Prenatal vitamins are supplements designed to provide the nutrients and minerals needed for a healthy pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) points out that taking prenatal vitamins and eating nutritious foods can help you get all the vitamins and minerals you need during pregnancy.
Prenatal vitamins are important for pregnant women because fetal growth requires specific nutrients that are difficult to obtain from diet alone.
“Fetal development is rapid and requires a lot of metabolism. It depends on the right amount of amino acids and nutrients,” says Obstetrician-Gynecologist, a member of the Forbes Health Advisory Board, and program director at New York University. says James Griffo, MD. CEO of Langon Fertility Center and Inception Fertility in New York City.
ACOG gives pregnant women a certain amount of calcium to help build strong bones and teeth, iron to help red blood cells carry oxygen to the fetus, iodine and choline to help develop the brain, It also recommends taking folic acid to help prevent birth defects. It also recommends vitamins A, B6, B12, C and D, which provide benefits ranging from promoting healthy skin and eyesight to red blood cell formation. While many of these nutrients can be obtained through a healthy diet, taking prenatal vitamins can further ensure that your daily nutritional needs are met, no matter what your menu is.
Even if you eat a healthy diet, it can be difficult to get the recommended amount of certain nutrients, especially folic acid. For example, the ACOG recommends that pregnant women consume 600 micrograms of folic acid daily during pregnancy to prevent birth defects of the brain and spine. Some folic acid can be obtained from foods such as fortified cereals and leafy green vegetables, but the ACOG recommends supplementing with a prenatal vitamin to ensure you’re getting the recommended amount.
