Introduction
For a healthy pregnancy, a balanced diet is especially important to provide the expectant mother and the unborn child with all essential nutrients and vitamins. According to the German Nutrition Society, the need for nutrients and energy increases significantly, placing great emphasis on the proper selection of foods. However, everyday nutrition is not always sufficient to intake all vitamins and minerals. With pregnancy dietary supplements, pregnant women can supplement important nutrients such as iodine, folic acid, iron, vitamin D, and DHA to ensure their needs are met. Women planning to have children should also pay early attention to adjusting their supply. Already at the beginning of pregnancy, a proper diet, which also includes dairy products, a healthy lifestyle, and sufficient physical activity are of great importance to support the health of mother and child and minimize possible risks. Learn which dietary supplements are recommended during pregnancy and how important safe preparations are.
Why are dietary supplements important during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, women need significantly more nutrients, which diet alone often cannot compensate for. When the demand for vitamins and nutrients can no longer be met through food, supplements come into play: with dietary supplements for pregnant women, under-supply can be avoided and the health of mother and child positively promoted.
Important vitamins and minerals during pregnancy
There are certain vitamins and minerals that expectant mothers should supplement during their pregnancy to support the growth and development of their unborn child and maintain their own well-being.
Take folic acid already when planning to have children
If you wish to have children, you should start taking folic acid before pregnancy. Many studies have shown that an adequate supply of 400 micrograms of folic acid significantly reduces the risk of nervous system malformations such as neural tube defects. To ensure the spinal cord and brain of the unborn child can develop normally, women should supplement this B-vitamin at least one month before the start of pregnancy and also specifically during the first trimester.
Increased need for iodine during pregnancy
Since women have an increased need for iodine during pregnancy, this trace element should also be supplemented. This ensures adequate iodine intake, which according to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment is important for maintaining various body functions such as the thyroid and nervous system. To prevent iodine deficiency and thyroid diseases, a daily intake of 100 to 150 µg iodine is recommended.
Iron for pregnant women
In addition to folic acid and iodine, the DGE also recommends that pregnant women take iron - depending on individual iron stores. Iron levels can be determined by a medical blood test and intake adjusted accordingly. Since blood volume increases during pregnancy, the need for iron also rises. For this reason, iron deficiency occurs more quickly in pregnant women, which can affect the supply of oxygen to cells and organs. In this case, increased iron intake through capsules as well as diet is important. Iron-rich foods include whole grain products, legumes, and spinach, which are best complemented by simultaneous intake of vitamin C.
Omega-3 fatty acids for expectant mothers
Omega-3 fatty acids are also important for the health of the expectant mother and the development of the unborn child. The three fatty acids include docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and alpha-linolenic acid, which play a central role in the development of the child's brain as well as the function of the eyes and nervous system. An adequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids contributes to good development of the child's cognitive and motor skills. According to Professor Middleton from Cochrane Pregnancy, omega-3 fatty acids also reduce the risk of miscarriages and premature births, which are among the most common causes of death in young children. Pregnant women are recommended a daily amount of 200 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods such as fatty sea fish like salmon as well as sea fish and trout. Supplements Schwangerschaft with DHA also enable targeted nutrient supply for pregnant women.
The best safe supplements for pregnancy and breastfeeding
During pregnancy, the need for vitamins and minerals can be met through Nahrungsergänzungsmittel Schwangerschaft Testsieger to support the health of mother and child. It is important to use safe preparations that are tailored to the needs of the pregnant woman. The Nutraceuticals supplements provide pregnant women and the developing baby with all essential nutrients:
Nutrador Omega-3-Fettsäure Kapseln
Omega-3 fatty acids influence the development of the child's brain function and eye function. The Nutrador Omega-3-Fettsäuren Kapseln also support the baby's cognitive development and reduce the risk of preterm birth before the 34th week by 42% and before the 37th week by 11%. While DHA supports the child's vision, EPA promotes the mother's heart health and minimizes inflammation.
Supplement folic acid during pregnancy
Taking folic acid is essential before and during early pregnancy to prevent malformations in the baby's brain and spinal cord. Folic acid supports cell division and growth of the child and influences nervous system development. The Nutrador Opti B-Komplex Kapseln promote cell division and blood formation during pregnancy as well as heart health and the immune system of the pregnant woman.
Vitamin D for healthy bone development
Taking vitamin D during pregnancy helps with the healthy development of bones and teeth and improves calcium absorption. The immune system of both mother and child is also strengthened by the Nutrador Opti Immun capsules, which contain essential nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin B12, selenium, and vitamin E alongside vitamin D3.
Iron for the formation of red blood cells
Since pregnant women have an increased blood volume, their need for iron is also higher. This vital trace element is essential for the formation of red blood cells and the supply of oxygen to cells and organs in the blood. Iron deficiency can lead to health problems in pregnant women such as fatigue, shortness of breath, headaches, and increased susceptibility to infections. Anemia can be treated with iron supplements and iron stores replenished.
How to choose a safe dietary supplement?
Pregnant women should follow certain guidelines when choosing dietary supplements:
Avoid harmful additives
Always choose high-quality products that do not contain harmful additives such as artificial colorings, preservatives, or chemical fillers. The quality of the ingredients is essential to ensure that pregnant women receive optimal nutrition and are not adversely affected health-wise. Certain ingredients can be particularly harmful during pregnancy if the body reacts sensitively. The Nahrungsergänzungsmittel Schwangerschaft Testsieger should contain natural and plant-based ingredients that are well tolerated.
Pay attention to certificates and third-party testing
Safe dietary supplements should have certifications or seals from reputable institutions such as the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung, which guarantee a certain quality standard. It is also important that the supplements have been tested by independent third parties to verify the ingredients and exclude any health risks.
Reputable brands
The market for dietary supplements during pregnancy is large, making product selection difficult for many pregnant women. Rely exclusively on reputable brands that transparently label their supplement ingredients and have them regularly tested. Supplements from recognized brands like Nutraceuticals für Haar have verified quality and can be taken safely. Nevertheless, supplementation with vitamins and nutrients should only be done after consultation with the treating physician to determine the correct dosage and necessity.
Tips for effective intake of dietary supplements during pregnancy
Taking dietary supplements during pregnancy can have a positive effect on the health and well-being of mother and baby. To achieve optimal effects and avoid side effects, pregnant women should consider some tips when taking supplements:
Supplement dietary supplements at the right time
While vitamin C and vitamin D should ideally be taken in the morning with breakfast, vitamin B absorption is recommended in the evening. Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E dissolve only in combination with fat and should be taken best with a meal. Since iron often irritates an empty stomach, the trace element should be supplemented one to two hours after a meal. And certain vitamins impair each other's effects and should therefore not be combined: pregnant women should not take folic acid together with zinc and also not take iron simultaneously with zinc, calcium, and magnesium.
Interactions with other medications
In addition to interactions between individual vitamins and minerals, medications can also affect the absorption of dietary supplements. The effect of dietary supplements can be inhibited or enhanced by antibiotics or blood thinners. Those who want to take dietary supplements during pregnancy and must also take medications should do so only in consultation with their treating physician and follow medical advice.
Regular intake of dietary supplements
To achieve optimal effect, regular intake of dietary supplements during pregnancy is important. Vitamins, minerals, and trace elements such as folic acid, iron, and vitamin D must be supplemented over a longer period to effectively supply mother and child. While folic acid intake should continue at least until the end of the first trimester, iodine intake is recommended throughout the entire pregnancy. A daily intake of 800 I.U. vitamin D is also recommended to support the baby's bone and tooth development and the expectant mother's immune system.
Follow medical advice
The intake of dietary supplements should always be done in consultation with a doctor, and pregnant women should always consider medical advice. For dietary supplements during pregnancy such as iron and vitamin D, a blood test is done beforehand to detect a deficiency and determine the correct dose. Expectant mothers should follow medical recommendations and not independently take more or different supplements. In case of possible side effects and complaints, a doctor should be consulted immediately to adjust the dietary supplementation.
Conclusion: Dietary supplements during pregnancy
During pregnancy, a balanced diet with sufficient nutrients, trace elements, and vitamins is essential to support the health of both mother and child. However, food alone is often not enough to meet the nutrient requirements. During pregnancy, women have an increased need for iodine, iron, and vitamins, which can be balanced with dietary supplements. When considering which dietary supplements are essential during pregnancy, folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, iodine, iron, and vitamin D play a major role. For the best possible effect, proper intake, possible interactions among them and with other medications, as well as the correct dosage must be observed. Furthermore, expectant mothers should choose safe and high-quality supplements that do not contain artificial and harmful contaminants and are tested and certified by official institutions. Since every pregnancy is individual, the intake of dietary supplements should always be done in consultation with a doctor to select the right products.
Legal notice regarding health-related information:
Our information is for general informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Dietary supplements do not replace a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Health-related claims about dietary supplements must comply with the Health Claims Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006 and be approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). In case of health complaints or questions, please consult a doctor.
FAQ
Can I take multivitamins for pregnant women without consulting my doctor?
If pregnant women want to take multivitamins, they should always first consult their treating gynecologist. Through a blood test, the doctor determines which deficiencies exist and which vitamins and minerals should be supplemented. Certain vitamins can cause health problems if taken without a deficiency. Too high a dose of vitamin D can lead to hypercalcemia and impair the baby's bone formation. An excess of iron can also negatively affect the body and, besides stomach complaints, damage the cardiovascular system.
How can I tell if a supplement is safe for my baby?
Make sure to use certified supplements from recognized brands like Nutrador to ensure safety for your own health and that of the baby. A safe and high-quality dietary supplement has been reviewed by recognized organizations such as the DGE and tested by independent third parties. Do not use products with artificial colorings or chemical additives, but supplements with natural ingredients free from additives.
Why should I start taking folic acid already four weeks before pregnancy?
Folic acid intake is recommended already four weeks before pregnancy, as the neural tube closes three to four weeks after conception. Since many women only realize they are pregnant after a few weeks, the folate stores should already be replenished by that time. A low folate level increases the risk of malformations of the brain or spinal cord such as neural tube defects.
Conclusion
Legal notice regarding health-related claims:
Our information is for general informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Dietary supplements do not replace a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Health-related claims about dietary supplements must comply with the Health Claims Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006 and be approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). If you have health complaints or questions, please consult a doctor.
