Which supplements should I take during pregnancy?

The growth of a baby during pregnancy is truly remarkable. In just nine months’ time, it develops from a single cell into a perfectly formed child that possesses all the necessary vital functions for life. Not surprisingly, this process needs to be supported by the availability of sufficient vitamins and minerals. However, studies have shown that even in our prosperous western countries nutritional deficiencies are not uncommon. For this reason, it is important that right from the very first moment when you start trying for a baby, you should take nutritional supplements and continue doing so throughout your pregnancy and up to the end of any breastfeeding period.

Folic acid

Of all the nutrients recommended during pregnancy, folic acid is probably the best known. And rightly so! It is hugely important for women (and for their child-to-be) to ingest sufficient folic acid both before and during pregnancy. Various studies have confirmed that an additional intake of 400 μg per day of folic acid during the pre-pregnancy and active pregnancy periods significantly reduces the risk of neural tube defects (including spina bifida (= open back), anencephalia (= reduced or non-development of the brain) and heart disease.

It is not yet fully clear how this risk reduction is achieved, but the role played by folates in the formation of new cells, in DNA and RNA synthesis, and in the synthesis of amino acids has been demonstrated.

Iron and vitamin C

In addition to its role in blood formation, iron is crucial for cell division, strengthening the immune system and combatting tiredness. During pregnancy, the development of the child requires a higher than normal availability of iron, in order to ensure the efficient transport of oxygen to the foetus. A shortage of iron in the blood can lead to premature birth.

To prevent such anaemia from occurring, it is important for women to take an iron supplement from the moment they start trying to get pregnant. This means that they will be able to commence their pregnancy with a sufficient iron reserve. It is above all during the final term of the pregnancy that iron plays an important role, since it is from this point onwards that the baby also starts to build up its own reserves of iron. Vitamin C improves the absorption of iron in the body, as well as contributing towards the effective working of the immune system.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is a vitamin that gives you more energy. It is also important for the proper functioning of both the nervous system and the immune system, as well as playing a key role in cell division. In addition, it is further required, together with iron, to assist in the formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin. In combination with folic acid, vitamin B12 is crucial for ensuring a normal homocysteine metabolism (homocysteine is necessary for the proper regulation of proteins in the body).

Deficiencies of vitamin B12 are quite common, particularly among vegetarians, since vitamin B12 is derived exclusively from animal products.

Vitamin D

A good supply of calcium is necessary for the development of strong bones. Consequently, consuming calcium-rich food and drink is very important for women during pregnancy. To ensure the good absorption of calcium by the body, the presence of sufficient vitamin D is required.

A shortage of this vitamin during pregnancy and the suckling period can result in slower child growth, skeletal abnormalities and an increased risk of hip fractures in later life. Vitamin D is usually formed under the skin by the action of sunlight, but deficiencies in pregnant women are nevertheless quite common, and this at a moment when their need for vitamin D is greater than ever. It is therefore crucial to supplement the availability of this key vitamin by other means.

Choline

Recent research has demonstrated the importance of choline in embryogenesis, foetal development and the growth of infants during breastfeeding. In particular, choline plays a key role in cell division, cell growth and cell differentiation, as well as assisting the functioning of the placenta and the homocysteine metabolism.

Phosphatidylcholine is an example of an important structural component found in all cell membranes and acetylcholine is a primary neurotransmitter in cholinergic neurons. During pregnancy, changes occur in the choline metabolism, so that the requirement for choline is greater. Choline increases the availability of DHA in pregnant women and is important after the child’s birth for brain development in breastfeeding babies.

Beta-carotene

Beta-carotene is a precursor of vitamin A (retinol) and is therefore also known as provitamin A. It is a safe source of this important vitamin, because it is only converted in the body when there is a need for it. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin with anti-oxidative properties, which also contributes to the normal regulation of the body’s iron metabolism. The vitamin plays a further role in cell differentiation.

Other important nutrients

Vitamins

• Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and biotin
  Provide more energy and help to combat the tiredness that is often associated with pregnancy.
• Vitamin B2
  Assists in the formation of new red blood cells and contributes to the iron metabolism.
• Vitamin B
  Enhances the production of certain hormones and vitamin D.
• Vitamin B6
  Assists in the formation of new red blood cells and is important for the regulation of hormonal activity.
• Vitamin E
  Protects the body’s cells against free radicals.

Minerals

• Iodine
  Supports cognitive functions and normal growth in children.
• Copper (chelate form)
  Is important for iron transport in the body and for healthy connective tissue.
• Magnesium
  Contributes towards the energy metabolism and plays a role in protein synthesis and cell division.
• Manganese
  Is necessary for the formation of connective tissue, healthy bone development and the protection of cells.
• Selenium
  Protects the cells against free radicals and supports thyroid function.
• Zinc (chelate form)
  Is important for fertility, cell division, DNA synthesis, cognitive functions, healthy bones and the protection of cells against free radicals. A zinc deficiency can negatively influence the proper progress of the pregnancy, because it can lead to foetal hypotrophy and congenital malformations.