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every prenatal vitamin is the same; in fact some may not benefit the
expectant mother as much as they claim. Recent studies show that a
pregnant woman't body does not necessarily absorb all of the nutrients
provided by the vitamins, especially folate. Folate is extremely important
in the baby's prenatal development. The vitamin helps prevent birth
defects like spina-bifida. Only three out of nine vitamins on average
actually provide the amount of folate labeled on the bottle. This
is not to suggest that the supplements do not have the vitamin, it
just is not absorbed by the woman抯 body.
Some argue that it is
better to take a prenatal vitamin prescribed by a doctor. However,
this is not necessarily the case. While prescribed vitamins are
ideal, many of the very same vitamins are available in stores and
without a prescription. The most important thing to consider is
the ingredients in the vitamins. Another important factor to consider
is whether the vitamins are easily absorbed or not.
There is an easy test
you can use to determine if the vitamins will be absorbed into your
system. Put one of the prenatal vitamins into a cup of water. Wait
ten minutes. If the vitamin is dissolved, or is very soft, it will
be absorbed into your system. If the vitamin remains hard, it will
probably pass through your system without depositing many of the
nutrients it carries.
It is a good idea to
talk to your doctor when deciding which prenatal vitamin is best
for you. I found that the vitamin my doctor prescribed made me very
nauseous. I told my doctor about the trouble I was having and she
recommended a supplement that I could buy over the counter. This
vitamin was not a potent as the one she originally prescribed, but
I was getting more nutrients because I was able to tolerate them
much better.
Finding the right prenatal
vitamin may take a little research, but the benefits are great.
However, it is crucial to keep eating a healthy, well-balanced diet.
There is no supplement that can replace good nutrition.
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