Amul Cheese

[Alan]

Since my wife is a vegetarian, her only source of calcium is milk. She drinks 1 glass per day and is now in the first trimester.
Planning to increase it to 2 glasses soon.

I was also thinking of increasing her natural calcium intake by introducing more curd & cheese in her diet. But how can we make sure that the cheese purchased is not made out of real rennet but its substitute? What about Amul Cheese? I visited their site but nothing is mentioned about'rennet'.

[ayeshasadique]

http://www.calciuminfo.com/about/foodsources.aspx

[southiecook]

Alan,

According to their site, Amul cheese is made from microbial rennet, not animal rennet.

http://www.amul.com/cheese-cheddar.html
http://www.amul.com/cheese-emmental.html
http://www.amul.com/cheese-mozzarella.html

Microbial rennet is usually made of enzymes derived from fungal or bacterial sources.

Greens such as spinach (all varieties), dark green vegetables (e.g.: broccoli, beans), tofu (not sure if it is available in Delhi), dry nuts (almonds, pista etc), dry fruits (e.g.: figs) etc. are also Calcium rich.

Another thing is: fruits and fruit juices - For extra Calcium, you can try Calcium fortified ones like Tropicana orange juice (I am sure it is available there).

Also, when you take your wife to her doctor next time, please talk about her diet and check if she needs some Calcium supplements or not.

Wishing your wife a healthy and happy pregnancy!

[dsath]

Tahini paste (sesame paste) is an excellent non-diary calcium source.
Its rich in other Vitamins too. I use it as spread on doasi,bread and idli for my son (he is allergic to diary products).
But people back home say sesame seeds can cause heat - so should be used in moderation.

[Alan]

Hey! Thankyou all!!!!

[Anoushka]

Alan: I am in my second trimester now and I take around 200 - 250ml of milk a day and some yoghurt for lunch... I have plenty of fruit and fresh veg as well and my calcium levels seem to be ok.

But then my calcium levels have always been normal, so please check her calcium levels with the doctor and ask for diet advice :)

good luck!

[Alan]

Thanks, Anoushka.

Ca levels are found from the blood, right? She's having a blood test on Tuesday.

[Anoushka]

Alan: yes, CA levels are found from the blood :) Good luck :)

[Alan]

She had her blood test done but no Calcium level was mentioned. But the doc has given her Calcium tablets(400 mg per day)