What are prenatal multivitamins and how can they help
Pregnancy or prenatal supplements are a blend of vitamins and minerals for pregnant women, specifically formulated with essential nutrients that support maternal and foetal health.
Maternal nutrition is an essential component of a healthy pregnancy. As your baby grows, it develops and forms from you in a beautifully intelligent process - what a miracle! As mothers are the sole source of nutrients for their babies, maternal nutrient requirements are heightened to properly nourish the body during this phase and of course, also for the growing bub inside.
The landscape of maternal health in Australia
During pregnancy, requirements for macro and micronutrients increases, so it’s important to give your diet extra attention. A 2020 Australian study found that none of the 534 pregnant women surveyed met the recommendations for all food groups, and less than one percent met the pregnancy nutrient reference values for folate, iron, calcium, zinc and fibre from food alone[1]. This highlights the importance of focusing on nutrient intake to ensure both the mother's and baby's health are well cared for.
Key nutrients found in quality prenatal multivitamins:
Folate
Folate is one of the most important preconception vitamins, well-known for supporting healthy foetal central nervous system and brain development.
TIP: Folate is best taken at least one month prior to conception and throughout the first trimester. Look for metabolically active forms such as folinic acid or methylfolate.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is needed for DNA replication, cell division and growth. It is an important cofactor required for folate metabolism. Without B12, folate cannot function correctly regardless of sufficient intake.
TIP: Methylcobalamin is the activated form of vitamin B12 and does not require conversion in the body, making it an ideal form of B12 supplementation.
Iodine
Adequate intake of this essential trace mineral is needed to support healthy foetal, brain and central nervous system development. It also supports healthy thyroid gland function in pregnancy.
TIP: Iodine supplementation should begin before conception and continue throughout pregnancy to maintain iodine levels and a healthy pregnancy. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends an iodine intake of 200 micrograms/day for pregnant women[1]. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommends 220 micrograms/day during pregnancy and 270 micrograms/day during breastfeeding[2].
Iron
The body’s demand for iron increases by 50% after conception to make extra blood cells and haemoglobin[3]. Individuals who follow a predominantly plant-based diet need to consider if they are getting sufficient iron.
TIP: As iron is difficult to absorb, it is key to opt for easy-to-absorb forms such as amino acid chelates, that are also gentle on digestion.
Choline
Choline is required for the healthy development of the foetal brain and nervous system during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
TIP: Food sources include egg yolk, salmon, legumes and chicken. Animal sources provide the highest levels of choline, which means vegans and vegetarians may be at a greater risk of choline deficiency.
Other important considerations
Stay hydrated
Drink up! Water plays a crucial role in forming the placenta and amniotic sac, as well as in transporting nutrients and eliminating waste.
Pregnancy is a truly unique phase of life, and so are the needs that come with it. Pregnancy Plus 1-2-3 – Herbs of Gold is a multivitamin, mineral and nutritional formula to assist in maintaining the health of both mother and baby during preconception, pregnancy and breastfeeding. This multi is carefully crafted to help meet the increased nutritional demands during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Individual nutritional requirements will vary, so it is essential to check the labels to see the amount of each nutrient and consult with your health professional about any supplements taken during preconception and pregnancy.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
[1] Slater, K., Rollo, M. E., Szewczyk, Z., Ashton, L., Schumacher, T., & Collins, C. (2020). Do the dietary Intakes of Pregnant Women Attending Public Hospital Antenatal Clinics Align with Australian Guide to Healthy Eating Recommendations?. Nutrients, 12(8), 2438.
[2] World Health Organization. (n.d). Iodine supplementation in pregnant and lactating women. https://www.who.int/elena/titles/guidance_summaries/iodine_pregnancy/en/
[3] National Health and Medical Research Council. (2014). Food and Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand. https://www.nrv.gov.au/resources
[4] Mousa, A., Naqash, A., & Lim, S. (2019). Macronutrient and micronutrient intake during pregnancy: an overview of recent evidence. Nutrients, 11(2), 443.
