Taking Mulivitamins during Pregnancy

Yesterday the BBC released an article on taking multivitamins during pregnancy. As per the article, it is true that the NHS recommends 10 micrograms of vitamin D each day throughout your pregnancy (and during breastfeeding) and 400 micrograms of folic acid each day before pregnancy until you are 12 weeks pregnant. Mums to be can choose to supplement with folic acid and Vitamin D only, combined with a healthy diet, but for those who choose to complement their diet with a multivitamin and mineral supplement, we offer a product specifically formulated to meet the consumer needs to deliver other nutrients which have benefits to maintain normal bones, support normal immune function and normal fertility and reproduction. Our pregnancy formulations do not contain any Vitamin A, as per NHS guidelines.

Not just during pregnancy but in general we would always support a food first approach and recommend a healthy balanced diet and an active lifestyle. Food supplements should not replace a healthy balanced diet and an active lifestyle. It is best to get vitamins and minerals from the food we eat. In addition to this the NHS also recommends Iron, Vitamin C and Calcium as nutrients particularly important during pregnancy and in certain cases, supplementation in some instances may be relevant to meet increased demands. Those mothers with special dietary needs (food allergies & intolerances, vegan and vegetarian mums) may also choose to supplement with certain nutrients. Please talk to your midwife or GP if you have any specific queries with regards to your diet, nutrient intake and supplementation.

The ClubVits Pregnancy Multivitamin Tablets offer a variety of nutrients in a single tablet format as an adjunct to a healthy and balanced diet, for those who choose to supplement with a multivitamin:

• - Zinc contributes to normal fertility and reproduction.
• - Iron contributes to normal formation of the red blood cells and haemoglobin and Vitamin C helps with iron absorption. Vitamin B6 and B12 also help maintain normal red blood cells formation.
• - Vitamin K, Vitamin D, Zinc and Magnesium for the maintenance of normal bones
• - B vitamins help reduce tiredness and fatigue.
• - Selenium and Copper helps with the normal function of the immune system.
• - Supplemental folic acid intake increases maternal folate status. Low maternal folate status is a risk factor in the development of neural tube defects in the developing foetus.

Furthermore a 2013 study highlighted that mothers in the UK may not be getting enough iodine. (published in the Lancet) Currently The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) is working to give an overview of the current evidence and the adequacy of dietary intakes of iodine in the UK, especially during pregnancy. This study by the Lancet stated ‘As a component of thyroid hormones, iodine is essential for foetal brain development. Although the UK has long been considered iodine replete, increasing evidence suggests that it might now be mildly iodine deficient. Iodine status in pregnant women in the UK should be treated as an important public health issue that needs attention.’ Iodine can also be obtained from food sources including fish and shellfish (though pregnant women need to take care when eating certain types of fish). Eggs, milk and dairy products and certain grains are other sources.

World Health Organisation also advises Iron supplementation may be useful during pregnancy, combined with folic acid, as Iron intake during pregnancy is important for normal red blood cell formation.’