Are you pregnant or trying to become pregnant? If so, it is time to start thinking about your Prenatal vitamins. There is much to consider when trying to find the best prenatal vitamin, but it may be easier than you think.
Read on to discover seven signs of the best prenatal vitamin.
1. Traceable Ingredients
When considering supplements, it is critical to know what is going into your body. Many companies make multivitamins and prenatal supplements with a bunch of ingredients that are either impossible to pronounce or impossible to know where they came from. While you may not know exactly what each ingredient in a vitamin does for you, you should at least be able to know where it came from.
2. 12 Essential Prenatal Nutrients
While looking for prenatal vitamins with traceable ingredients, you should be on the lookout for these 12 critical nutrients. Every single one plays an important role in your daily health and the development of your baby.
Iodine
Iodine allows you to take control of many hormones, including metabolism. This is a nutrient that can make your pregnancy much smoother or more pleasant.
Folate
The development of red blood cells is a critical element of any pregnancy. Supplementing your diet with folate will help with this development and decrease your child’s risk of neural tube birth defects.
Iron
Another nutrient that plays a critical role in the development of red blood cells is iron. Many mothers do not get enough iron in their daily diet, especially if they’re on a meatless diet. So, find a prenatal vitamin that can give you the iron your body needs.
Choline
Pregnancy can be very hard on the brain because many physical and mental challenges take place. Choline provides support for the brain and neural tube to help with this. Well, over eighty percent of women struggle to get enough choline daily, so this is definitely a nutrient to look out for.
Magnesium
Magnesium supports your muscles by allowing them to contract normally, making your pregnancy much easier.
Vitamin D
Most people today struggle to get a sufficient dose of vitamin D every day. This is even more true for those on vegan diets. So, this is a nutrient you should consider taking even once your pregnancy is over.
Biotin
Biotin helps metabolize fats, amino acids, and carbohydrates. Most women experience a deficiency in biotin as their pregnancy continues. So, adding this to your daily regime will help keep you feeling happy and healthy.
Omega-3 DHA
Omega-3 DHA plays a critical role in the health of your heart and brain, as well as the development of your little one’s brain. It is crucial to ensure you get enough of this throughout your pregnancy.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E does many things for the human body, and most people today are not getting enough in their daily diets. So it is always a good idea to have it in your daily supplement regimen.
Vitamin B12
For mothers on meatless diets, vitamin B12 can be a difficult nutrient to get naturally. It plays an important role in the development of DNA, blood cells, and nerves. So, adding this to your daily diet is a must.
Boron
In addition to calcium, boron supports bone strength, the regulation of your heartbeat, and many other critical bodily functions.
Vitamin K2
Last but not least, vitamin K2 supports bone health and can keep you feeling strong throughout your pregnancy.
3. Delayed-Release Capsules
In addition to ingredients, the capsule they are in may have more importance than you think. You want a delayed-release capsule designed to dissolve in the small intestine, which is the perfect place for these nutrients to be absorbed.
4. non-GMO Verified
Genetically modified organisms can be harmful and are unfortunately found in many dietary supplements. Finding prenatal vitamins that are non-GMO verified is a great way to have confidence that your vitamins are not harmful in any way.
5. Free of Major Allergens
If you are gluten-free, dairy-free, or have any other major allergens, you should be on the lookout for supplements that are free of them. This will be beneficial to both you and your baby.
6. Free of Artificial Colors
It is always best to avoid artificial colorants when possible. They can pose several health risks and are generally unsafe.
7. Works With Dietary Restrictions
If you are someone who cares about their health, you are probably following a certain diet. Whether it’s vegan, vegetarian, keto, or any other diet, it is best to go with a prenatal vitamin that won’t get in the way of any of them.
The Bottom Line
There is a lot to consider when searching for the best prenatal vitamin for you. Following these seven signs will help you significantly narrow down your search and put you on the right track toward a happy and healthy pregnancy.