By: Tc Yeap
Pre-natal vitamins are very important for mothers and their babies. These vitamins are specially formulated multivitamins that help to make up for any deficiencies that the mother may be lacking her diet. While the supplements contain many vitamins and minerals, the most important components of pre-natal vitamins including folic acid, calcium and iron. All of which are very important for the healthy development of a baby.
Pregnant women need a substantial amount of folic acid in their diets. Folic acid helps to reduce the risk of birth defects in the baby, particularly in the brain and spinal cord. A baby that is born with spina bifida most likely lacked in the folic acid they needed while developing. In spina bifida, the baby is born with nerve damage because the spine is not closed. This can cause a number of issues from nerve damage and paralysis to mental retardation.
These types of defects often occur within the first 28 days after conception. Unfortunately, this is before many women even realize that they are pregnant. Because of this and because half of pregnancies are unplanned, it is recommended that all women old enough to have children take 400 micrograms of folic acid on a daily basis. The FDA also requires that certain food items be fortified with folic acid to help women get the necessary amounts of folic acid that they require through their diets. All foods that are made of flour, such as bagels and breads, these are fortified with folic acid.
In addition to these fortified foods, women can get folic acid from the following sources:
* Green Leafy Vegetables
* Nuts
* Beans
* Citrus Fruits
Calcium is also particularly important in women and a pre-natal vitamin can assist her in getting the recommended amounts of calcium she needs. Women who receive ample amounts of calcium in their diet are able to prevent their own bone loss while the body builds bones for the baby.
Iron helps both the mother and the baby's blood carry enough oxygen for proper function.
It is important to realize that not all pre-natal vitamins are built the same. A woman's doctor is able to advise her on the brands that are best suitable for her.
TC Yeap is the CEO of Singaporean company Sainhall Nutrihealth . Founded in 1990, Sainhall Nutrihealth is a leading distributor for health products in South East Asia.
