Prenatal Vitamins February 2, 2009

Here’s the question for discussion: Do you really need prenatal vitamins if you consume a fairly healthy diet?

I think this is going to be a post that I continue to add to over time. I have wondered this question myself. After all, as dietitians we preach food first and supplement only when needed. I’ve asked experienced women, medical professionals, and other RD’s this question and they’ve all had different answers. This is because traditional prenatal care has always included prenatal vitamins, whether you needed them or not. Doing something other than this norm is “risky.”

The major difference between a women’s multi-vitamin and a prenatal vitamin is more iron, calcium and folic acid. The iron is to ensure adequate oxygen is being transported to your baby. Calcium is to protect the mother’s bone from becoming brittle.  Folic acid is to prevent neural tube defects in the first trimester of development.

As I researched this topic, I found that everybody has a slightly different opinion about how much you need of the 3 key nutrients listed above during pregnancy or the rest of life. Between the Harvard School of Public Health, WebMD and the Florida Dietetic Association manual there’s not a consistent answer. So I am going to write about my opinion based on the research available. I believe that every mother-to-be should listen to all professionals and make an informed decision for them self. It is also imperative to inform and discuss your thoughts/decision with your MD.

 So my opinion (or to be more specific- what I will do when I am pregnant) is to first ensure you are eating a healthy diet. I think a lot of woman assume they don’t need to worry about their food choices because they are on a prenatal vitamin. This is just not true. Food is the best way to receive your nutrients and will assure that your body will actually use them and not just urinate them out.  Therefore to get the nutrients listed above a woman should consume green leafy vegetables, a variety of produce, and/or fortified cereals to get folic acid. Three to four servings of calcium rich foods a day are imperative (dairy, soy or fortified products like OJ) to protect bones. A serving of lean protein a day will help provide the necessary iron.  And finally, since most people do not have the “prefect diet” (whatever that is) to be completely nourished at all times, I would recommend/take a supplement. The supplement you take is up to you and your doctor and should be based on your personal needs. It is better to be safe than sorry. I assure you, though, that if you are still eating a healthy diet with lots of produce and variety, you are doing the absolute best thing for you and your baby. I think it’s safe to say that you would not be over-consuming nutrients if you take an additional supplement. Just avoid “mega” vitamins (see earlier post on vitamins).

http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/prenatal-vitamins

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/multivitamin/index.html