Prenatal vitamins are multi-vitamin supplements that are specially prepared to meet the needs of women who are planning to conceive or currently pregnant. Specifically, prenatal vitamin formulations include higher doses of nutrients that have been found to be protective of developing embryos, as in the case of folic acid, and to meet increased demands of pregnancy on a woman's body. But prenatal vitamins can be taken by women who aren't planning pregnancy, including women who are beyond their child-bearing years.
Another Omega-3 Source
Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, is one of the omega-3 fatty acids that is found in high doses in most prenatal vitamins, because of the reported positive effects on central nervous system development in infants. For older women, DHA can not only protect against developing heart disease, it can also lower triglycerides, blood pressure, and impact other improvements on the cardiovascular system. The University of Maryland Medical School adds that DHA may reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Vitamin D Boost
Recent evidence from studies, like the Third National Health and Nutrition Survey discussed in Medscape Today, points to a protective effect from vitamin D on the brain. Taking prenatal vitamins can add that extra bit of vitamin D to a daily diet.
Another Source of Calcium
Calcium is crucial for older women who are at greater risk for osteoporosis, a serious level of bone loss. While calcium can be gleaned through typical intake of dairy foods and green, leafy vegetables, women who are in their 40s or older are encouraged to supplement their diet with calcium. Prenatal vitamins often have higher doses of calcium than regular once-daily multi-vitamins.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
- Medscape Today: Low Vitamin D Levels Associated with Increased Risk for Cognitive Impairment
- Mayo Clinic: Prenatal vitamins: OK for women who aren't pregnant?
- Harvard School of Public Health: Keep the Multi, Skip the Heavily Fortified Foods
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