Why certain vitamins are needed during pregnancy
An outline of specific vitamins used in Prenatal Care
L-methylfolate / Folate –
L-methylfolate is the natural, active form of folate found in leafy green foods and used by the body. L-methylfolate is needed for the formation of new DNA. It is important for moms-to-be to have sufficient stores of folate before conception, throughout pregnancy and into the breastfeeding period. Folates are used to reduce your estimated risk of having a baby with a serious birth defect of the brain and spinal cord, called a "neural tube defect" or NTD. The critical time interval for preventing NTDs is 8 to 12 weeks prior to conception and within the 4 weeks following conception. The March of Dimes has been actively building public awareness for folate since the 1980s. In fact, since 1998, the FDA requires that all flour products, such as breads, buns and bagels, be fortified with extra folate. Most prenatal vitamins now contain 800mcg or 1mg of folic acid, the synthetic form of folate. The caution is that not everyone can fully metabolize synthetic folic acid. Up to half of all women lack the various enzymes needed to convert folic acid into L-methylfolate so it can be used by the body.
Recent research shows that 10% to 12% of all U.S. women get virtually no benefit from synthetic folic acid. You can read more about this online at www.neevoprenatal.com.
Folate supplementation will not resolve all prenatal problems of a genetic origin. However, women with a family history of miscarriage or folate-related problems in past pregnancies should carefully discuss L-methylfolate administration (rather than synthetic folic acid) with their doctor. Using products with L-methylfolate, such as Néevo®, will benefit patients with folate-related conditions.
Mothers of a prior child with a neural tube defect should carefully discuss her need for extra folate with her doctor before her next pregnancy.
Calcium - during pregnancy, this mineral needs to be steadily maintained for proper bone formation in the developing baby as well as to maintain bone strength in the mother. With insufficient levels, the fetus will rob the mother's bones of calcium. The same process is true during lactation. Early accumulation of calcium provides a reserve for later use. Numerous studies have also shown that proper calcium levels can reduce the incidence of pregnancy induced hypertension.
Iron - iron helps both the mother and baby's blood carry oxygen. The expecting mother's dietary requirement for iron increases to 150% of the norm. This is a result from the tremendous need to create new blood volume and replenish red blood cells during pregnancy. Most women do not typically have much iron pre-stored for use in this process. Moreover, women who have had previous pregnancies are usually depleted to a further extent even before a new pregnancy may begin. During the last two trimesters, pregnant women need approximately 3mg more iron per day than most typical diets would provide.
Iron will usually be better absorbed if taken between meals rather than with food.
Many prenatal vitamins limit the iron content to 29 mg or less. More than 30 mg of daily elemental iron will create constipation problems and requires extra water be taken and that a stool softener be added.
B-Vitamins - during pregnancy, the mother's kidney function increases to up to 150% her normal rate. As such, many dietary "water-soluble" vitamins will be lost or eliminated. For this reason, addition of water-soluble B vitamins is particularly important throughout pregnancy.
B-vitamins important for prenatal care include:
| thiamine (B1) | helps with digestion and the function of nervous system | |
| riboflavin (B2) | helps release of energy to cells, promotes healthy eyes and skin | |
| niacinamide (B3) | used in normal tissue metabolism | |
| pantothenic acid (B5) | maintains nervous system and also used to form red blood cells | |
| pyridoxine HCl (B6) | helps to form red blood cells, helps body use protein, fat and carbs. Deficiency can inhibit CNS development, cause behavior abnormalities and low birth weight. Also soothes morning sickness. | |
| cyanocobalamin (B12) | 500mcg | important for cell reproduction and blood |
| biotin (B7) | 30mcg | used in the regulation of cell function, this cannot be stored and must be replenished |
Vitamin C - promotes healthy gums, teeth and bones, also helps the body form collagen, absorb iron as well as resist infection.
Vitamin D - studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy may adversely affect fetal growth, bone ossification, tooth enamel formation, and neonatal calcium homeostasis.
Vitamin E - helps the body better use Vitamin A; also helps to form red blood cells and muscle.
Minerals important for prenatal care include:
| Magnesium | helps nerves and muscles to function |
| Zinc | helps produce insulin and certain enzymes |
| Copper | diffuses the zinc being used |
Zinc - an adequate supply is essential for normal growth and development. Low maternal levels of zinc have been associated with the low infant birth weights.
Magnesium - levels naturally decrease during pregnancy. Magnesium is also therapeutic in treating pregnancy related leg cramps.
Néevo® caplets are a prescription medical food for the dietary management of those women under a physician's treatment for vitamin deficiency throughout pregnancy, postnatal and the lactating periods. Néevo® is specifically indicated for: patients with high risk pregnancies, older OB patients, and patients unable to fully metabolize folic acid.