Prenatal Protocol: Supplements for Pregnancy
Pregnancy is the best time to start supplementing essential nutrients. Certain supplements can advance your baby's development and set them up for a healthy life.
When pregnant women miss out on essential compounds, their babies can suffer from congenital disabilities and other health problems during childhood. We have compiled a list of the best supplements to take during pregnancy.
Folic Acid
Women who may become pregnant, either intentionally or accidentally, should take a folic acid supplement daily. This is recommended for every woman of childbearing age. The consequences of low levels of folic acid in pregnant women can be devastating.
In the first month of pregnancy, babies who don't get enough folic acid can develop severe neural tube defects, leading to an underdeveloped brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. These defects happen so early that most women don't realize they are pregnant yet.
Some foods are fortified with folic acid in the United States, but doctors still recommend taking a folic acid supplement. To ensure you and your baby remain healthy, it is a good idea to take this supplement even if you eat fortified foods.
Calcium
Many pregnant women don't know that babies require a lot of calcium during pregnancy. If you don't have enough calcium intake through your diet or supplements, your body will leach the calcium from your bones, which can harm your teeth and lead to low bone density.
To avoid bone problems later in life, you should consume at least 1,000 milligrams of calcium per day. Supplements can provide high amounts of calcium even if your diet lacks this essential nutrient. This calcium will help your baby's bones and teeth develop correctly and protect your bone health as well.
DHA
DHA stands for docosahexaenoic acid, a type of omega-3 fatty acid. This compound is essential for your baby's nerve and eye development.
Advasorb® DHA is our superior DHA supplement that contains highly bioavailable forms of this essential fatty acid.* This supplement helps your body absorb more DHA than most other DHA supplements.*
Advasorb® DHA delivers phospholipid-bound DHA to your body.* This allows twice the amount of DHA to enter your cells and nourish you and your baby's bodies.* In contrast, other DHA supplements use triglyceride-bound DHA, making it much harder to absorb into your system.
DHA has shown promising potential in improving babies' eye development, nervous system function, and cognition. With Advasorb® DHA, our premium DHA supplement, you can rest assured that your baby's nervous system is thriving.*
Iron
Iron is an essential mineral that helps your body circulate oxygen throughout your bloodstream. When you are pregnant, you need more iron to carry enough oxygen to your baby, and your baby also needs iron to form blood.
Most pregnant women need twice as much iron during pregnancy as they did before. Iron is found in poultry, seafood, and fortified foods. In the United States, some grains are fortified with iron. Make sure to check food labels to find out whether your food is fortified with iron.
Also, note that your body needs vitamin C to absorb iron properly. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, like oranges and grapefruit. It is a good idea to add a few servings of fruit to your iron-rich meals to optimize iron absorption.
Vitamin D
Many Americans are deficient in vitamin D. This vitamin is essential for calcium absorption and immune system function. A vitamin D deficiency can leave you with frequent health problems that can harm you and your baby.
Vitamin D is also essential for your nerves and muscles, and this vitamin can help support your baby's neuromuscular development and strengthen their immune system.
While sun exposure produces some vitamin D, too much sun is also a risk factor for skin cancer. Sunscreen can block vitamin D production in your skin, so it is best to supplement it. You can also eat foods rich in vitamin D, like salmon and fortified cereals.
Iodine
Iodine is an essential mineral that helps your baby's nervous system develop, and it regulates your thyroid hormones, which control many crucial processes in your body. Your baby's brain, spinal cord, and nerves need iodine to form and strengthen during pregnancy.
Most people use iodized salt as a form of dietary iodine. However, some grain products are also fortified with iodine, as are some dairy products like milk and cheese. It is important to check the packaging when selecting iodine-rich foods.
Iodized salt should be used in moderation because too much salt consumption can raise your blood pressure. This is especially dangerous if you are a high-risk pregnancy or have preeclampsia. Check with your doctor before adding excess sodium to your diet.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is found almost exclusively in animal products. Vegetarian or vegan pregnant women should strongly consider supplementing vitamin B12. This vitamin works with folic acid to prevent neurological defects like spinal cord abnormalities and neural tube defects.
It is impossible to get enough vitamin B12 from a vegetarian or vegan diet alone. Some products, like soy milk, may be fortified with vitamin B12, but they are not complete sources of this essential vitamin.
Vitamin B12 is necessary for a robust nervous system, proper liver function, and a positive mood. Supplements can help you as well as your baby during your pregnancy.
Quality of Life Premium Health Supplements
At Quality of Life, we only use research-based ingredients in our premium health supplements.* All of our products are formulated with natural, ethically-sourced ingredients to deliver health benefits to you.* Our trustworthy supplements should be easily absorbed by your body and could significantly improve your health.*
If you are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant, supplements are essential. You and your baby both need a lot of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals during pregnancy. Supplements are easy and quick to add to your routine, and we know that convenience is essential during pregnancy.
You can provide your baby with essential nutrients for their development with premium health supplements.
