Prenatal Vitamins

One of the first things most pregnant women do, some even before their child is conceived is start taking prenatal vitamins. While prenatal vitamins can give you an extra edge by ensuring adequate levels of key nutrients, they do have limitations.

Prenatal vitamins are only as good as the diet they are being added too. You cannot assume taking the vitamin means it is ok for you to slack off on good eating or choose poor quality foods. Prenatal vitamins are meant to supplement an already good diet, not make up for a poor diet. While they can provide a variety of nutrients, there are many other nutrients only available in foods because they come in such trace amounts and their functions are not yet understood.

Also, it is important to remember vitamins and minerals are only one part of our complex nutritional needs. Prenatal vitamins can help to ensure you consume adequate levels of these, but do not contain the protein, fat and carbohydrates necessary for healthy body functioning. By balancing your food choices throughout the day you can get the right amounts of every nutrient, not just vitamins and minerals.

If you want the extra insurance of prenatal vitamins but have difficulty digesting them, talk to your caregiver about other options. You may be able to use a less potent vitamin or a highly fortified cereal.

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