Beta carotene is a substance found in plants that your body converts to vitamin A, and you can also take it in the form of a supplement. During pregnancy, your needs for vitamin A increase. If you do not get enough in your diet, your doctor may suggest you take a beta carotene supplement. However, taking too much of any form of vitamin A can be toxic to your baby, so discuss proper dosing with a physician.
RDA and Foods With Beta-Carotene
When you are pregnant, your recommended dietary allowance, or RDA, for vitamin A increases from 700 mcg a day to 770 mcg a day. This vitamin helps your baby's skin form properly, and it also aids in bone growth and eye development. Foods that contain beta carotene will not be harmful to your baby. Good sources include carrots, dark leafy green vegetables, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, pink grapefruit, apricots, broccoli and pumpkins. Generally speaking, the brighter a fruit or vegetable's color, the more beta carotene it will contain.
Supplements
Your doctor may prescribe beta carotene supplements if you are unable to meet your RDA for vitamin A through diet. If you do take supplements, beta carotene may be a safer option, since synthetic forms of vitamin A can cause birth defects and you should not consume them during pregnancy. However, taking too much vitamin A in any supplemental form can be toxic to your baby and result in birth defects, such as malformations in his nervous system. Because all prenatal vitamins contain some amount of vitamin A, do not begin taking additional supplements without discussing them with your obstetrician.
Risks of Too Much Vitamin A
In addition to being detrimental to your baby's development, too much vitamin A can be toxic to you as well. It can cause headaches, muscle aches, joint pain, dry skin, eye irritation, digestive upset, hair loss, liver failure and death. This condition is known as hypervitaminosis A, which is typically caused by ingesting too many supplements, not by eating too many foods that contain beta carotene. Additionally, high doses of beta carotene supplements can raise your cholesterol and increase your risk for heart disease.
Additional Considerations
Nutrition during pregnancy is imperative for the health and development of your unborn baby, so it is important to discuss a supplement and diet plan with your doctor. If you are otherwise in good health, eating balanced meals gives you the vitamins you need without necessarily having to take additional supplements aside from your prenatal vitamins. Getting your vitamins from food reduces the risks of ingesting too much vitamin A for both you and your baby and allows you to have a safe and healthy pregnancy.
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