Prenatal vitamins are supplements designed to provide the nutrients and minerals necessary for a healthy pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) points out that taking prenatal vitamins and eating nutritious foods will help you get all the vitamins and minerals you need during pregnancy.
Prenatal vitamins are important for pregnant women because a growing fetus requires certain nutrients that are difficult to obtain through diet alone.
“Fetal development is rapid and requires a lot of metabolism. It depends on adequate amounts of amino acids and nutrients,” says Forbes Health Advisory Board member, obstetrician-gynecologist, and New York University program director. says James Griffo, MD, PhD. CEO of Langone Fertility Center and Inception Fertility in New York City.
ACOG gives pregnant people a certain amount of calcium to help form strong bones and teeth, iron to help red blood cells carry oxygen to the fetus, iodine and choline to help brain development, It also recommends taking folic acid, which helps prevent birth defects. We also recommend vitamins A, B6, B12, C, and D, which have a variety of benefits ranging from promoting healthy skin and vision to the formation of red blood cells. While many of these nutrients can be obtained through a healthy diet, taking a prenatal vitamin can further ensure that your daily nutritional needs are met, no matter what’s on your menu.
Even if you eat a healthy diet, it can be difficult to get the recommended amount of certain nutrients, especially folic acid. For example, ACOG recommends that pregnant women take 600 micrograms of folic acid daily during pregnancy to prevent birth defects of the brain and spine. Although some folic acid can be obtained from foods such as fortified cereals and leafy green vegetables, ACOG recommends supplementing with a prenatal vitamin to ensure you are getting the recommended amount.
