Purposes and Dosages of Prenatal Vitamins

According to Wikipedia, prenatal vitamins are nutritional supplements that are formulated specifically for use during the preconception phase, through pregnancy, and sometimes after delivery. The health of the expectant mother, as we all know, is of primary importance in the delivery of a healthy baby, Prenatal vitamins are prescribed to ensure that the mother is getting enough of the vitamins to keep herself, as well as her baby healthy during the pregnancy. These supplements come in a variety of forms such as chewable, liquid, tablet, and capsule, and are available with a prescription, as well as over the counter.

The Cleveland Clinic supports studies that have found that folic acid can reduce the chances of your baby being born with defects of the brain and spinal cord. The U.S. Public Health Service recommends that women ingest at least 400 micrograms of folic acid each day, and the FDA has required various common foods to be fortified with additional folic acid.

Taking calcium supplements will aid in the prevention of a loss of bone density in the pregnant woman. The growing fetus requires the mineral calcium for his or her own bone growth. In addition to the calcium found in foods, the Cleveland Clinic also recommends supplemental calcium in the amount of 200 to 300 mg daily, for pregnant women.

Iron helps both the blood in the mother, and that of the baby to carry oxygen. According to www.ahealthyme.com , women that are in the last two tri-mesters, need to absorb 3mg more of iron than they get from diet alone.

While prenatal vitamin dosages vary by brand you should discuss your particular needs with your obstetrician or gynecologist. Your doctor will be able to order blood tests that will determine if you have any iron or vitamin deficiencies. It may be necessary to take prescription prenatal supplements as opposed to the many over the counter brands.

The Cleveland Clinic suggests that all prenatal vitamins, in addition to the calcium, folic acid, and iron, contain a minimum amount of these components:

4,000 to 5,000 international units of Vitamin A. This retinoid is valuable for vision, dermatology, and gene transcription. The National Institute of Health estimates that as many as 500,000 children a year become blind as a result of a Vitamin A deficiency.

400 international units of Vitamin D, a fat soluble pro hormone that assists in organ maintenance. It regulates calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood, affects the immune system, and the parathyroid gland. A deficiency in Vitamin D has been linked to osteoporosis, rickets, and osteomalacia.

70 mg of vitamin C is recommended in the formulation of a prenatal vitamin supplement. vitamin C, according to Wikipedia, is an antioxidant that may reduce the chances of mortality from a chronic illness. Vitamin C may cause indigestion or diarrhea.

The Cleveland Clinic recommends that prenatal vitamins contain 1.5 mg of thiamine, or Vitamin B-1. Thiamine is essential to neural function and the metabolization of carbohydrates.

1.6 mg of riboflavin is suggested in prenatal supplements. A riboflavin, or Vitamin B-2 deficiency may result in cracked lips, inflammatory disorders of the mouth, or sore throats.

2.6 mg of pyridoxine, or Vitamin B-6 is also recommended by the Cleveland Clinic. Pyridoxine helps balance sodium and potassium, aids in red blood cell production, and is associated with cardiovascular health.

Prenatal vitamins may cause constipation or nausea, and these side effects and their treatments should be discussed with your obstetrician. Remember that anything that you take, the baby receives as well.

It is important to remember that these prenatal vitamins are intended to promote health in the mother and the child, like any medication, they should be taken only as directed. Some, like Vitamin A, can be harmful to the baby if taken in larger doses than what is recommended.