Learn How to Pick A Prenatal Vitamin

BETA CAROTENE VITAMIN A

4,000-5,000iu Prenatal Vitamin ( Not in retinol form )

 

700 micrograms (2,300 iu)

Preconception

770 micrograms (2,565 iu) Pregnancy

1300 micrograms Lactation

 

Stay Below 10,000 iu/day because it passes the placenta barrier and, at toxic amounts, might cause birth abnormalities. It plays an important function in vision, cellular growth, and the development and maintenance of bone, skin, GI, and urinary tract health. Eggs, fortified milk, fat spreads, and cereals

Carrots, pumpkin, collards, sweet potatoes, kale, spinach, broccoli, peppers, papaya, cantaloupe, guava, apricots, mandarin oranges, nectarines, peaches, persimmons, loquats, **Avoid Retin A, retinol, and alpha hydroxy acids

B12 VITAMIN

2.6-12mcg Prenatal Vitamin

2.4 micrograms 2.6 mcg before conception 2.8 mcg during pregnancy Lactation dose: 25-30 mcg. Vegetarian DNA Synthesis, appropriate red blood cell activity, cardiovascular and nervous system health, and the risk of deficiency in strict vegetarians Meats, poultry, fish, seafood, eggs, dairy products, nutritional yeast, and fortified soy milk

450 mg 425 mg Pre-conception 450 mg Pregnancy 550 mg CHOLINE Prenatal Vitamin Lactation Aids in the development of the brain for learning, memory, and attention. Cell division, expansion, and myelination occur at a rapid rate. Beef, eggs, chicken, fish, pork, nuts, legumes, and cruciferous vegetables are all good sources of iron. Soybeans, cow milk, and quinoa

Although naturally occurring folate in food sources is significant, it is not prudent to rely solely on food-based folate consumption for the following reasons:

  • When compared to folic acid or methylfolate, food-based “folate” has a 40% lower absorption rate. If your supplement bottle only lists folate and not folic acid or methylfolate, it is best to switch to a supplement that lists folic acid or methylfolate instead of folate.
  • When foods are cooked or canned, the folate in them is quickly destroyed. Fifty percent of food folate is lost during the canning process, and up to 90% might be destroyed during cooking. It is preferable to lightly steam rather than boil in water.
  • Why should I take a folic acid supplement even if I think I’m receiving enough folate from food?
  • Grains are the most common food group to be fortified with folic acid. Lower carbohydrate meal plans limit grains, reducing folic acid consumption.
  • Be aware that many gluten-free cereals are deficient in folic acid, other B vitamins, and iron.
  • In the United States, ethnic diets are frequently deficient in folic acid. This is especially true for unfortified maize masa flour, which is more popular among Hispanics. In fact, Hispanic women are 20% more likely than non-Hispanic white mothers to have a kid with a neural tube birth abnormality.
  • Organic food manufacturers are not required to add folic acid to their grain products. Some do, but the majority do not. Examine the packaging of your favorite organic grain products.
  • Folic acid/folate is a water-soluble nutrient, which means that it is not stored in our systems. The availability of nutrients is determined by an individual’s daily nutritional intake.
  • Some drugs, as well as regular alcohol consumption, can interfere with folate metabolism, while others can lower serum and tissue folate concentrations.
  • Some vitamins and supplements can impair medication absorption and interaction. Some drugs, on the other hand, can interfere with supplement absorption. Always share and discuss your vitamin, supplement, and medication list, as well as your risk of drug interactions, with your prescribing physician and pharmacist. Some particular examples include…
  • If you take thyroid medication in the morning, you should take all vitamins and supplements in the evening to avoid interfering with the thyroid medication.
  • Calcium supplements should be kept at least 4 hours apart from thyroid medication, prenatal vitamins, and iron supplements.
  • Herbal supplements can interact with medication, hence Illume Fertility does not advocate them during fertility therapy. Illume Fertility also advises against using essential oils or herbal supplements during the first trimester of pregnancy.

If a mother has once had a child with a neural tube defect, she is at an extremely high chance of having another. She should consult her Illume Fertility specialist or ob/gyn about getting a high dose prescription folic acid.

Choosing a prenatal can be a hard decision on top of the stress of #TTC. With these pointers, answers, and a reliable list of nutrients, you’ll be a master of the vitamin aisle. More significantly, you’ll be providing your body and baby with the best opportunity for a healthy, happy, nutrient-rich trip.