about 0.5g, but contain 5g of total fat from unsaturated fat.
Excellent Food Sources of Protein
Always remember that even if there are available protein supplements in the market, nothing beats natural sources of protein. Increase your consumption of protein-rich foods such as cheese, milk, yogurt, eggs, peanut butter, soy milk, lean meats, and fish. Although fish contains high amount of protein, some types also contain large amounts of mercury, which should be avoided during pregnancy. Avoid mackerel and swordfish or shark, but eat more tuna and salmon.
All About Protein Shakes and Pregnancy
Many pregnant women have a hard time achieving their required protein intake of 70g to 100g per day. This is when they turn to protein shakes to supplement their diet. However, not all protein shakes are the same because some contain ingredients that may be unsafe during pregnancy. In 2010, Consumer Reports magazine discovered that a number of protein shakes have arsenic, mercury, lead, and cadmium — all of which can have adverse effects to you and your growing baby. Before consuming any beverage, read the nutrition labels first and consult with your healthcare provider. When choosing a protein shake, select that which provides fiber and nutrients, but low in calories and sugar.
