Wednesday 26 March 2014

What is the use of prenatal vitamins?

Prenatal vitamins are extremely significant for mothers and their babies. These vitamins are particularly formulated multivitamins that help to make up for any deficiencies that the mother might be missing in her diet. While the supplements include several vitamins and minerals, the most essential components of prenatal vitamins that include folic acid, calcium and iron. All of which are very important for the healthy development of a baby.
Pregnant women need a substantial amount of folic acid in their diets. Folic acid helps to lessen the risk of birth defects in the baby, specifically in the brain and spinal cord.
These kinds of deficiencies often occur within the first 28 days after conception. Unfortunately, this is before many women even understand that they are pregnant. Owing to this and because half of pregnancies are unplanned, it is suggested that all women who are old enough to have children take 400 micrograms of folic acid on a daily basis.
The FDA also needs that some specific food items should be prepared with folic acid to help women get the required amounts of folic acid that they need through their diets. All foods that are made of flour, such as bagels and breads, these are already prepared with folic acid.
Over and above these fortified foods, women can get folic acid from the following sources:
  • Green Leafy Vegetables
  • Nuts
  • Beans
  • Citrus Fruits
Calcium is also particularly important in women and a prenatal vitamin can help her in getting the suggested amounts of calcium she needs. Women who receive ample amounts of calcium in their diet are able to protect their own bone loss while the body builds bones for the baby.
Iron helps both the mother and the baby's blood convey sufficient oxygen for proper function. It is essential to understand that not all prenatal vitamins are built the same. A woman's doctor is able to advise her on the brands that are best suited for her.

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