How to choose the right prenatal vitamins?
You are pregnant? Congratulation! Maybe you started looking for a prenatal supplement, on the advice of your doctor, or not. But faced with the multitude of choices, you don't know where to turn? You naturally want the best for your baby, so we help you see more clearly and identify the important criteria for choosing the right pregnancy vitamins.
BIOAVAILABILITY
When it comes to choosing prenatal vitamins, it is important to consider the bioavailability of nutrients in supplements. Bioavailability refers to the extent to which nutrients are absorbed and utilized by the body. Higher bioavailability means the nutrients are better utilized by the body and can thus provide the intended benefits.
It is recommended to look for high quality prenatal vitamin supplements that contain nutrients in an easily absorbed form. For example, it is better to choose vitamin D3 supplements rather than D2, because D3 is better absorbed by the body. Likewise, the natural form of folic acid, folate, is more easily absorbed than synthetic folic acid.
THE AMOUNT
It is also important to consider the amount of nutrients in supplements. Nutrient needs vary from person to person, so it is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine individual prenatal vitamin requirements. For example many prenatal vitamins contain calcium, but during pregnancy the intestinal absorption of calcium doubles so that supplementation is not normally necessary. It is therefore better to turn to supplements that contain nutrients that will optimize the assimilation of calcium, such as vitamin D.
EXTERNAL ANALYSIS
It is also important to emphasize the importance of choosing prenatal vitamins that have been tested by an independent laboratory to verify their quality. Dietary supplement manufacturers are not regulated in the same way as drug manufacturers, which can lead to variations in the quality and quantity of nutrients in prenatal vitamins.
By choosing prenatal vitamins that have been tested and approved by an independent laboratory, you can be sure that the risk of contamination is minimized .
SYNTHETIC INGREDIENTS
It is important to note that synthetic nutrients may have constraints with respect to their bioavailability and their ability to be metabolized by the body. Some people may have difficulty absorbing or metabolizing certain synthetic nutrients, which may reduce their effectiveness.
Additionally, some synthetic nutrients may also interact with other medications or supplements you are taking, which may have adverse effects. Sometimes, on the contrary, it is the synthetic active ingredients that will be better tolerated. Look to a brand that uses both, whichever is most appropriate.
PRESENCE OF CHOLINE
Choline is an essential nutrient that is important for fetal brain and nervous system development, as well as maternal health. However, manufacturers of prenatal supplements often don't include enough choline in their products, even though choline needs are high during pregnancy .
It is therefore important to look for a prenatal supplement that contains a sufficient amount of choline to meet the needs of the mother and the fetus. According to the Institute of Medicine, pregnant women need about 450 mg of choline per day, but most prenatal supplements contain much less.
IRON SHAPE
It is also important to note that the form of iron used in prenatal supplements is also a key consideration. Iron is an important component of blood formation and maternal and fetal health, but it can also cause unwanted side effects such as constipation. For this reason, it is recommended that you look for supplements that use the bisglycinate form of iron , also known as chelated bisglycinate iron, which is more easily absorbed and better tolerated by the body than other forms of iron, such as iron sulphate.
ANIMAL ORIGIN INGREDIENTS
Ingredients of animal origin are often of inferior quality, this is due to the fact that most animal ingredients come from animals raised in often unhygienic conditions, with an inferior diet. As a result, ingredients of animal origin can contain toxins, bacteria and viruses that can harm our health.
On the other hand, plant-derived ingredients are generally grown under more controlled conditions, this means that plant-based ingredients are often purer and of higher quality, making them a better choice for dietary supplements.
Ingredients of animal origin may contain allergens . For example, gelatin, a common ingredient used in dietary supplement capsules, is derived from animal skin, bones and tendons and can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people.
Leave a comment