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If there’s one thing doctors agree on, it’s that all of their pregnant patients should take prenatal supplements. As a result, about 3 in 4 expecting mothers follow their doctor’s advice.
But even though they’re crucial for the health of mother and baby alike, prenatal supplements are not evaluated for safety and efficacy in the same way that foods and drug products are. There are no rules that require these supplements to contain any nutrients at all, let alone the appropriate doses.
Not surprisingly, research shows that none of the most widely available over-the-counter prenatal supplements – whether they are tablets, capsules, soft gels or gummies – provide adequate levels of five key nutrients: folic acid, iron, vitamin D, calcium and docosahexaenoic acid, a member of the family of omega-3 fatty acids.
Because there are no regulatory standards for these products, there’s no incentive to improve them. No one is mandating that these companies change their formulation, so it’s not a priority for them.
I'm also vegan. I was lucky to have amazing doctors when I was pregnant in that they heavily emphasized prenatal supplements are just that: mere supplements. Even if supplements somehow packed in everything a mother needed, it's unlikely your body could absorb it all sufficiently. The key is to eat healthy, rich, nutrient-dense foods throughout your entire pregnancy (and after if you are breastfeeding) and pair it with other foods/ liquids that help extract those nutrients.
Not pregnant...but I feel this! I take 8 vitamins every day because of this! Granted 4 are glucosamine...but still, finding a multi with ALL the things is nearly impossible. Add being vegan to the mix and you just accept choking down the pile o pills 🤷♀️
Thankyou for sharing!