Pregnancy is a time of many choices, and one of the most important factors is choosing the proper prenatal vitamin for your body. These vitamins should contain 400 micrograms of folic acid, 400-600 IU of vitamin D, and synthetic algal oil.
Prenatal Vitamins Should Contain At Least 400 Micrograms of Folic Acid
Folic acid is an essential component of prenatal vitamins and iron and calcium. It helps to prevent specific congenital disabilities, including spina bifida, which affects the baby’s nervous system. The CDC recommends that pregnant women take at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. Natural sources of folic acid include spinach, orange juice, and lentils.
Folic acid is vital for fetal development and is essential for forming the neural tube, the starting point for a child’s spinal cord and brain. When the neural tube is not fully developed, it can lead to a congenital disability. Folic acid reduces the risk of developing neural tube defects by as much as 70%. It also lowers the risk of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, and preterm labor.
It is recommended that pregnant women consume between 400 and 800 micrograms of folic acid per day, which should be taken as early as a month before conception. They should also take prenatal vitamins during the first trimester of pregnancy. While many prenatal vitamins are on the market, they vary in their types and concentrations. Some vitamins may have too high a concentration of certain nutrients, leading to a baby’s health problems.
Prenatal vitamins should also contain ca00 IU of vitamin D
While the daily allowances for calcium and vitamin D are recommended, folic acid aids in delivering oxygen to the fetus by red blood cells. Vitamin D helps build strong bones for the growing baby.
Vitamin D is essential for healthy bone development and the immune system. Lovely for vitamin D during pregnancy is 600 IU, while most prenatal vitamins contain much less. Prenatal vitamins should also contain omega-3 fatty acids, or DHA, which play a crucial role in brain development. These acids are found in some types of fish, like salmon. The March of Dimes recommends that pregnant women get at least 200 mg of DHA daily.
Sunlight exposure causes the body to produce vitamin D. Pregnancy increases women’s risk of vitamin D deficiency. Low levels are hazardous for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and breastfed babies. For these reasons, it is best to supplement with 400-600 IU of vitamin D daily.
Prenatal vitamins should contain 400-600 mcg of folic acid and 400-600 IU of vitamin D. They should be taken separately, as the body absorbs nutrients better when handled independently. If possible, it is also helpful for pregnant women to eat calcium-rich foods in the morning and iron-rich foods in the evening.
The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine recommends that pregnant women take 400-600 IU of vitamin D daily. While vitamin D is found in certain foods, it is difficult to get sufficient amounts from diet alone. Vitamin D supplements can be an effective way to meet the increased demand that pregnancy makes.
It Should Contain Synthetic Algal Oil
Ideally, a prenatal vitamin should contain synthetic algal oil, which has many beneficial health benefits for the mother and the baby. The nutrients in these supplements help the baby develop its eyesight and brain. However, a prenatal vitamin should not have a fishy taste. Until recently, fish oil was the most common source of supplemental DHA, but synthetic algal oil has no fishy taste and no PCBs or heavy metals to worry about.
Algal oil contains essential nutrients such as plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and phytonutrients. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, important carotenoids, and astaxanthin. Plant oils and antioxidants in algae include rosemary extract and vitamin E tocopherols. However, check the Supplement Facts panel to ensure the product does not contain chemical preservatives, artificial dyes, and added sugars.
