Prenatal vitamins are essential for both pregnant women and their unborn children, helping to fill any nutritional gaps and avoid deficiencies that could negatively impact fetal development and the success of the pregnancy.
Iron is an essential nutrient for pregnant women to ensure they get enough of. It aids the body in producing more blood, which in turn provides oxygen to the fetus.
Without enough iron during pregnancy, you could develop anemia – which may manifest as severe symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness and even lightheadedness. Taking a supplement during your pregnancies can help avoid this danger.
Prenatal Vitamins With Iron
Iron
Pregnancy requires twice the amount of iron than before you became pregnant, since this mineral helps create hemoglobin, a protein that transports oxygen throughout the body.
Other than eating more plant-based foods, which have higher bioavailability than animal products, there are other ways to ensure your iron levels remain stable.
First and foremost, consider taking a prenatal vitamin that contains iron in the form of chelated iron.
This form of iron binds with amino acids to help it pass through your digestive tract without dissolving and causing any discomfort.
Iron supplements often come as ferrous sulfate. If you don’t tolerate this form, iron hydroxide polymaltose may provide relief from diarrhea and constipation.
No matter your preference, we suggest using a high-quality supplement with an established track record. Make sure it’s free from heavy metals, pesticides and mold and has undergone third-party testing by certified labs to meet Tested to be Trusted standards.
Folate
Folate, also known as folic acid, helps prevent the early development of neural tube defects such as spina bifida in infants. It’s essential for fetal development and commonly found in prenatal vitamins with iron.
Folic acid is an essential nutrient for brain, heart and bones. Studies have demonstrated that women who supplement with folic acid during the first 3 months of pregnancy tend to experience lower rates of certain birth defects like neural tube abnormalities.
To ensure adequate folate intake, consume foods high in it or take a multivitamin. You can also check your erythrocyte folate concentration (an indicator of dietary intake) or plasma homocysteine concentration to see if you have adequate levels of this important B vitamin.
Iodine
Iodine is a mineral that aids the production of thyroid hormones, which are essential for both fetal development and maternal health.
Pregnant women who lack iodine may experience birth defects and other problems for both mother and baby. You can get enough iodine through foods like salt, seafood and dairy products; or take a daily multivitamin or prenatal vitamin that contains 150 micrograms of iodine per dose.
Iodine deficiency during pregnancy can result in congenital hypothyroidism, a thyroid disorder that has serious implications for your child’s health and development. This disorder affects brain development and behavior as well as physical growth issues.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient your body uses to create collagen – a structural protein found in tendons, bones and skin. Furthermore, it supports a healthy immune system.
Vitamin C can be found in many foods, such as fruits and vegetables. Pregnancy may require extra amounts of this nutrient, so taking a prenatal vitamin that includes it is recommended.
Iron is another essential nutrient you may need during pregnancy. It helps your body create blood cells that transport oxygen to your fetus, and you can get it through dietary sources like meats or dark green leafy veggies.
Unfortunately, many pregnant women don’t get enough iron through their food intake, so taking an iron supplement may be beneficial as well.
What should I avoid?
If you’re trying to conceive or already are, it is essential for a woman’s health and that of the unborn child that she consumes a balanced diet that provides essential vitamins and nutrients like iron, calcium, folic acid and choline – all necessary for successful fetal development.
Folate is an especially essential vitamin for women of childbearing age, as it helps prevent serious birth defects of the fetus’ brain and spine (known as neural tube defects).
Prenatal vitamins also contain iron to aid your body in producing red blood cells – essential for oxygen delivery to a growing fetus. Since you require more iron during pregnancy than usual, taking a supplement can help ensure you reach the daily recommended amount.
In addition to the vitamins and minerals listed above, some prenatal multivitamins contain docosahexaenoic acid or fish oil as an omega-3 fatty acid that aids growth and development in fetuses.
However, some people may experience bloating when taking a prenatal vitamin with these ingredients; thus it’s best to switch brands if you experience any symptoms.
Other common side effects of prenatal vitamins with iron may include digestive discomforts such as nausea, stomach cramps, or pain, and constipation due to the iron content. Some vitamins and minerals in prenatal vitamins may also cause common hair and skin side effects.
Can Men Take Prenatal Vitamins?
Prenatal vitamins are dietary supplements designed to ensure pregnant women get all of the essential nutrients for a healthy pregnancy.
However, men should not take prenatal vitamins since they contain high amounts of iron which could lead to gastrointestinal issues like nausea or constipation.
Men should instead seek out a prenatal vitamin specifically designed to support male fertility. These pills typically contain extra folic acid and zinc to promote sperm health and increase fertility.
