I’m Pregnant. Do I Need a Multivitamin?
Growing a Healthy Baby Relies on Getting Enough Nutrients While Pregnant
Growing a healthy baby relies on getting enough nutrients while pregnant. However, rather than following a healthy diet to provide those nutrients, we’re concerned too many people are relying on “pink” multivitamins.
Multivitamins During Pregnancy: A Waste of Money?
Multivitamins are widely promoted for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and those who are planning to become pregnant. They contain folic acid, iodine, iron, vitamin D, vitamin B12, calcium, and a shopping list of other vitamins and minerals. Multivitamins during pregnancy are, for the most part, a waste of money. At worst, there’s a risk they can harm you and your baby.
Most Need Only Folate and Iodine
Official dietary advice recommends only two nutrient supplements before and during pregnancy: folic acid (folate) and iodine. A folic acid supplement is recommended from the month before conception and during the first three months of pregnancy. The recommended dose is 400 micrograms a day to reduce the risk of neural tube defects (such as spina bifida) in the newborn. Requirements for folate remain high for the whole pregnancy, and some people may be prescribed higher folic acid doses or other forms of folate based on their individual medical needs.
Due to mild iodine deficiency in Australia, people who are pregnant, breastfeeding or considering pregnancy should also take an iodine supplement at 150 micrograms a day to support the baby’s brain development. People with thyroid issues should speak to their doctor first.
Why Are Multivitamins So Popular?
Multivitamins are advertised as an essential part of the pregnancy toolkit, and maternity care providers often prescribe them. In Australia, we found more than four in five people take multivitamins while pregnant. People see this as “insurance” to ensure they get adequate nutrition.
What Happens If You Have Too Much?
Our study found a very high dependence on supplements, particularly for folic acid, iron, and iodine, to meet nutrient requirements. If people’s diets are already providing adequate levels of those nutrients and the supplements give them extra, there’s a risk of nutrient overload.
For instance, more than one in 20 people in our study had high levels of folate intake (more than the safe upper level of intake). Almost half of all those in the study surpassed the upper level of intake for total iron. Virtually all of these were taking a multivitamin and had higher-than-usual blood levels of the respective nutrients.
Taking folic acid above the upper level of intake has been associated with babies being shorter at birth, lower levels of children’s cognitive development, and a higher risk of childhood asthma. Folic acid supplementation, at the recommended daily dose of 400 micrograms after the first trimester, however, could be beneficial for child cognitive development although further trials would be necessary before this is routinely recommended.
High doses of iron increase the risk of high red blood cell concentration in the expectant mother. This condition increases the risk of pregnancy complications, including the baby being small for gestational age, stillbirth, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and low birth weight.
When we look at iodine, about one in four expectant mums taking a multivitamin in our study had very high intakes, which has been linked to lower neurodevelopmental scores in children.
Chances Are, You’re Getting Enough Nutrients
In low- and middle-income countries, multivitamins have a place; they improve weight gain while pregnant, newborn weight, and might reduce the risk of preterm birth. In high-income countries, such as Australia, food is abundantly diverse. There are also mandatory fortification programs – folic acid and iodised salt have been used in conventional breadmaking since 2009.
In these countries, frequent multivitamin use may pose risks to both maternal and fetal health. These include developing gestational diabetes (which might be due to high iron intake) and autism spectrum disorder in children.
What Should I Take?
People should look for a supplement that contains only folic acid and iodine at the recommended dose, or take these as individual supplements. They should work closely with their maternity providers, and perhaps an accredited practising dietitian, to focus on eating enough from each of the five food groups.
Supplements should not substitute a wholefood diet. There are benefits to eating a variety of foods, which contain many complementary nutrients and other compounds we cannot obtain from supplements. Following the dietary guidelines might also save you money.
Conclusion
In conclusion, most people do not need multivitamins during pregnancy. Instead, they should focus on eating a healthy diet and taking only the recommended supplements. Folic acid and iodine are the only supplements that have been proven to be beneficial during pregnancy. Multivitamins can pose risks to both maternal and fetal health, and should not be taken unnecessarily.
FAQs
Q: Do I need a multivitamin during pregnancy?
A: No, you do not need a multivitamin during pregnancy. Instead, you should focus on eating a healthy diet and taking only the recommended supplements.
Q: What supplements do I need during pregnancy?
A: You only need folic acid and iodine supplements during pregnancy. Folic acid is recommended from the month before conception and during the first three months of pregnancy. Iodine supplements are recommended to support the baby’s brain development.
Q: Why are multivitamins so popular during pregnancy?
A: Multivitamins are advertised as an essential part of the pregnancy toolkit, and maternity care providers often prescribe them. However, they are not necessary for most people and can pose risks to both maternal and fetal health.
Q: What are the risks of taking multivitamins during pregnancy?
A: Taking multivitamins during pregnancy can pose risks to both maternal and fetal health, including developing gestational diabetes, autism spectrum disorder, and other health complications.
Q: How can I ensure I’m getting enough nutrients during pregnancy?
A: You can ensure you’re getting enough nutrients during pregnancy by eating a healthy diet and taking only the recommended supplements. You should also work closely with your maternity provider and consider consulting with an accredited practising dietitian.
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