Best Dha: Nordic Naturals Prenatal Dha
Docosahexaenoic acid is one of the three main essential omega 3 fatty acids, the others being alpha-linolenic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid . DHA is found primarily in seafood.
During pregnancy, DHA is especially important for a babys healthy cognitive and visual function and overall brain development. A reference intake for the amount of DHA that should be consumed per day hasn’t been set yet, but health experts agree that pregnant and lactating women should consume at least 200 milligrams of DHA per day. Others believe that pregnant women should up their intake to 300 milligrams of DHA per day.
Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA provides 480 milligrams of DHA and 205 milligrams of EPA per serving and is the official omega-3 supplement of the American Pregnancy Association. All of Nordic Naturals products are non-GMO, use wild-caught fish, and are third-party tested, surpassing the strictest international standards for purity and freshness. Note that this is not a complete prenatal multivitamin, but rather an additional supplement for your routine.
SmartyPants Organics Prenatal Formula gummy vitamins are free of artificial sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup, and the top eight allergens. Smarty Pants does not use synthetic colors or artificial flavors in their gummies, and each batch is third-party tested for purity.
What Are Common Side Effects Of Prenatal Vitamins
Some common side effects of prenatal vitamins include nausea, constipation, and headaches. Women who take these vitamins also frequently report having a bad taste in their mouths just after swallowing one. There are also some women who have allergic reactions to prenatal vitamins that may manifest in the form of itching, hives, and swelling. Even though getting side effects from prenatal vitamins are fairly common, there are many women who report having no side effects at all. In many cases, the side effects can be alleviated by taking certain precautions, or they may stop altogether as the body gets used to the vitamins.
The reason that many women experience nausea and constipation when taking prenatal vitamins is likely because of the high iron content. Iron is very important for both pregnant women and for the growth and development of unborn fetuses. Even though it is beneficial, iron often comes with the unpleasant side effects of nausea and constipation. It may be possible to prevent the nausea by always taking prenatal vitamins with a meal. The constipation can typically be avoided if a woman drinks a lot of water and gets in enough fiber throughout each day.
What Happens If You Dont Take Prenatal Vitamins
Taking prenatal vitamins before pregnancy can help prevent miscarriages, defects, and preterm labor. If youre not taking prenatal vitamins, neural tube defects can appear:
- Anencephaly: This occurs when the babys skull and brain doesnt form correctly. Babies that are born with anencephaly dont survive.
- Spina bifida: This occurs when the spine does not form correctly and the baby may have physical disabilities.
Now that we have addressed one of the most asked questions, What happens if you dont take prenatal vitamins?, we can move on to the next section: When to take prenatal vitamins.
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Which Key Nutrients Should Women Look For In A Prenatal
Although prenatal vitamins typically contain the full range of vitamins and minerals, the ones that are most important are folic acid, B vitamins, calcium and iron. Calcium and iron are particularly important because the requirements for these minerals are higher in pregnancy than they are for non-pregnant women.
However, these are the ingredients most often left out of gummy vitamins, which many women like because of taste and ease of use. So if they choose the gummy, they may need to take extra iron or calcium if these have been left out.
Can You Take Prenatal Vitamins Without Being Pregnant
If youre trying to conceive, it can be beneficial to start taking prenatal vitamins at least three months before becoming pregnant. Taking prenatal vitamins before youre pregnant provides the foundation for a healthy pregnancy by providing the extra nutrients your body will need.
If youre not trying to get pregnant, a healthy and varied diet will provide the majority of minerals and vitamins you need. If you arent thinking about having a baby, its unlikely that prenatal vitamins are the best option. Prenatal vitamins provide a larger amount of certain nutrients that are necessary during pregnancy, but the increased amounts may lead to issues if your body doesnt need the supplemental nutrients. We suggest speaking with your primary care provider about whats best for you.
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Side Effects Of Too Much Vitamin D
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Vitamin D is extremely important for good health.
It plays several roles in keeping your bodys cells healthy and functioning the way they should.
Most people dont get enough vitamin D, so supplements are common.
However, its also possible although rare for this vitamin to build up and reach toxic levels in your body.
This article discusses 6 potential side effects of getting excessive amounts of this important vitamin.
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What Are Prenatal Vitamin
Prenatal vitamins are supplements recommended to pregnant women. These supplements can be either prescribed or sold over the counter. They can be taken even by non-pregnant women because they are just like other ordinary vitamins that you take daily.
The recommended prenatal vitamins include:
- Iron
- Vitamin B6
- Copper
The only difference is that the prenatal vitamins provide crucial and essential vitamins and minerals that are needed in the development of a healthy pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins contains high amount of Iron and folic levels than the ordinary supplements. They help in the production of extra red blood cells that are required to maintain a healthy and successful pregnancy.
The role of vitamins in the body is to promote chemical reactions within different systems.
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What To Know About Prenatal Vitamins
Between morning sickness, fleeting cravings and random aversions, getting good nutrition during pregnancy can be rough. Even if youre eating a balanced diet, its still possible to miss some essential nutrients.
Enter prenatal vitamins. Theyre an easy way to fill in any gaps and support both your body and your babys growth and development. Heres what pregnant women need to know about them.
Folic Acid Calcium Iodine And Iron
Folic acid
If getting pregnant is a possibility for you, you should take folic acid. It can prevent birth defects that affect the babys brain and spinal cord. Neural tube defects develop early in pregnancy, before many women know theyre pregnant half of all pregnancies are unplanned. This is why doctors recommend that any woman who could get pregnant take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, starting before conception and continuing for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
If youve had a baby with a neural tube defect you should talk with your health care provider about folic acid. Studies have shown that taking a larger dose at least one month before and during the first trimester may help if youve had a baby with this defect. But talk to your doctor about whats right for you.
Foods that have folic acid include:
Iron
Iron helps your body make more blood red cells. These blood cells carry oxygen to the baby that it needs to develop.
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How Is Vitamin D Deficiency Treated
The goals of treatment and prevention are the sameto reach, and then maintain, an adequate level of vitamin D in the body. While you might consider eating more foods that contain vitamin D and getting a little bit of sunlight, you will likely be told to take vitamin D supplements.
Vitamin D comes in two forms: D2 and D3. D2, also called ergocalciferol, comes from plants. D3, also called cholecalciferol, comes from animals. You need a prescription to get D2. D3, however, is available over the counter. It is more easily absorbed than D2 and lasts longer in the body dose-for-dose. Work with your doctor to find out if you need to take a vitamin supplement and how much to take if it is needed.
What Do Prenatal Vitamins Do
If youre wondering, What do prenatal vitamins do? Do prenatal vitamins substitute a healthy diet? read on.
Prenatal vitamins are not substitutes for a healthy diet, as you still need to consume foods rich in nutrients and minerals. They help maintain the vitamins and nutrients your body needs to support your pregnancy.
Be sure to discuss with your doctor to determine when to start taking prenatal vitamins and which formulas they recommend. If you take more than the recommended dose, you can harm your baby. Some of their nutrients include:
- Folic acid: It is a B vitamin that pregnant women need to help their baby grow and develop. It can also prevent birth defects. You can take between 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid every day.
- Iron: Patients need to take 27 milligrams of iron a day, asit supplies oxygen to the fetus and supports the placentas development. It can also prevent anemia, a condition in which you dont have enough healthy red blood cells.
- Calcium: We recommend taking 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day. This helps the baby to develop its bones, muscles, and teeth.
- Docosahexaenoic acid : This is an omega-3 fatty acid that can prevent pregnancy-related complications.
- Zinc: It reduces preterm births.
- Vitamin A: Helps with eye development. Patients can take e700mcg a day. If you take it in large doses it can cause birth defects.
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How Often Do You Need To Get Your Vitamin D Levels Checked
Doctors do not usually order routine checks of vitamin D levels, but they might need to check your levels if you have certain medical conditions or risk factors for vitamin D deficiency. Sometimes vitamin D levels can be checked as a cause of symptoms such as long-lasting body aches, a history of falls or bone fractures without significant trauma.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Taking prenatal vitamins and following a healthy diet can lead to a healthy pregnancy and support your babys growth. There are various prenatals to choose from, but Dr. Ellman will be happy to find a prenatal vitamin that works best for your body.
Dr. Ellman is a high-risk OB/GYN doctor who established his medical practice in South Florida over 25 years ago. Book your appointment today.
References
Folic Acid Helps Prevent Some Birth Defects. .
Shmerling, R. H. & Shmerling, A. . Fertility and diet: Is there a connection? Wilson, D., et al. . Pre-conception Folic Acid and Multivitamin Supplementation for the Primary and Secondary Prevention of Neural Tube Defects and Other Folic Acid-Sensitive Congenital Anomalies .
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Vitamins That Can Cause Constipation
- 05-02-2019
- By Sehat
It is quite a well-known fact that lots of people across the globe now consume various kinds of vitamins and supplements. Some of the most common items which are consumed include calcium supplements, multivitamin-mineral products, fish oil supplements, omega-3 supplements and all nowadays people had started consuming nutritional supplements to stop sugar cravings. It is believed that the intake of these vitamins and supplements helps in ensuring the overall health of individuals. The deficiencies which cannot be met with normal foods are compensated with the consumption of supplements and vitamins.
However, many people might not know there are side effects of many supplements and vitamins as well. There are many vitamins that can cause constipation. Apart from this, other kinds of serious and severe side effects can be caused by intake of different kinds of supplements and vitamins. Therefore, before starting any kind of vitamin or supplements, it is recommended to seek medical advice. All kinds of items are not suitable for all body types.
Prenatal Vitamin Side Effects Every Expecting Woman Should Know
Prenatal vitamins have many benefits for you and your growing baby, but sometimes they can cause issues.
Although usually not extreme, you may experience a set of side effects that can trigger or make pregnancy symptoms worse. Additionally, certain nutrients or minerals contained in the supplement may be to blame.
In this post, were discussing prenatal vitamin side effects and what to do about them.
Although prenatal supplements arent always necessary, most doctors recommend them because women often arent sure about the exact vitamins theyre getting through their diet. They also contain a very critical pregnancy nutrient: Folic acid.
Other important nutrients include:
- Calcium to prevent bone density loss and support baby bone growth
- Iodine for thyroid function and to prevent miscarriage and stillbirth
- Iron to make extra blood and move oxygen to your baby
- Other essential vitamins and minerals to improve your health and therefore have a healthier pregnancy
Side Effects of Prenatal Vitamins
Most women who take prenatal vitamins dont experience side effects. If they do, the symptoms are usually mild.
Nausea
Prenatal vitamins may cause nausea for a few reasons. If youre experiencing morning sickness, it can be made even worse if your prenatal vitamin is a large capsule that can barely slide down your throat. If youre someone bothered by large pills, it can be enough to make the pregnancy symptom even worse.
Constipation
Stool Color
Stomach Pain
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Could Prenatal Vitamins Be Causing Constipation
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Your Vitamin Is Made Out Of Synthetics Your Body Cant Absorb
One last thing you should consider when investigating why your prenatal is making you sick is what your vitamin is made out of. A huge difference between vitamin quality is how they are made and how your body absorbs them.
Some vitamins are made out of synthetically created vitamins. These are simply chemicals that attempt to mimic what happens naturally in nature. For example folic acid is the synthetic form of folate. As you can see, it is not the same thing.
Whole food vitamins are condensed and concentrated from real fruits and vegetables. Typically, your body has less work to do to absorb and use the whole food vitamins. If you are taking synthetic vitamins, folic acid may not be the only synthetic vitamin your body cannot actually use that turns into a toxin. Make sure that you are using a whole food prenatal vitamin.
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Do Vitamins Cause Constipation
Constipation is the most common gastrointestinal issue in the United States, reports the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse it affects approximately 4 million Americans. While anyone can develop constipation, women over age 65 face an increased risk, and so do pregnant women. Several factors including poor diet, lack of physical activity, dehydration, irritable bowel syndrome and ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement can all cause constipation, but some vitamins and vitamin supplements can also take the blame.
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Are Prenatal Vitamins Making You Sick Heres What To Do About It
Youre pregnant and youre suffering from nausea, constipation, low appetite, diarrhea, fatigue, or cramps. But, you notice that its not every day its only most days. Specifically, its the days you remember to take your prenatal vitamins first thing in the morning.
Or maybe you notice the moment you take your prenatal vitamin you suddenly feel sick.
You arent alone in wondering are prenatal vitamins making me sickreally?
Look, I get it. It is frustrating when you are trying to do the right thing to take care of your body and your baby but, the more you try, you just feel worse and worse.
I want to share with you some common reasons why your prenatal vitamin is making you sick, and exactly how you can find answers to your problem.
Its a nice feeling to know that you are doing something good for your body. And in most cases, a prenatal vitamin is good for you.
But, if your prenatal vitamin is making you sick, its probably not the right one for you. And contrary to what youve likely been told, it is doing you more harm than good.
Here are some tips to help you, the savvy mom, figure out if its really your prenatal vitamin making you sick and what to do about it.
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Other Vitamins And Minerals
Some types of prenatal vitamins may also include the following vitamins and minerals:
- Docosahexaenoic acid : This type of omega-3 fatty acid supports your babys brain and eye development.
- Iodine: This mineral supports the development of your babys brain and nervous system. While pregnant, you need 220 mcg of iodine each day.
- Choline: This nutrient is key for your babys developing brain and spinal cord. Its recommended that people who are pregnant get 450 mg a day.
- Vitamin A: This vitamin helps form healthy skin, eyes, and bones and is involved in immune function. Healthcare provider recommend that you get 770 mcg each day .
- Vitamin C: This vitamin supports healthy gums, teeth, and bones. You need 85 mg total each day .
- Vitamin D: This vitamin also helps your baby grow teeth and bones. People who are pregnant need 600 international units per day.
The optimal balance of vitamins and minerals can vary depending on your health history, diet, and nutritional needs, so talk to your healthcare provider before choosing one type of prenatal supplement over another.