Prenatal vitamins contain many of the vital nutrients necessary for an unborn child's development. They are a mother-to-be's back-up source for her diet, which may be lacking in some key vitamins and minerals. However, it is possible to get too much of a good thing. By taking prenatal vitamins correctly, women can avoid episodes of prenatal vitamin toxicity.
Why Take a Prenatal Vitamin?
Prenatal vitamins, according to the Mayo Clinic, are designed to make up for the nutrients that may be missing in a pregnant woman's diet. While the best source of these vitamins and minerals is food itself, pregnant women require more of certain key nutrients than their non-pregnant peers. It can be a challenge to get enough of some vitamins and minerals through diet alone, which is why most pregnant women are advised to take some type of supplement. The Mayo Clinic lists some of these key pregnancy nutrients as folic acid, iron and calcium.
Vitamin Solubility
Some vitamins are water soluble, meaning they are not stored long-term in the body. These flush out of the system through the urine; however, it is still possible to get too much of a water soluble vitamin if taken in great excess. The American Pregnancy Association reports that this can cause digestive upsets. It is easier to overdose on fat-soluble vitamins, which build up in the body's fat stores and liver if not completely used. If too much fat-soluble vitamins collect, they can cause liver damage and potentially harm both the mother-to-be and her unborn baby. For either type of vitamin, pregnant women need to be mindful of their recommended daily allowance as well as the levels at which those vital nutrients become toxic.
Taking Multiple Supplements
Prenatal vitamins come in all strengths and forms, some of which are available over-the-counter and others of which may require a doctor's prescription. However, women who attempt to combine supplements with their prenatal vitamin, or who take multiple supplements in place of their prenatal vitamin, increase their risk of getting too much of a good thing. The American Pregnancy Association recommends sticking to one multivitamin rather than multiple supplements to reduce the risk of overdosing on one or more vitamins or minerals.
Tips for Avoiding Toxicity
It is best to take the prenatal supplement that your doctor recommends. If you prefer to supplement on your own, or if your doctor does not make a recommendation, check out different over-the-counter prenatal vitamins and choose the one that suits your needs. If you must take multiple supplements, know your RDAs: your recommended daily amounts. The American Pregnancy Association advises against taking more than double the RDA of any vitamins or minerals during your pregnancy. If you are still uncertain what to take, or whether you are getting enough vitamins and minerals, check with a nutritionist.
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