Vitamin supplements for expecting mothers
The two primary supplements that can are often considered are Folic acid and Vitamin D. Folic acid is believed to help prevent certain birth defects, while vitamin D is good for bone health in your baby and can also benefit the heart and nervous system.
The NHS website recommends that you take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day – from before you’re pregnant until you’re 12 weeks pregnant. With regards to Vitamin D, the recommendation is to take 10 micrograms of vitamin D each day. This can come from food sources but you can consider taking a supplement containing this amount between September and March.
Below are some dietary souses of Vitamin D:
- oily fish (such as salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines)
- eggs
- red meat
Vitamin D is added to some breakfast cereals, fat spreads and non-dairy milk alternatives. The amounts added to these products can vary and might only be small.
Because vitamin D is only found in a small number of foods, whether naturally or added, it is difficult to get enough from foods alone.
Do not take more than 100 micrograms (4,000 IU) of vitamin D a day as it could be harmful.
You can get vitamin supplements containing vitamin D free of charge if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding and qualify for the Healthy Start scheme.
adapted from NHS website 2021, accessed 10/07/2022 https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/vitamins-supplements-and-nutrition/