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 nutrient needs of this key period. This article explores the important vitamins to focus on during pregnancy, and how they help foster an environment conducive to the child's development.
The essential role of prenatal vitamins
Nutritional requirements increase considerably during pregnancy, often necessitating additional intake in the form of prenatal vitamins. These supplements help prevent deficiencies that could adversely affect the mother's health and fetal development. 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 through diet alone.
Why are prenatal vitamins so important?
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 anemia by increasing the blood's capacity to carry oxygen, essential for both mother and baby.
When should I start taking prenatal vitamins?
It is recommended to start taking prenatal vitamins at least three months before conception to prepare the body for pregnancy and continue throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding. This helps establish a reserve of essential nutrients in the body, optimizing 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 while breastfeeding. 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 fetal development. +mum should be started as soon as pregnancy is confirmed and continued throughout breastfeeding to ensure optimal nutrition.
Let's dive into the details of natural prenatal vitamins for a healthy pregnancy:
The essentials: iron, calcium, folic acid and vitamin D
Iron and Ferrous Bisglycinate
Iron is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in the formation of hemoglobin, a protein needed to transport oxygen in the blood. During pregnancy, iron requirements increase significantly, as the mother's blood volume increases and the fetus must 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 enables better iron absorption 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.
The Importance of Calcium in Prenatal Vitamins
Calcium is vital for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth, for both mother and baby. During pregnancy, calcium requirements increase to support fetal bone development. Inadequate calcium intake can lead to bone demineralization in the mother, as the calcium required for the baby's development is extracted from her bones
Prenatal supplements, such as +mum, ensure that pregnant women receive a sufficient amount of calcium, helping to prevent calcium deficiency complications and support muscle, nerve and circulatory functions.
Folic acid and the difference between its synthetic and natural form
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, gynecologists recommend that all women of childbearing age take a supplement containing at least 400 micrograms of folic acid per day before conception and during the first months of pregnancy to reduce the risk of these anomalies.
Folate vs. Synthetic Folic Acid
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's cheaper and easier to produce. However, there is a significant difference in the way the body processes these two forms
What is MTHF Folate?
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. For this reason, MTHF folate is often considered superior to synthetic folic acid, not least because it is directly usable 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 unmetabolized folic acid, which could be linked to health problems such as impaired immune function or neurological problems.
Why choose Folate (MTHF) rather than Folic Acid?
Choose the folate MTHF in supplements helps avoid 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 fetal nervous system
Plusbaby, aware of the crucial importance of optimal nutrition for pregnant women and those planning a pregnancy, has deliberately chosen to use exclusively MTHF folate in its dietary supplements, rather than synthetic folic acid. This decision is guided by a desire to provide a form of vitamin B9 that is directly usable 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 utilization by the body, minimizing the risk of accumulation of unmetabolized levels of folic acid, which could have negative health consequences. In addition, MTHF folate is directly involved in the prevention of neural tube defects in the fetus, one of the main reasons why vitamin B9 supplementation is recommended during pregnancy
By choosing MTHF folate for its products, Plusbaby aligns itself with the latest research in prenatal health and meets 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, most reliable nutritional support for herself and her baby.
Vegan Vitamin D3
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 algae 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 friendly to vegan diets, but also easier for the body to absorb, maximizing 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.
The essentials: vitamin C, vitamin E, biotin, niacin and riboflavin
Vitamin C: Indispensable support for immune health
Vitamin C, essential for collagen formation, plays an important role in the healthy development of the 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
Taking Vitamin C Naturally
Including vitamin C-rich fruits such as oranges, kiwis, strawberries and mangoes in the daily diet can cover requirements without resorting to supplements, while providing other beneficial nutrients
Vitamin E: A Powerful Antioxidan
Vitamin E helps protect cells against 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
Natural sources of Vitamin E
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.
Biotin and the Key Role in Metabolism
Essential for protein, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, biotin (vitamin B7) helps maintain stable energy levels. It is also important for healthy skin, hair and nails, which can be particularly stressed during pregnancy.
Increase Biotin Intake Naturally
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
The Importance of Riboflavin for Energy and Growth
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is vital for energy production and cell development. It helps maintain healthy skin and improves iron absorption, preventing anemia.
Sources of Riboflavin
Dairy products, eggs, green vegetables and lean meats are good sources of riboflavin. For women following a vegetarian or vegan diet, almonds and mushrooms can help maintain an adequate intake.
Niacin: For a healthy digestive and nervous system
Niacin (vitamin B3) is essential for the functioning of the nervous and digestive systems. It also helps convert food into energy, which is crucial during pregnancy when energy requirements increase.
Integrating Niacin into the Diet
Chicken, beef, fish, legumes and whole grains are good sources of niacin. A variety of these foods can help avoid supplements
Focus on omega-3s and their benefits for a healthy pregnancy and breastfeeding
Omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, play an invaluable role in a baby's neuronal and visual development. They also promote a better emotional balance in the mother, reducing the risk of post-partum depression. We recommend incorporating natural sources, such as oily fish, or choosing appropriate supplements to ensure adequate intake.
The importance of iodine and choline
Iodine is critical to the healthy functioning of the thyroid gland and particularly important during pregnancy to support the baby's brain development. Choline, meanwhile, is essential for liver health and plays a significant role in brain development. Adequate choline intake can positively influence a child's future intelligence
Practical tips for optimizing vitamin absorption
Diversify your diet: Including a variety of nutrient-rich foods not only promotes the absorption of vitamins, but also of essential minerals
Consider timing: Taking certain supplements, such as iron, at mealtimes can improve their assimilation.
Maintain balance: Be sure not to take excessive doses of any vitamin without consulting a health professional
Signs of vitamin deficiency during pregnancy
Observing the body's signals can help to quickly identify a possible nutrient deficiency. Extreme fatigue, brittle hair and nails, and abnormal cravings can all be indicative of a lack of specific nutrients. In such cases, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional to adjust nutritional intake as needed
Medical monitoring and personalized vitamin intake
As each pregnancy is unique, it's wise to personalize the supplements you take. Follow-up with a qualified health professional will enable us to establish a vitamin plan appropriate to your physiological particularities and specific related needs
Conclusion, our complete guide to natural prenatal vitamins for a healthy pregnanc
In conclusion, prenatal vitamins play an essential role in the health of the mother and the optimal development of the baby throughout pregnancy. Supplements like +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 efficacy
The importance of prenatal vitamins cannot be underestimated. They provide vital nutritional assurance at a time when the body's needs are being increased, and when diet alone may not be sufficient to meet these increased requirements. Plusbaby's choice to use exclusively MTHF folate instead of synthetic folic acid in its supplements illustrates a commitment to quality and efficacy, recognizing the genetic variations that can affect the absorption and utilization 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 need to be aware of the importance of starting prenatal vitamin supplementation well before conception and continuing throughout pregnancy, as well as during breastfeeding. This maximizes the benefits for the baby's development and the mother's well-being.
Finally, choosing prenatal vitamins like +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 needed for optimal growth and development.
