Eating a healthy and varied diet during pregnancy is the best way to get the vitamins and minerals you need. However, some expecting mothers may require additional supplements of certain nutrients. Taking vitamins and supplements while pregnant or breastfeeding can be beneficial, but it is important to do your research and talk to your doctor first. Observational studies have shown that supplementing with prenatal vitamins can reduce the risk of preterm birth and preeclampsia.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that a good prenatal supplement should contain at least 2.6 mcg of vitamin B12 for healthy nervous system development. Most pregnant and breastfeeding women use dietary supplements considered multivitamin mineral products. With changes in dietary intake over the past few decades, there are now large variations in how those needs can be met through a combination of dietary intake and supplements. It is important to make sure you are buying a safe product when taking supplements while pregnant or breastfeeding. Consumer Lab, NSF International, and USP are three of the top quality control companies that test and certify supplements. Always check with your doctor before adding any additional supplements, in addition to any prenatal vitamins you are taking. While some supplements may be helpful during pregnancy, many can cause dangerous side effects for both you and your baby.
Avoid taking turmeric capsules or supplements to improve your health until after weaning. So, is it safe to take vitamins during pregnancy? Yes, it's generally safe to take certain supplements and vitamins while you're pregnant or breastfeeding. With that in mind, you could benefit from taking a calcium supplement if you suspect that you're not getting enough calcium through your diet alone. As an expert in the field of nutrition, I recommend that expecting mothers consult with their doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements while pregnant or breastfeeding. It is important to make sure that any vitamins or supplements taken are safe for both mother and baby. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the product is certified by one of the top quality control companies such as Consumer Lab, NSF International, or USP.
In conclusion, taking vitamins and supplements while pregnant or breastfeeding can be beneficial for both mother and baby. However, it is important to do your research and talk to your doctor first before adding any additional supplements to your diet.
