Which Prenatal Vitamin Is Right For Me?

Monday, March 1, 2010

Which Prenatal Vitamin Is Right For Me? (NAPSA)—For many women who are pregnantor trying to conceive, a prenatal vitamin in con- junction with a healthy diet can help support a healthy pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins are specially formulated multivitamins that provide certain extra nutrients a woman may need before conception, during pregnancy or during breast-feeding. But all prenatal vitamins are not created equal. Dr. James McGregor, Visiting Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, answers a few questions about prenatal vitamins. His answers will help you work with your doc- tor to choose a prenatal vitamin thatis right for you. What should myprenatal vitamin contain? Even though most nutrients needed to support a healthy pregnancy and baby may be obtained from your diet, some important ones may be missing or not ade- G @ amount of DHA from their diet that many experts recommend, which is about 200 to 300 mg daily during pregnancy and breast-feeding. You may want to look for prenatal supplements that contain plant-based DHA rather than fish-based DHA. Plant-based DHA eliminates potential concerns about ocean- borne contaminantsor toxins such as mercury, and avoids fishy smells or aftertaste that can be associated with fish-based DHA. Doall prenatal vitamins quately supplied. Key nutrients that doctors may advise supplementing include folic acid, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), calcium, iron and vitamins C, D3 and E. vitamins tend to have lower folic acid and iron important as folic acid. Typically, non-pre- Whyare nutrients such as components of my prenatal vitamin? Folic acid supports a mother’s body changes and her baby’s growth and development. According to The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), consuming at least 400 mcg (0.4 mg) a day offolic acid as part of a well-balanced diet before conception and during early preg- nancy may help reduce your baby’s risk of having neural tube defects and serious birth defects of the brain and spinal cord (e.g., spina bifida). Iron supports the formation of healthy red blood cells for oxygen transport. Whatare someother ingredients found in prenatal vitamins that may be beneficial to me? Some prenatal vitamins also contain docusate sodium, a gentle stool softener, to help alleviate occa- include the same amounts of ingredients? No. Non-prescription prenatal amounts of certain nutrients, such scription prenatal vitamins contain less than 1 mgof folic acid, while prescription prenatal vitamins may contain 1 mg or more—such as PreNexa Rx Prenatal Vitamin with Plant-Based DHA,which con- tains 1.25 mgoffolic acid. With so many prenatal vitamin choices, how do I know which oneis best for me? Talk to your doctor to deter- mine the right prenatal vitamin for you. Be sure that the prenatal vitamin you choose meets your lifestyle needs. Many prenatal vitamins, like PreNexa’, are avail- able in a single, convenient cap- sule that is taken once daily at a convenient time for you. What should I know about storing prenatal vitamins? Accidental overdose of iron-containing products, such as prenatal vitamins, is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under sional irregularity that can be common during pregnancy. Expectant mothers can also benefit from an 6. So be certain to keep prenatal vitamins out of the reach of chil- which may help alleviate nausea trol center immediately. additional source of vitamin B6, and vomiting during pregnancy. Whyis DHA important? DHA is a key omega-3 fatty acid that helps support fetal and infant brain and eye development. Often, women do not consume the dren; in case of accidental over- dose, call a doctor or poison conFor more information about prenatal vitamins, including important warnings and precautions, ask your doctor or visit product-specific websites such as www.prenexa.com. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ACOG. ACOG education pamphlet. Nutrition during pregnancy. hitp:/ /www.acog.org /publications/patient_education / bp001.cfm. Accessed May 21, 2010. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ACOG. ACOGissues guidance on treatment of morning sickness during pregnancy. hitp:/ /www.acog.org /from_home/publications /press_releases / nr03-29-04-1.cfm. Accessed dune 8, 2010. Medline Plus. http: / /www.nlm.nih.gov / medlineplus /druginfo / natural |patientfishoil.himl. Accessed September 9, 2008. Koletzko, et al. The roles of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in pregnancy, lactation andinfancy; review ofcurrent knowledge and consensus recommendations. J Perinat Med 36 (2008)5-14. Simopoulas AP, LeafA, Salem N Jr. Workshop on the essentiality of and recommended dietary intakes for omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. J Am Coll Nutr. 1999; 18:487-489. Environmental Defense Fund. Fish oil supplements. http: / /www.edf.org |page.cfm tagID=16536. Accessed June 30, 2010. PreNexa (package insert). Minneapolis, MN: Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc; 2010. Harris WS. Fish oil supplementation: evidence for health benefits. Cleve Clin J Med. 2004; 71(3):208-221. 104511.01

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