Nourished The Prenatal Stack
The Prenatal Stack from Nourished is another supplement in a category all of its own. The brand 3D prints its supplements to order where you can take a quiz on its site to find the exact right combination for your needs, or just pick a pre-formulated stack.
The combination of vitamins and supplements are then printed into – you guessed it – a stack. The dietary add-ons are sweet and chewy, with a taste and texture not dissimilar to a gummy sweet.
Nourisheds Prenatal Stack is a good option for people suffering from nausea, sickness and food aversions that make a large prenatal pill hard to swallow. They also include ginger, which is known to help with morning sickness.
Though they dont contain every vitamin and nutrient available, The Prenatal Stack does contain the NHS recommendation of folic acid and vitamin D, as well as iron and zinc.
These are suitable for vegans, though they dont contain B12.
What Type Of Prenatal Vitamins Is Best
Vitamins come in multiple forms: pill, soft-gel capsule and gummies. For some, swallowing and holding down a pill can be difficult especially when youre queasy due to morning sickness. If thats your situation, try a soft-gel capsule or a gummy vitamin. Just remember that gummy vitamins do not contain iron, so you may want an extra iron supplement for that.
Do you think this content is helpful? Let our editors know!
Study Selection And Data Abstraction
Studies for title and abstract screening and full-text screening were managed using Covidence, a streamlined, web-based software platform for systematic review processes. Titles and abstracts were screened independently. If eligibility could not be determined by screening the title alone, then the abstract was also screened. Full-text screening was conducted in duplicate, according to the same inclusion/exclusion criteria. Any disagreement was resolved by a third reviewer. Study eligibility criteria are summarized in .
You May Like: How Much Vitamin C Is In A Kiwi Fruit
Vitamin C Boosts Your Iron Absorption
Vitamin C helps the body absorb non-haem iron, the type found in plant sources such as spinach and chickpeas. Eating good sources of vitamin C with plant sources of iron during pregnancy can increase your daily intake considerably7. To get the most out of your diet, include fruit and iron sources within the same meal, whether its adding chopped fruit to a salad or having a whole fruit for dessert7.
An adequate intake of iron is essential to support your increased blood volume and reduce the risk of iron-deficiency anaemia, and to help build up your babys iron stores to support their learning and growth for the first 6 months of life2. Read more about the importance of iron in your pregnancy diet.
Vitamins And Mineral Supplements That May Cause Problems
Vitamin A, also called retinol, helps to maintain your skin and vision. When youre pregnant, though, taking vitamin A supplements can cause birth defects. Because of this, it is important to avoid taking any supplements or multivitamins other than your prenatal vitamin, that contain extra vitamin A.
Iodine is a very important nutrient during pregnancy. It is essential for the proper development of the fetus. However, when taken in excess it can affect thyroid function. Iodine overdose may cause hyperthyroidismor hypothyroidism. Too much iodine may also affect the neurodevelopment of the child.
If you are taking extra vitamin C, vitamin D, or vitamin B6 supplements outside of your prenatal multivitamin, discuss this with your healthcare professional. High amounts can be dangerous.
Herbal supplements to avoid during pregnancy
You should always clear it with your obstetrician before taking any supplements while pregnant.
Following is a list of supplements you should avoid when pregnant. Remember, this list is not exhaustive! It is important to always consult your doctor before taking a supplement, especially when pregnant.
- can have negative effects on your pregnancy.
- Saw palmetto is not safe to use throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding. It can also interfere with your hormones.
- Yarrow may cause miscarriage.
- Yohimbe can cause seizures and heart attacks.
Alternative treatments and drugs
Foods and beverages to avoid
- King mackerel
Recommended Reading: What Vitamins Help With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Folic Acid And Pregnancy
Folate is a B-group vitamin found in a variety of foods. Folic acid helps protect against neural tube defects in the developing foetus. It is important for pregnant women to make sure they are receiving enough of this important vitamin. For women who are planning a pregnancy, and during the first 3 months of pregnancy, a daily folic acid supplement of 500 micrograms is recommended, as well as eating foods that are naturally rich in folate or are fortified with folic acid.
Do I Need To Take Pre
The bottom line is you should, but theres only a certain few which you may actually need.
When youre pregnant, your requirement for certain nutrients increases. The need for extra vitamins in pregnancy is partly due to the extra demand placed on your body during this time, as well as the fact that your growing baby relies on you for nutrients with which to build strong bones, teeth, blood and tissues.
With some vitamins, its difficult to ensure were getting the amounts we need during pregnancy from diet alone.
Therefore, a supplement will give you the best chance of having a healthy pregnancy and offer a safeguard against certain preventable conditions and complications.
You May Like: Where To Buy Vitamin Iv Bags
Why Is It Important For Pregnancy
One of the most important vitamins for pregnancy, folic acid is associated with the healthy development of babies, especially during early pregnancy which is when the babys growth is most rapid.
Studies have shown that taking folic acid during early pregnancy reduces the risk of the baby developing neural tube defects which are birth defects of the brain and spinal cord including spina bifida and anencephaly.2
The highest level of protection comes from when a woman takes folic acid in the months leading up to conception, as the levels of folic acid take time to build up in the body.
However, if you didnt do this, you should always begin taking folic acid as soon as you find out youre pregnant.
Best Prenatal Vitamins And Supplements For Pregnancy
Whether youve just found out youre pregnant, or youre trying to get there, health during pregnancy can be a minefield.
Between the foods were recommended not to eat , nausea and aversions that can accompany early pregnancy , and all the extra energy it takes to grow a human, it can be hard to get the right balance of vitamins and nutrients.
You might feel bombarded with nutritional information from influencers shilling the latest product, or rumours you heard from that friend of a friend. Then theres your grans stories about drinking a pint of Guinness a day. So how do you sort fact from fiction and get the best for you and your baby?
We spoke with Wilma MacDonald, a qualified and registered nutritional therapist from Maverick Motherhood, who specialises in working with mothers, and Elisa Gomez de Bonilla, Nutritionist for Oxford Online Pharmacy to give us the low-down on prenatal vitamins and supplements.
You May Like: What Should Your Vitamin B12 Level Be
Most Important Prenatal Nutrients For Pregnancy
Youre essentially working overtime growing a little human being, and while a healthy, balanced diet is very much needed to ensure youre compensating for this additional energy expenditure, adequate supplementation is imperative to make sure youre meeting your higher prenatal nutrient needs. Lets look at the prenatal nutrients recommended in order to avoid nutrient deficiencies during pregnancy.
Supplementation does vary depending on the individual woman, and it is recommended that all supplements are approved beforehand by your doctor or medical professional.
Can I Overdose On Folic Acid
Most women shouldnt take more than 1mg of folic acid a day. Some women who are at a higher risk of having babies with neural tube defects might benefit from up to 5mg a day .
Family history of or previous pregnancies with neural tube defects, diabetes, and taking anti-epileptic medication when you’re pregnant raise your risk of having babies with neural tube defects. If you are at higher risk, talk to your GP or midwife as they can prescribe a higher dose and/or recommend additional screening tests .
Read Also: Where To Buy Naturelo Vitamins
Vitamin D How Is It Important During Pregnancy
- 10 Mins Read
- Nutrition
- Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin obtained largely from consuming fortified milk or juice, fish oils, and dietary supplements.
- Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are common across the globe.
- The relationship between low vitamin D and adverse maternal outcomes during pregnancy is crucial.
- Scientific data proves the safety and efficacy of 4000 IU vitamin D, administered daily over 6 months of pregnancy.
- Assessment of vitamin D status in early pregnancy or in women at preconception should be considered.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin obtained largely from consuming fortified milk or juice, fish oils, and dietary supplements. It is also produced endogenously in the skin with exposure to sunlight.
Vitamin D for pregnant women is crucial It is a prohormone, which is known to play an important role in bone metabolism. It is also essential to promote the absorption of calcium from the gut and enables normal bone mineralization and growth.
Vitamin D during pregnancy requirements is higher, as evidenced by physiologically higher vitamin D levels seen in the second and third trimesters of pregnant women.
What Is Nutrition And Why Is It Important During Pregnancy
Nutrition is about eating a healthy and balanced diet so your body gets the nutrients that it needs. Nutrients are substances in foods that our bodies need so they can function and grow. They include carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water.
When you’re pregnant, nutrition is more important than ever. You need more of many important nutrients than you did before pregnancy. Making healthy food choices every day will help you give your baby what he or she needs to develop. It will also help make sure that you and your baby gain the proper amount of weight.
Read Also: What Vitamins Can Cause Headaches
Key Nutrients You Need
According to ACOG, you and your baby need these key nutrients for a healthy pregnancy:
Calcium
Helps to build strong bones and teeth. Main sources include milk, cheese, yogurt, and sardines. During pregnancy you need 1,000 milligrams daily.
Iron
Helps red blood cells deliver oxygen to your baby. Sources include lean red meat, dried beans, peas, and iron-fortified cereals. During pregnancy you need 27 mg daily.
Vitamin A
You need this vitamin for healthy skin, eyesight, and bone growth. Carrots, dark, leafy greens, and sweet potatoes are good sources. During pregnancy you need 770 micrograms daily.
Vitamin C
Promotes healthy gums, teeth, and bones, and helps your body absorb iron. Good sources include citrus fruit, broccoli, tomatoes, and strawberries. During pregnancy you need 85 mg daily.
Vitamin D
Aids your body in the absorption of calcium to help build your babys bones and teeth. Sources include exposure to sunlight, fortified milk, and fatty fish, such as salmon. During pregnancy you need 600 international units daily.
Vitamin B6
Helps form red blood cells and helps your body use protein, fat, and carbohydrates. You can find vitamin B6 in beef, liver, pork, whole-grain cereals, and bananas. During pregnancy you need 1.9 mg daily.
Vitamin B12
Helps form red blood cells and maintains your nervous system. You can find this vitamin only in animal products. Good sources include liver, meat, fish, poultry, and milk. During pregnancy you need 2.6 micrograms daily.
Folate
Supplements During Pregnancy: Whats Safe And Whats Not
If youre pregnant, you may think that feeling overwhelmed and confused comes with the territory. But it doesnt have to be so confusing when it comes to vitamins and supplements.
If you did your extra credit work, we bet you already know that high mercury seafood, alcohol, and cigarettes are off-limits during pregnancy. What may surprise you is that some vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements should be avoided as well.
Information on which supplements are safe and which arent varies and can make things feel even more complicated. Weve got you, though.
This article breaks down which supplements are believed to be safe to take during pregnancy and why some supplements should be avoided.
Getting the right nutrients is important at every stage of life, but its especially critical during pregnancy, as youll need to nourish both yourself and your growing babe.
You May Like: How Should I Take Vitamin D
More Healthy Eating Tips
How much folic acid you need during pregnancy: 400 mcg per day starting at least one month before conception and 400 to 600 mcg from all sources throughout pregnancy and while breastfeeding
Best folic acid-rich foods for pregnant women: Oranges, strawberries, green leafy vegetables, fortified breakfast cereals, kidney beans, nuts, cauliflower, beets
The 4 Most Important Vitamins And Minerals For Pregnant Women
Vitamins are essential nutrients for healthy bodies of both mums-to-be and their babies. They are helping your body perform hundreds of roles all the time, but you cant produce vitamins in adequate quantities on your own. This is where diet comes in! During your pregnancy, particular vitamins and minerals are extra important to eat for you and the healthy development of your baby.
Recommended Reading: What Is A Good Vitamin For Your Brain
Read Also: What Vitamins Are Good For Psoriatic Arthritis
Zinc Supplementation Versus Placebo
Thirteen studies evaluated zinc supplementation compared to placebo in women during pregnancy . Prawirohartono et al. was not included in meta-analysis because it reported no poolable outcomes, but was narratively synthesized . Of these, twelve were included in the meta-analyses . Four studies were conducted in South Asia, with two of these conducted in Bangladesh , one in Pakistan , and one in Nepal . Three studies were conducted in Latin America and the Caribbean, specifically two in Peru and on in Chile . From the Middle East and North Africa region, two studies were conducted in Iran , and two studies were conducted in sub-Saharan Africa, one study each in Ghana and in Tanzania . One study was conducted in Indonesia, in East Asia and the Pacific .
The majority of the studies provided zinc supplementation until the end of pregnancy , while two studies provided zinc until one month postpartum , and one study until 6 months postpartum . One study did not explicitly state the endpoint of the intervention .
However, zinc supplementation may have improved maternal serum/plasma zinc concentrations, although the lower limit of the confidence interval just crossed the line of no effect . In a post-hoc analysis, studies that provided strictly zinc showed a greater improvement in maternal serum/plasma zinc concentration than studies that provided additional micronutrients .
Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation Versus Iron Folic Acid Supplementation
Thirty-four studies were identified and included in the meta-analyses for MMN supplementation compared to iron with or without folic acid supplementation . Ten of these studies were conducted in the sub-Saharan Africa regionof which, two were conducted in Ghana , two in Malawi , and one each in Burkina Faso , Gambia , Guinea-Bissau , Tanzania , Zimbabwe , and Niger . From the East Asia and Pacific region, four studies were conducted in Indonesia , two in Vietnam , and two in China . Eight studies were from the South Asia regionof which, five were from Bangladesh , two were conducted in Nepal , and two in Pakistan . Within Latin America and the Caribbean, two studies were conducted in Peru , and one in Mexico . Three studies were conducted in Iran, in the Middle East and North Africa .
Compared to iron supplementation with or without folic acid, MMN supplementation demonstrated no impact on maternal mortality perinatal mortality maternal anemia and iron deficiency anemia . However, MMN supplementation showed a 15% reduction in the risk of delivering a low birthweight baby when compared to iron with or without folic acid . A post-hoc analysis revealed a greater reduction in the risk of LBW in studies whose MMN formulation contained > 4 micronutrients, compared to studies whose MMN supplement contained only 3 or 4 components . For a description of the subgroup analyses for these primary outcomes, see Subgroup Analyses for MMN vs. IFA supplementation.
Read Also: How Much Vitamin C For Adults
Prenatal Vitamins Not Just For Women Who Are Already Pregnant
Prenatal vitamins are not exclusive to the nine months of pregnancy. It is prudent to begin taking prenatal vitamins before you get pregnant so that you and your baby receive maximum nutrition during the first few weeks of pregnancy when fetal development is at its most active, which is often before many women are even aware that they are pregnant. Your health care provider may also recommend that you continue taking prenatal vitamins for several months after the baby is born, especially if you are breastfeeding.
How Much Vitamin A Is Safe For Pregnancy
Although excessive amounts can be harmful, pregnant women need adequate vitamin A levels for good health.
So, what counts of excessive levels?
There hasnt been a definitive research study, as obviously researchers cant use pregnant women in their studies. However, observational studies have found that when the dose of vitamin A is above 10,000 IU per day, there may be a potential risk.38
Bear in mind, this refers to preformed vitamin A such as the type you find in supplements. It doesnt apply to the type of vitamin A found in carrots for instance, which is actually carotene which converts to vitamin A only if the body needs it.
You May Like: Which Is Best Vitamin D Supplement
