When browsing through the vitamin aisle, you may see an array of supplement blends made for adults, kids, bone health, and immune health, among others. One of those blends, prenatal vitamins, may give off the notion that they are only good for those that are trying to become pregnant.
The truth is that prenatal vitamins can help just about any woman, whether they are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or none of the above. Keep reading to learn more about what prenatal vitamins are, what they contain, the health impact they provide, and why taking prenatal vitamins when not pregnant is a good idea.
What are prenatal vitamins?
Prenatal vitamins are a product that contains extra doses of folic acid, calcium, and iron that help support a healthy pregnancy. They also contain a vast array of vitamins and minerals that you would likely find in a standard multivitamin such as A, C, D, E, K, and B vitamins as well as magnesium and potassium, to name a few.
How can prenatal vitamins support health?
Most prenatal vitamins provide between 18 and 27 grams of iron to support a healthy pregnancy. Not to mention that they also contain around 600 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid versus the 400 mcg or so that is found in many standard multivitamins. This increase in folic acid content is vital before and during pregnancy to support healthy brain and spinal cord development in the unborn baby. Some prenatal vitamin products also contain healthy fats like DHA, as well as iodine to further support the brain health of the baby.
For those who are not pregnant, prenatal vitamins can help fill any gaps you may have in your diet. For example, if you feel you don’t consume enough calcium in your diet, a prenatal vitamin could help supplement your meals and snacks to help you meet the minimum recommended calcium needs daily.
Are there any side effects of taking prenatal vitamins?
Prenatal vitamins may cause constipation or nausea in some people. If you become nauseous after taking your prenatal vitamin, then try eating something before taking it. On the other hand, if you become constipated, try to increase your intake of fruits and vegetables as well as drinking plenty of fluid each day and moving more.
It is also vital to note that high iron-containing prenatal vitamins can lead to stomach ulcers or inflammation if taken in excess. Therefore, it may be a good idea to stop taking such prenatal vitamins after giving birth and breastfeeding as well as after your childbearing years have ended.
Myths of taking prenatal vitamins
Unlike what you may hear from others, prenatal vitamins have not shown any evidence to help thicken hair. Also, if you have a B12 deficiency, or low B12 levels, taking a high dose of folate daily could make things worse. In turn, this combo could lead to the development of an issue known as megaloblastic anemia.
Why taking prenatal vitamins when not pregnant is a good idea
After reading about the benefits of prenatal vitamins above, it should be easy for you to decide whether to add them to your daily routine. They can fill in any in your daily eating routine as well as provide just what your body needs to maintain your best health and support a healthy pregnancy.
Recommended Prenatal Vitamins
NutriDyn Everyday Essentials Pregnancy: This supplement comes in handy packets of potent powder with ample nutrients for preconception, pregnancy, or nursing.
Pure Encapsulations Prenatal Nutrients : If you prefer a capsule, this supplement is a hypoallergenic and highly bioavailable product that contains just the right dose of nutrients for those that are pregnant or lactating.
Nordic Naturals Vegan Prenatal DHA: This supplement contains a sustainable, vegan source of the brain-healthy fat DHA. This healthy fat can support your health whether you are in the stage of before, during, or after pregnancy.
Bottom line
No matter what stage of life you’re living, a prenatal vitamin can be an ideal part of your healthy lifestyle. You may have thought before that prenatal vitamins were only for those hoping to get pregnant. But as you can see, taking prenatal vitamins when not pregnant is a good idea too. However, each person is different, so please consult with a healthcare provider before deciding to start taking a prenatal vitamin if you’re not expecting to become pregnant.
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