CHICAGO — The U.S. Government Accountability Office released a report Thursday that found 11 out of 12 prenatal supplements contained at least one nutrient above or below the level listed on the label.
“This report is concerning and speaks to the unregulated nature of the supplement industry, even for prenatal vitamins,” said Jeffrey Linder, chief of general internal medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. the doctor said. Researched and wrote about supplements use.
Dr. Linder will be available for media interviews regarding this report. Contact Kristin Samuelson. Schedule your interview.
“It is generally recommended that women who are pregnant or considering pregnancy take prenatal vitamins, primarily for iron and folic acid,” says Linder. To tell. “Folic acid levels in 4 of the 12 prenatal vitamins tested were below acceptable limits. One of the prenatal vitamins tested contained 50% of the amount listed on the label. It had a folic acid content of %.
“Consuming supplements containing folic acid levels lower than those listed on the label may reduce the full benefit of these nutrients in preventing birth defects,” the report states. ” is stated.
“It is concerning that patients are taking what they believe to be the recommended amount when in fact it may not be the case. This is due to the lack of regulation in the supplement industry and its It speaks to the need.
“Despite the fact that many people think that vitamins and supplements are necessary and good for health, most adults do not need to take them. People are distracted from things like Masu intention Maintain your health by eating well and exercising. Even when supplements are recommended, such as folic acid for pregnant women, this report is a reminder that given the unregulated nature of supplements, you should be skeptical about what’s being sold.”
