April 13, 2007, Newsletter Issue #114: Prenatal Vitamins

Tip of the Week

Most doctors will insist that a prenatal vitamin is indeed very necesary. Some people believe that eating a proper diet will provide all the needed vitamins and minerals, but a supplement is a good idea in most cases.

An expectant mother will still need to eat a wide variety of protein, dairy products, vegetables, and so on, but a boost with a vitamin generally makes a mom-to-be feel that she is supplying the best nutrition possible for the growing baby.

Studies suggest there are a few nutrients that food alone will not provide in a pregnancy. One of these nutrients is folic acid. Your doctor will know how much of it should be in the prenatal vitamin.

The other thing that food alone does not supply enough of during pregnancy is iron. Developing anemia isn't good for the mother or baby, so be sure to get enough iron in your prenatal vitamin.

The doctor will be able to prescribe a prenatal vitamin for you. If you prefer buying your own supplement at a nutrition store or elsewhere, be sure to take the time to ask which essential nutrients it should have and how much of each. Do not take more than the recommended amount of any vitamin or nutrient when you are pregnant.

While a prenatal vitamin will supply many extra nutrients, it does not supply enough calcium, so be sure to drink milk, eat yogurt, and get the calcium in other ways in addition to the prenatal vitamin.

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