Are you pregnant? Congratulations! Maybe you have started looking for a prenatal supplement, on your doctor's advice or not. But faced with so many choices, you don't know where to turn? Naturally, you want the best for your baby, so we help you see more clearly and identify the important criteria to choose your pregnancy vitamins well.
BIOAVAILABILITY
When it comes to choosing prenatal vitamins, it is important to consider the bioavailability of the nutrients contained in the supplements. Bioavailability refers to the extent to which nutrients are absorbed and used by the body. Higher bioavailability means that nutrients are better utilized by the body and can thus provide the expected benefits.
It is recommended to look for high-quality prenatal vitamin supplements that contain nutrients in a form that is easily absorbed. For example, it is better to choose vitamin D3 supplements rather than D2, as D3 is better absorbed by the body. Similarly, the natural form of folic acid, folates, is more easily absorbed than synthetic folic acid.
QUANTITY
It is also important to consider the amount of nutrients in the supplements. Nutrient needs vary from person to person, so it is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine individual prenatal vitamin needs. For example, many prenatal vitamins contain calcium, but during pregnancy, intestinal calcium absorption doubles, so supplementation is normally not necessary. It is therefore better to choose supplements that contain nutrients that will optimize calcium absorption, 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 contained in prenatal vitamins.
By choosing prenatal vitamins that have been tested and approved by an independent laboratory, you can be sure that the risks of contamination are minimized.
SYNTHETIC ACTIVES
It is important to note that synthetic nutrients may have limitations regarding their bioavailability and their ability to be metabolized by the body. Some people may have difficulty absorbing or metabolizing certain synthetic nutrients, which can reduce their effectiveness.
Furthermore, some synthetic nutrients may also interact with other medications or supplements you are taking, which can have adverse effects. Sometimes, on the contrary, synthetic actives are better tolerated. Choose a brand that uses both, depending on what is most appropriate.
PRESENCE OF CHOLINE
Choline is an essential nutrient important for the development of the brain and nervous system of the fetus, as well as for maternal health. However, prenatal supplement manufacturers often do not 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 fetus. According to the Institute of Medicine, pregnant women need about 450 mg of choline per day, but most prenatal supplements contain much less.
FORM OF IRON
It is also important to note that the form of iron used in prenatal supplements is a key factor to consider. Iron is an important component of blood formation and the health of the mother and fetus, but it can also cause side effects such as constipation. For this reason, it is recommended to 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 ferrous sulfate.
ANIMAL-DERIVED INGREDIENTS
Animal-derived ingredients are often of lower quality because most animal ingredients come from animals raised in often unhygienic conditions, with lower quality feed. As a result, animal-derived ingredients may contain toxins, bacteria, and viruses that can harm our health.
On the other hand, plant-based ingredients are generally grown under more controlled conditions, meaning plant ingredients are often purer and of better quality, making them a better choice for dietary supplements.
Animal-derived ingredients can contain allergens. For example, gelatin, a common ingredient used in supplement capsules, is derived from the skin, bones, and tendons of animals and can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
