Have you been looking into prenatal vitamins, trying to figure out if you should take them or not? It can be an intimidating rabbit hole to go down.
Prenatal vitamins are an essential element to having a happy and healthy pregnancy. Read on to discover what they are, what is in them, and how they can help you and your baby.
Prenatal Vitamins: What Are They?
Prenatal vitamins are supplements that assist with providing nutrients and vitamins that are essential to a healthy pregnancy that may be hard to get in your regular diet. While they are helpful, it is important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet while taking them.
Choosing The Right Prenatal Vitamin
If you have spent any time researching prenatal vitamins, you have probably noticed there are an endless amount of brands and types. This is true, and unfortunately, not all of them are created equal.
It is crucial to find a supplement that is good for you through and through. Here are a few things to pay attention to.
Non-GMO
Ensuring that there are no genetically modified organisms in your vitamins will guarantee that you are getting great, natural ingredients.
Free of Artificial Colorants
There can be several health and safety issues related to artificial colorants in foods and other things we consume. It is best to avoid these altogether.
Vegan
Whether you are vegan by choice or necessity, just know that you can find prenatal vitamins that fit this need.
Delayed-Release Capsule Design
The small intestine is an ideal place for nutrients like these to be absorbed. Vitamins that come in a delayed-release capsule design are perfect because they ensure that their nutrients dissolve at this stage of the digestive process.
Major Allergen and Gluten Free
If you are gluten-free or struggle with any major allergens, you can find prenatal vitamins that meet these needs.
Traceable Ingredients
Last but certainly not least is traceable ingredients. If you want to ensure that your supplements are packed full of natural ingredients that are good for you, find a company that uses traceable ingredients. A visible supply chain allows you to know exactly what’s going into your body, giving you peace of mind.
Nutrition Needs While Prepping for Pregnancy
The next thing to talk about is what you truly want from your prenatal vitamins. Here are a few needs you will want to meet as you prepare for your pregnancy.
Feed Your Brain
The health of your brain and your baby’s brain is critical. You want to continue with the same mental strength, and you want your baby to have all that he or she needs to grow.
Fuel Your Red-Blood Cells
Red-blood cells are everything when it comes to pregnancy. You will want vitamins that help with the formation of them.
Support the Neural Tube
The formation of the brain and spine are critical. So make sure that your supplements contain vitamins like choline and folate.
Strengthen Your Bones
Strong bones are critical. You want you and your baby to have all the nutrients needed to build and strengthen bones.
The 12 Traceable Ingredients You Need in Your Prenatal Vitamins
So, now that you know what a prenatal vitamin is, how to choose one, and what it can do for you. It is time to discover the 12 traceable ingredients you must have when looking to purchase them.
1. Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is typically found in milk and red meat and is critical for developing DNA and the health of your nerve and blood cells.
2. Iodine
For control of metabolism and other various hormones, you want to ensure that you get a healthy dose of iodine every day.
3. Folate
Folate is critical for developing red blood cells and lowering the risk of your baby being born with neural tube defects.
4. Biotin
During pregnancy, it is very common for the mother to have low levels of biotin, which is a crucial element in the metabolization of fats, carbs, and amino acids.
5. Vitamin D
A sufficient amount of vitamin D can be pretty hard to get for those on vegan diets, and it rings especially true for soon-to-be mothers on a vegan diet. So, ensure that your vegan prenatal supplements include vitamin D.
6. Magnesium
To support normal muscle contraction. More magnesium can be a great addition to your diet.
7. Boron
Boron works alongside calcium to support heartbeat regulation, bone strength, and several other functions.
8. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an important vitamin that many people lack in their daily diet.
9. Choline
About 90% of pregnant women are lacking in choline which plays an essential role in brain health and neural tube support.
10. Omega-3 DHA
Keeping a healthy heart with omega-3 DHA is critical before and during pregnancy.
11. Vitamin K12
Vitamin K is a huge support for your bones and great to have leading up to pregnancy.
12. Iron
Red blood cell formation is crucial to the development of your baby. Iron significantly helps with this.
The Takeaway
Prenatal vitamins are a great way to ensure that you get the much-needed nutrients required to have a happy and healthy pregnancy. Just make sure that you choose vitamins that contain the traceable ingredients listed above, and you will be on your way!
