Prenatal Supplements

Recently close friends of mine discovered they were pregnant and have shared the good news with their friends and family. After the typical questions "when are you due?" and "do you know if its a boy or a girl?" I asked "are you taking vitamins?" and "what kind?" Multivitamins, including folic acid, are essential during pregnancy and even after the baby is born, for nursing mothers.

Vitamin A- helps bones and teeth growth.

Vitamin D- Helps body use calcium and phosphorus; promotes strong teeth and bones.

Vitamin E- Helps body form and use red blood cells and muscles.

Vitamin C- An antioxidant that protects tissues from damage and helps body absorb iron; builds healthy immune system.

Vitamin B- B1 (Thiamin)- Raises energy level and regulates nervous system; B2 (Riboflavin)- Maintains energy, good eyesight, healthy skin; B3 (Niacin)- Promotes healthy skin, nerves and digestion; B6 (Pyridoxine)- Helps form red blood cells; helps with morning sickness.

Folic Acid- Helps support the placenta, and prevents spina bifida and other neural tube defects.

Calcium- Creates strong bones and teeth, helps prevent blood clots, helps muscles and nerves function.

Iron- Helps in the production of hemoglobin; prevents anemia, low birth weight, and premature delivery.

Protein- Helps in the production of amino acids; repairs cells.

Zinc- Helps produce insulin and enzymes.

I don't know much about babies and even less about pregnancy, but I do know how important vitamin supplementation is during pregnancy. If you have questions about which brand to take during pregnancy talk to you health care physician, who can recommend the best prenatal supplement for you.

-Community Assistant