🎁Recevez Une Boîte GRATUITE d'Oméga 3 Vegan DHA Pour Toute Commande De Plus De 50 CHF - Visitez Notre Shop !
3 for the price of 2! 🎁 Free delivery on all orders – Visit Our Shop!
Complete guide to prenatal vitamins: Nutrition during pregnancy plays a crucial role not only for the health of the mother, but also for the optimal development of the baby. Natural prenatal vitamins are essential to meet the increased need for nutrients at this key time. This article explores the important vitamins to focus on during pregnancy and how they help to foster an environment conducive to the child’s development.
Nutritional needs increase considerably during pregnancy, often necessitating additional intake in the form of prenatal vitamins. These supplements help to prevent deficiencies that could harm the health of the mother and the development of the foetus. Regular intake of these vitamins, tailored to individual needs, supports the various biological processes involved in motherhood.
Prenatal vitamins play an essential role in supporting the health of the mother and the optimal development of the baby during pregnancy. These supplements are designed to fill nutritional gaps and ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients that may be difficult to obtain in sufficient quantities from food alone.
Prenatal vitamins provide key nutrients such as folic acid, iron, calcium, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, among others. Folic acid, for example, helps prevent neural tube defects (such as spina bifida) very early in the baby’s development, often before the pregnancy is even known. Iron prevents anaemia by increasing the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, which is essential for both mother and baby.
It is recommended to start taking prenatal vitamins at least three months before conception to prepare the body for pregnancy and continue during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This helps to build up a reserve of essential nutrients in the body, optimising the mother’s health and the baby’s development from the earliest stages of pregnancy.
+fertiwomen is specifically formulated to support female fertility. It contains metabolically active folic acid (5-MTHF), Coenzyme Q10, arginine, amino acids and 12 other essential nutrients. Ideal for women preparing their bodies for pregnancy, +fertiwomen should be started when planning a pregnancy.
+mum is intended for use throughout pregnancy and during the breastfeeding period. This supplement contains 17 essential nutrients, including a highly absorbable form of folic acid, iron, vitamins B6 and B12, iodine and selenium, supporting maternal health and foetal development. +mum should be started as soon as pregnancy is confirmed and continued throughout breastfeeding to ensure optimal nutrition.
Let’s delve into the details of natural prenatal vitamins for a healthy pregnancy:
Iron is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in the formation of haemoglobin, a protein needed to transport oxygen in the blood. During pregnancy, iron requirements increase significantly as the mother’s blood volume increases and the foetus has to build up its own iron reserves. However, iron can often be difficult to absorb and cause gastrointestinal side effects such as constipation and nausea, especially when taken in supplement form.
Ferrous bisglycinate, used in supplements such as +mum, is a chelated form of iron. This formulation allows better absorption of iron and is less likely to cause gastrointestinal side effects. Unlike non-chelated forms of iron, ferrous bisglycinate does not inhibit the absorption of other essential nutrients such as vitamin E and calcium, making it a preferred choice for prenatal vitamins.
Calcium is vital for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth, for both mother and baby. During pregnancy, calcium requirements intensify to support foetal bone development. Inadequate calcium intake can lead to bone demineralisation in the mother, as the calcium required for the baby’s development is extracted from the baby’s bones.
Prenatal supplements, such as +mum, ensure that pregnant women receive a sufficient amount of calcium, helping to prevent complications associated with calcium deficiency and support muscle, nerve and circulatory functions.
Folic acid, a form of vitamin B9, plays a crucial role in preventing congenital anomalies of the brain and spinal cord, known as neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. In Switzerland, as in many other countries, gynaecologists recommend that all women of childbearing age take a supplement containing at least 400 micrograms of folic acid a day before conception and during the first few months of pregnancy to reduce the risk of these anomalies.
Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9, found in foods such as green leafy vegetables, legumes and certain fruits. Folic acid, on the other hand, is the synthetic form of vitamin B9, commonly used in supplements and fortified foods because it is cheaper and easier to produce. However, there is a significant difference in the way the body processes these two forms.
5-Methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) is the circulating form of folate in the body and the only form of folate that can cross the blood-brain barrier. This is why MTHF folate is often considered superior to synthetic folic acid, particularly because it can be used directly by the body without requiring conversion by the enzyme methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). Some people have genetic variants of this enzyme that reduce their ability to convert folic acid into a usable form, potentially increasing the risk of accumulation of unmetabolised folic acid, which could be linked to health problems such as impaired immune function or neurological problems.
Choosing MTHF folate in supplements avoids the problems associated with folic acid conversion and is therefore particularly important for people with MTHFR genetic variations. In addition, MTHF folate is considered to be more immediately useful for the formation of red blood cells and the development of the foetal nervous system.
Plusbaby, aware of the crucial importance of optimal nutrition for pregnant women and those planning a pregnancy, has deliberately chosen to use only MTHF folate in its food supplements, rather than synthetic folic acid. This decision is guided by a desire to provide a form of vitamin B9 that can be used directly by the body, without the need for enzymatic conversion, which may be deficient in some people due to genetic variations in the MTHFR enzyme.
The use of MTHF folate ensures better absorption and utilisation by the body, minimising the risk of accumulation of non-metabolised levels of folic acid, which could have negative health consequences. In addition, MTHF folate is directly involved in preventing neural tube defects in the foetus, one of the main reasons why vitamin B9 supplementation is recommended during pregnancy.
By choosing MTHF folate for its products, Plusbaby is aligning itself with the latest research in prenatal health and meeting the needs of all women, including those affected by genetic variants that influence folate metabolism. This demonstrates Plusbaby’s commitment to the quality, safety and efficacy of its products, ensuring that every woman receives the safest and most reliable nutritional support for herself and her baby.
Vitamin D3 is essential for facilitating calcium absorption and maintaining a healthy immune system. However, most sources of vitamin D3 in supplements are derived from lanolin, a substance extracted from sheep’s wool. For those following a vegan diet or concerned about the use of animal products, a vegan source of vitamin D3, such as that extracted from the seaweed used in +mum, offers an ethical and sustainable alternative.
Seaweed naturally produces cholecalciferol (D3) when exposed to sunlight, making it an entirely plant-based source. This form of vitamin D3 is not only suitable for vegan diets but is also easier for the body to absorb, maximising the health benefits for both mother and baby. Opting for a vegan vitamin D3 ensures that not only nutritional needs but also ethical and lifestyle choices are respected, while providing all the benefits of this crucial vitamin during pregnancy.
Vitamin C, essential for collagen formation, plays an important role in the healthy development of a baby’s bones, teeth, gums and blood vessels. It also boosts the mother’s immune system, reducing the risk of minor infections that could complicate pregnancy.
Including vitamin C-rich fruits such as oranges, kiwis, strawberries and mangoes in the daily diet can cover requirements without the need for supplements, while providing other beneficial nutrients.
Vitamin E helps protect cells from oxidative damage and plays a role in maintaining healthy skin and eyes. During pregnancy, this vitamin also helps prevent hypertension, a risk factor for conditions such as pre-eclampsia.
Vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and green leafy vegetables are excellent sources of vitamin E. These foods also provide essential fatty acids and other fat-soluble vitamins.
Essential for protein, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, biotin (vitamin B7) helps maintain stable energy levels. It is also important for the health of the skin, hair and nails, which can be particularly stressed during pregnancy.
Eggs, liver, yeast, avocados, nuts and whole grains are rich in biotin. A balanced diet that includes them can prevent deficiencies without the need for supplementation.
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is vital for energy production and cell development. It helps maintain healthy skin and improves iron absorption, preventing anaemia.
Dairy products, eggs, green vegetables and lean meat are good sources of riboflavin. For women following a vegetarian or vegan diet, almonds and mushrooms can help maintain an adequate intake.
Niacin (vitamin B3) is essential for the functioning of the nervous and digestive systems. It also helps to convert food into energy, which is crucial during pregnancy when energy requirements increase.
Chicken, beef, fish, legumes and whole grains are good sources of niacin. A variety of these foods can help avoid supplements.
Omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, play an invaluable role in a baby’s neuronal and visual development. They also promote better emotional balance in mothers, reducing the risk of post-partum depression. We recommend incorporating natural sources such as oily fish or choosing appropriate supplements to ensure adequate intake.
Iodine is critical for the healthy functioning of the thyroid gland and particularly important during pregnancy to support the baby’s brain development. Choline, on the other hand, is essential for liver health and plays a significant role in brain development. An adequate intake of choline can have a positive influence on the child’s future intelligence.
Diversify your diet: Including a variety of nutrient-rich foods not only promotes the absorption of vitamins, but also of essential minerals.
Consider the timing: Taking certain supplements, such as iron, between meals can improve their absorption.
Maintain balance: Make sure you don’t take excessive doses of any vitamin without consulting a health professional.
Observing your body’s signals can help to quickly identify a possible nutritional deficiency. Extreme fatigue, brittle hair and nails, and abnormal cravings can all be indicative of a lack of specific nutrients. In such cases, it is advisable to consult a health professional to adjust the nutritional intake as required.
As each pregnancy is unique, it is wise to personalise the food supplements you take. Follow-up with a qualified health professional will enable you to draw up a vitamin plan appropriate to your physiological particularities and specific related needs.
In conclusion, our complete guide to prenatal vitamins play an essential role in the health of the mother and the optimal development of the baby throughout pregnancy. Supplements such as +fertiwomen and +mum, carefully formulated by Plusbaby, offer a combination of essential nutrients, including MTHF folate and other vitamins and minerals specifically chosen for their high bioavailability and effectiveness.
The importance of prenatal vitamins cannot be underestimated. They provide vital nutritional reassurance at a time when the body’s needs are increasing and diet alone may not be sufficient to meet these increased requirements. Plusbaby’s choice to use only MTHF folate instead of synthetic folic acid in its supplements illustrates a commitment to quality and efficacy, recognising the genetic variations that can affect the absorption and use of folic acid.
In addition, components such as ferrous bisglycinate for iron, well-dosed calcium, and vitamin D3 extracted from algae for its vegan version, ensure that these supplements are not only effective but also respectful of individual dietary preferences and sensitivities.
Mothers-to-be should be aware of the importance of starting prenatal vitamin supplementation well before conception and continuing throughout pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This maximises the benefits for the baby’s development and the mother’s well-being.
Finally, choosing prenatal vitamins such as +fertiwomen and +mum is a crucial step in ensuring a healthy pregnancy. By supplementing diets with these well-formulated supplements, expectant mothers can approach this key period with confidence, knowing that they are providing themselves and their babies with the nutrients they need for optimal growth and development.
Acheter les produits de cet article
PlusBaby resources are intended to provide general information and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Stay connected with Plusbaby. Sign up for a free e-book to understand your menstrual cycle and help you identify your most fertile period. You’ll also get early access to offers.
Who we are
