Prenatal vitamins are multiple vitamin-mineral supplements designed specifically to support the nutritional needs of pregnant women and their developing babies. While not intended as a substitute for a healthy, balanced diet during pregnancy, prenatal vitamins are generally prescribed by physicians as nutritional "insurance" and in particular to guard against certain birth defects that can occur as a result of vitamin deficiency, says the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. Prenatal vitamins are often touted as helpful for healthy hair. To benefit from this side effect, keep a few important points in mind.
Step 1
Speak with your doctor about prenatal vitamins. It's always important to consult a physician before beginning to take any sort of supplement, due to the potential for adverse effects from certain vitamins for some individuals.
Step 2
Take your prenatal vitamin every day -- or as recommended by your obstetrician -- if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. During these times, women and babies need the extra nutrients prenatal supplements provide for optimal health. The thick and healthy hair that prenatal supplements often produce as a result of their high B-vitamin content is an added bonus for many women.
Step 3
Consider separate supplements in place of prenatal vitamins if you are not pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding. According to Columbia University's Health Services, iron, vitamin B-12, folate and biotin all seem to contribute to thick and healthy hair. If you are not medically in need of prenatal vitamins, it may be healthier and safer to take these particular nutrients in separate supplements rather than the composite prenatal vitamin. Again, discuss these issues with your physician, and follow her recommended advice regarding iron and B-complex supplements for healthy hair.
Things You'll Need
- Vitamin supplements
Member Comments