Taking Prenatal Vitamins When Not Pregnant: Bottom Line
While taking a prenatal vitamin when you are not pregnant is definitely not the most dangerous thing you can do, it is not without its potential risks in some people either.
Prenatal supplements have enhanced levels of some vitamins and minerals that can lead to over-supplementation, which could be dangerous if it gets out of hand.
If you want to optimize your hair health, or have noticed issues, it is best to speak with a doctor first to help pinpoint any potential deficiencies or root causes instead of just trying a random prenatal supplement.
Besides, that beautiful pregnancy hair that you are trying to recreate is more likely due to hormonal increases during pregnancy, and not just the prenatal supplementation.
What Vitamins Minerals And Nutrients Make Hair Grow Faster
So what should you do for super healthy hair and nails? Well, taking vitamins and minerals for women can help. It can also help to take supplements that were created for stronger nails and hair regeneration. Most of them contain the same nutrients found in prenatal vitamins, only the dosages are suited for a non-pregnant woman:
- Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to a healthy formation of the brain in the child. And in preventing perinatal depression. When it comes to hair care, these fatty acids boost hair growth and luster.
- Copper helps form the babys skeleton, muscles, and blood cells. In haircare, it stimulates hair follicles, keeping hair nourished and strong.
- Zinc is linked to the healthy weight of the baby at birth. Healthy zinc levels prevent preterm births. Zinc also repairs the hair, balances the oil glands in the scalp, and boosts growth.
- Iron is involved in creating new blood cells. Healthy circulation is beneficial to both pregnant women, as well as women who want beautiful locks.
- Calcium keeps the bones strong and is involved in the health of the cardiovascular system. It also keeps nails and hair strong.
- Folic acid is associated with the healthy neuronal development of the fetus. Its also responsible for new cell regeneration, hence it could boost hair growth.
- Vitamin D helps support the immune function during pregnancy. But its also linked to keeping hair follicles healthy. Healthy follicles = strong hair.
Prenatal Vitamins For Hair Growth When Pregnant Vs Biotin
Women who are pregnant or trying to be pregnant should actively take prenatal vitamins so there are enough nutrients in the body during conception to provide the baby a healthy environment to grow.
If youre pregnant these health supplements are the logical choice if trying to decide the better choice in the biotin vs prenatal vitamins for hair growth battle.
Some women use prenatal vitamins for hair growth because hair tends to grow longer during pregnancy. Some ladies imagine that theyll enjoy the full and healthy fast-growing locks that accompany pregnancy long after the baby.
However, soon after the baby is born, their hair returns to normal or begins to shed more than usual. Prenatal vitamins are an essential part of prenatal care and are packed with many health-boosting nutrients, many that are beneficial for faster hair growth however, this drastic change in hair growth patterns is not completely due to the vitamin supplements.
There are some natural and hormonal changes that come along with the pregnancy phase that account for the bountiful hair growth that takes place.
How pregnancy benefits hair
When a woman becomes pregnant, her body becomes oxygen-rich in order to properly deliver nutrients to her developing baby.
Blood circulation becomes extremely high in order to adapt to the metabolic needs of the embryo. This increased circulation also helps transport oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles.
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If Not Prenatals What Else Can You Take
A balanced diet is often the top recommendation to meet any of your multivitamin needs. According to Healthline, most of your nutrients and calories should come from the following: fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. Without a balanced diet, other parts of your health are at risk, and you may be prone to diseases, infections, fatigue, or low performance. Specifically, essential fatty acids such as omega-3s can contribute to the healthy hair, skin, and nails you’re seeking . Foods like fatty fish, flaxseed, walnuts, soybeans, or vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower are just a few examples of the foods that can give you high amounts of omega-3s.
If you’re looking to experience quality hair growth from your diet, look for foods with vitamins like biotin, iron, vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc for starters . These are also offered through supplements that you can take separately. However, always check with your doctor about the best health plan for you and your body’s needs.
Pure Synergy Organic Prenatal
Pure synergy organic prenatal is best for pre-conception, pregnancy and lactating women. This contain organic vitamins and minerals berries, red raspberry, sprouts, leaf and ginger to provide support during pregnancy. This is flavorings, binders, fillers, and chemical free. It has certified organic ingredients that is 100%natural and doesnt contains gluten, dairy or GMO.
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Are Prenatal Vitamins Good For Thinning Hair
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Pregnancy has many beautiful effects on a womans body. For anyone who has known a pregnant woman well, you probably noticed that her hair was thick and voluminous throughout her pregnancy. You might have even seen that it grew quite long. This is because pregnancy hormones affect the hair growth cycle, making the hair thicker and longer. But many people also wonder: do prenatal vitamins also boost hair growth?
Prenatal Vitamins For Hair Loss: Supplements Before During And After Pregnancy
Can prenatal vitamins help you get that baby glow and strengthen your strands? Expecting mothers can often get a pregnancy glow, due to their pregnancy wellness regimen. From gorgeous skin to beautiful flowing hair this pregnancy wellness routine puts your health at the forefront. While pregnant, hair is consistently in its growth stage because of the intense production of estrogen that occurs. However, when pregnancy comes to an end, hair growth starts to slow down. Whether you are actively trying to conceive or are currently pregnant, hair growth may be increased by taking prenatal vitamins.
You might be thinking, do I have to go straight into motherhood to reap the benefits of extreme hair growth? Luckily for you, the answer is no. Lets dive into the different options that are available for you!
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Content Reviewed By Pharmacas Health Advisory Board
Prenatal vitamins arent just for women who are pregnantthey have a great many benefits when included in any womens daily supplement regimen. Experts recommend them for most women of child-bearing age since the nutrients in prenatal vitamins are vital during the time before and after you get pregnant.
Prenatals are generally high in iron, folic acid and sometimes the biotin that is included in hair and nail formula vitamins. Because of these added benefits, some women elect to take prenatal vitamins even when they arent pregnant. They can also improve the symptoms of anemia, and help make your hair grow faster and stronger.
Below are a few of the benefits of prenatal vitamins for women who are and arent expecting. Take a look at this helpful guide to find out if you should start taking prenatal vitamins and minerals as part of your daily supplementation routine, and read about our favorite prenatal vitamins and gummies for expectant mothers..
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Taking Prenatal Vitamins When You’re Not Pregnant Could Actually Cause Problems
Too much of anything can be a problem. In the case of prenatal vitamins, a supplement that provides a high volume of a given nutrient may simply need to be excreted once the body recognizes that there is no fetus present to receive that “extra” dosage, and this may result in nasty side effects. The excretion and elimination of these excesses may be uncomfortable and even dangerous to your health. Here are some examples:
- Taking too much folic acid in the form of a supplement may mask the symptoms of a B-12 deficiency, thus delaying needed diagnosis and treatment.
- Devika Icecreamwala M.D., F.A.A. reports concern that large amounts of folic acid over time can lead to cancer cell development.
- Too much biotin may lead to rashes and digestive issues, including constipation and diarrhea.
- Too much calcium may lead to kidney stones.
- Too much iron over long periods of time can cause damage to vital organs like the heart and liver and can even lead to arthritis if the iron deposits settle in your joints.
Taking a vitamin that’s not meant for your specific goals could mean getting too much of a nutrient you really don’t need and not enough of what you do need. Instead, opt for a daily hair vitamin that’s designed to support healthy hair.
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Should You Take Prenatal Vitamins Strictly For Hair Growth
Prenatal supplements are definitely teeming with beneficial ingredients that promote the growth and health of your hair.
A common question that has surfaced lately is if you should take these prenatal vitamins just to help your hair.
If youre not thinking of getting pregnant, already are pregnant, or are nursing an infant, supplementing with a prenatal vitamin may not be in your best interest.
These supplements are specifically designed to meet the increased nutrient needs to support a growing fetus.
During pregnancy, your daily requirement for vitamins and minerals goes up compared to when youre not expecting.
Some of these ingredients are not healthy to take in high doses and could lead to adverse side effects.
For instance, Vitamin A could be toxic to the liver if you take excess amounts.
Another mineral that may cause concern is iron.
If you get more iron than you need, it could lead to vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation.
Youre much safer off taking a specific supplement or multivitamin that has your recommended daily amount, as opposed to an expecting mother.
Healthy food sources that contain these nutrients are always a good way to go, as well!
Add these foods into your diet to benefit hair growth and health:
Pink Stork Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins are frequently taken to promote a healthy pregnancy, but they may accomplish more than that. They might also help you grow your hair healthier. We selected Pink Stork Vitamins since they contain all of the required nutrients for your health and the health of your baby.
They are also gluten-free, dairy-free, and GMO-free. They dont contain any additives or chemicals that may be harmful to you or the baby. Finally, Pink Stork is a trustworthy brand when it comes to having a healthy pregnancy and postpartum.
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How Much Biotin Is Safe
The Institutes of Medicine recommends a daily biotin allowance of 30 mcg for most adults. Unfortunately, supplement labeling is not strictly regulated, and your product may include more B7 than you might think.
Many products offer mega-doses, with some touting 10,000 mcg or higher. That’s more than 300 times the recommended allowance. If you’re also taking a general multivitamin, you may be getting an even higher daily dose.
How Your Hair Changes During Pregnancy
A womans body is constantly growing and changing throughout her pregnancyeven her hair can undergo a noticeable transformation. Many women claim their hair during pregnancy is the fullest, thickest and shiniest it has ever beenswearing by their prenatal vitamins for their longer hair and lustrous shine. Even their nails have never looked better!
Turns out, the changes to your tresses are less a perk of your prenatal vitamins and more so a side effect of the miracle of life. Let us explain: During pregnancy, estrogen increaseshigher estrogen levels boost blood flow which helps nourish the babycausing hair to stay in the growth phase longer, resulting in less hair loss and breakage. Progesterone levels also rise, giving way to increased sebum.
Between the increased blood flow and a prolonged growth phase and more scalp oilsall genetically determinedits no wonder women are singing the praises of their prenatal vitamins. The catch: There is little scientific evidence to suggest that they actually help your hair grow faster.
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Is It A Good Idea To Take Prenatal Vitamins When Not Pregnant
Is it true that prenatal vitamins help hair growth? While prenatal vitamins contain essential nutrients for hair strength and regeneration, its not a good idea to take them if youre not pregnant. If your doctor notices any deficiencies, you will be recommended a suitable supplement. And, of course, you can always get your nutrients from a healthy, balanced diet. Thats how you can avoid the side effects of taking prenatal vitamins when not pregnant.
How Pregnancy Changes Your Hair
Pregnancy is a time of exponential growth and development for the baby. To facilitate this, the mothers body undergoes many hormonal changes. These changescombined with increased blood volume and circulationcould be the reason for healthier-looking, longer hair.
The main hormone at work here is estrogen. Estrogen prolongs the growth phase of hair during pregnancy. For many, this means less hair loss and breakage, resulting in healthy, shiny hair.
On the flip side, many women experience postpartum hair loss. Once estrogen levels begin to return to normal, hair is more likely to fall out at a higher rate.
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What Are Prenatal Vitamins
There are numerous prenatal formulas available in the vitamin section. The following is a list of most:
All of these nutrients are beneficial to a womans health, so they should help her hair grow faster. This is the most common explanation for taking prenatal vitamins. But wait just a second. while it is true that all women require these elements, the degree of need varies by age, and most Americans who are not pregnant can
Perhaps the most discussed component throughout pregnancy is folic acid. Folic acid, often known as folate, is a B-9 vitamin necessary for new cell formation. During the active growth phase, high amounts of this vitamin in the blood help to prevent early grey hair development.
Pregnancy can lead to a folate deficit, so taking a prenatal vitamin as part of your hair care regimen makes sense because of the folic acid content.
Better Not Youngers Supplements For Healthy Hair Skin And Nails
If the beauty-boosting benefits of a prenatal vitamin have you intrigued, but youre not sure prenatals are the best route for you, consider supplements designed specifically for your hair health. Better Not Younger has supplement options that offer an impressive lineup of hair- and skin-friendly nutrients including biotin, folic acid and antioxidant-rich vitamins. Suitable for vegetarians and all hair types, our Significant Other Hair, Skin & Nails Supplement + Retinol Boost brightens skin, strengthens roots and adds shine while ensuring youre getting all your essential daily vitamins and minerals. Plus, we supercharged it with double the vitamin A to boost your bodys retinol production for more even-looking skinthe perfect complement to strong, shiny hair.
Another supplement option for healthier hair, skin and nails is our Power Within Skin & Scalp Collagen Gummies. Packed with marine collagen types I and III, these tropical-fruit-flavored gummies boost collagen levels for optimal hair, skin and scalp elasticity and hydration for healthier and more vibrant-looking hair.
Tell Us: Are you taking a supplement for your hair growth? Share in the comments below!
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When Should I Take Prenatal Vitamins
Always talk with your doctor before starting to take prenatal vitamins. If youre trying to conceive or are pregnant, your doctor will likely recommend that you take them.
While you can buy prenatal vitamins over the counter, doctors can prescribe them too. Women who are carrying multiples, pregnant teenagers, and pregnant women with a history of substance abuse have a higher risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Prenatal vitamins are particularly important for these women.
Doctors often recommend that women who are breastfeeding also continue taking prenatal vitamins after delivery. Prenatal vitamins can serve as a further supplement to lactating women who need plenty of nutrients to make breast milk.
Even if you arent trying to get pregnant, you still might want to take a folic acid supplement. Thats because half of the pregnancies in the United States arent planned. Because the brain and spinal cord are already forming at the early stages of pregnancy, folic acid is vital. Women of childbearing age could also eat more folate-rich foods as an alternative to taking a supplement.
Prenatal & Postnatal Liquid Vitamin By Maryruths
Why choose MaryRuths? MaryRuth claims that the essential nutrients present in its formula help promote healthy hair and nails. Some essential nutrients include folic acid, Vitamin A, C, D3, and E.
Not just loss of hair during pregnancy, many women also suffer from anorexia and nausea during pregnancy. Thats why many become over-cautious before putting anything into their mouth, especially during the first trimester. However, this multivitamin comes in liquid form, which gets absorbed easily by our system compared with other prenatal pills and gels on the market.
You will less likely experience any side effects since the formula only contains natural elements and is free of harsh ingredients. Therefore, you can let go your safety concerns. A little pricier, but you will get 1 months supply in a nice glass bottle package.
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Are Prenatal Vitamins The Reason Behind Lush Pregnancy Hair
Prenatal vitamins help support the nutritional needs of a pregnant woman, meaning they usually have ramped up levels of calcium, iron, and folic acid, potentially along with higher levels of other common multivitamin additions, depending on the exact supplement.
And, sure, optimizing your nutritional intake with the help of a supplement crafted for your pregnancy needs might give your hair and nails a bit of a boost, but that might not be the whole story.
A more likely candidate for the big boost to hair growth and luster that is commonly seen during pregnancy probably mostly lies with the higher levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy. Higher hormone levels during pregnancy can lengthen the growth phase of the hair follicles, increase nourishing scalp oil production, and boost blood flow to the scalp — all great things for healthy and fast-growing hair.
