Prenatal vitamins are multivitamins that are specially formulated for pregnant women. These vitamins are intended to prevent maternal deficiency and support the developing fetus. Prenatal vitamins provide important vitamins and minerals necessary for proper development and nutritional status of both a mother and a newborn. However, they are appropriate for other individuals because of the nutrients they contain.
Folic Acid
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than half of all pregnancies in the United States are not planned. Neural tube defects are birth defects resulting in nerve damage, partial paralysis, a lack of brain development and even death. These defects occur during the third and fourth weeks of gestation, often before a woman knows that she is pregnant. For this reason, it is recommended that women of child-bearing age consume prenatal vitamins containing at least 400 mg folic acid each day.
Iron
Teenage girls and premenopausal women are at an increased risk for anemia and require the most dietary iron. This is due to monthly menstruation. Iron is necessary for the formation of red blood cells, making it a key constituent of blood. However, during the menstrual cycle, women lose a significant amount of red blood cells every month. In general, girls need 12 mg iron each day and women age 19 to 50 need 20 mg daily. Prenatal supplements are rich in iron and would therefore provide teenage girls and women with adequate iron supplementation.
Calcium
Calcium is necessary for a number of functions throughout the body, but most importantly, for the strengthening of bones. As we age, our bodies lose calcium. While this occurs in both men and women, this is especially true of postmenopausal women. Calcium deficiencies can lead to osteoporosis, brittle bones and osteomalacia, a disease that causes soft bones. The Better Health Channel reports that approximately 90 percent of women and 70 percent of men do not meet the recommended dietary intake for calcium. Consequently, taking prenatal vitamins can aid people in meeting their calcium needs.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential trace element needed by the body for a variety of functions. One of the most important roles of zinc is immunity. Zinc has a positive effect on the immune system and is known to decrease the duration and severity of the flu, diarrhea, pneumonia and other infections. A lack of zinc in the diet can result in frequent illness, prolonged infection and delayed wound healing. A prenatal supplement, which supplies approximately 25 mg zinc, is appropriate for individuals with a depressed immune system to help them fight off infection.
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