Caitlin Johnson, RD, CLT
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Prenatal Vitamins - What's the skinny?

1/4/2017

3 Comments

 
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Do I need to take vitamins?

A prenatal vitamin can help ensure that you and your baby are getting the nutrients that you need. Buy a prenatal vitamin that contains the following:

  • 200 mg calcium -choose a calcium citrate instead of calcium carbonate
  • 400-800 mcg folic acid
  • 400 IU vitamin D
  • 15 mg zinc
  • 27 mg iron
  • 300 mg DHA
  • At least 150 mcg iodine (220-250 mcg is recommended in pregnancy)
  • Vit B12: Look for methylcobalamin instead of cyanocobalin
  • Magnesium, zinc and copper – these minerals look for citrate forms instead of oxide forms- they are more easily absorbed
  • Folate: Look for methylated folate (often listed as 5-MTHF)

I recommend taking Douglas Laboratories Prenatal (retail is $24.40 per month and serving size is 2 caps per day) or Thorne Basic Prenatal (retail $24.61 per month and serving size is 3 caps).

Many prenatals do not include enough DHA so it will be necessary to also supplement with a high quality fish oil. I recommend Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA (retail $19.3 per month and serving size is 2 caps).

I have photos below of my top picks, if you need assistance sourcing these supplements, or any supplements I have a direct distributor where you can receive 10% off any supplements and have them delivered straight to your door. 

When to start supplementation?
Ideally, start taking prenatal vitamins before conception. It is generally recommended women of reproductive age to regularly take prenatal vitamins. However, you should begin taking, if you have not already, as soon as you discover you are pregnant.

How long do I take them?
You should take prenatal vitamins throughout your entire pregnancy and continue after the baby is born, especially while breast-feeding.
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Do prenatal vitamins have any side effects?
Some women feel quesy after taking prenatal vitamins. If this happens to you, you’re your prenatal vitamin with a meal or right before bed. The iron in prenatal vitamins contributes to constipation. To prevent this make sure you are drinking plenty of water, you have adequate fiber intake and are remaining physically active (at least a brisk walk for 20-30 minutes daily). 

If you have any questions, feel free to comment below.
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3 Comments
Michelle Armstrong
1/5/2017 09:54:04 am

Hey lady! Since I started following you on Instagram I've been keeping up with your website and health tips--I love it! And I'm thankful most everything agrees with things I have been learning as well, plus some additional helpful nuggets. I'm so happy to see how sweet your life looks! Much love and God bless you!

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Ethan link
3/10/2021 03:19:25 am

I learn from your article. Thank you for sharing.

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sachinmitra link
7/16/2021 05:13:16 am

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and knowledge on this subject. This is often really helpful and informative, I might like to see more updates from you on <a
href="https://birthcottage.com/services/#pregnancy"> Prenatal Pregnancy NH</a>, maternity care, and Breastfeeding Support NH Milford and Salem, NH.

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    Caitlin Johnson is a dietitian, wife, lover of ice cream, chef wannabe, California-girl, Christian, liver eating, "food-avore." 

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Information on this web site is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. It is not to be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication, nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read on this web site. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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