Research Library
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Research has shown that certain nutrients, like folic acid and iron, are essential for a healthy pregnancy and can reduce the chance of birth defects. Prenatal vitamins including these key nutrients are recommended for women who are pregnant, for woman who are planning to become pregnant, and for women who are breastfeeding.
Research has shown that certain nutrients like folate, choline, and iron are essential for a healthy pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins including these key nutrients are recommended for women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or who are breastfeeding.
Folate
Women of childbearing age are recommended to consume folate/folic acid if they intend to or are not actively preventing pregnancy. Pregnant women are encouraged to consume folate/folic acid at least through the first trimester, and ideally through the entire pregnancy. Due to genetic variations and common polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene C677, we have formulated with the active form of folic acid, methylfolate.
Demands for folate increase during pregnancy because of its role in nucleic acid synthesis, which is especially important during periods of rapid cell growth (2). Women who consume healthful diets with adequate folate throughout their childbearing years may reduce their risk of having a child with a birth defect of the brain or spinal cord (3).
Choline
Choline is vital to methylation and cell membrane health of all cells within the body. It is also vital for healthy neurotransmitter production: acetylcholine and liver health in regards to lipid packaging and transport.
Most Americans don’t get enough in diet alone, and supplementation is highly suggested. 90%–95% of pregnant women under consume choline, getting less than the USDA’s adequate intake level. Choline has been shown to influence methylation, specifically of neural development, making it essential of pregnancy* (4,5).
Iron
Iron is an essential mineral serves many important functions in the human body. In addition to its many other functions, iron is essential for growth & development, normal cellular functioning, and synthesis of some hormones and connective tissue* (6,7).
During pregnancy, there is a dramatic increase in red blood cell production creating an expansion of plasma volume and red cell mass. Due to this, iron needs are significantly increased. According to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, substantial numbers of women who are capable of becoming pregnant, including adolescent girls, are at risk of iron deficiency anemia due to low intakes of iron (6,7,8).
Impact of Frequency of MultiVitamin/ Multi-Mineral Supplement Intake on Nutritional Adequacy and Nutrient Deficiencies in U.S. Adults
Blumberg J, Frei B, Fulgoni V, Weaver C, Zeisel S., Nutrients, 2017
Folate Fact Sheet for Health Professionals
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, 2020
CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 - Part 101 Food Labeling - Subpart E -- Specific Requirements for Health Claims -- Sec. 101.79 Health claims: Folate and neural tube defects.
US Food and Drug Administration, Code of Federal Regulations, 2015
Choline Fact Sheet for Health Professionals
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, 2020
Choline and Risk of Neural Tube Defects in a Folate-fortified Population
Shaw, G.M., et al., Epidemiology, 2009
iron - Health Professional Fact Sheet
Office of dietary supplements, National Institutes of Health, 2016
Vitamin and mineral requirements in human nutrition, 2nd ed.
Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation on Human Vitamin and Mineral Requirements & World Health Organization. Dept. of Nutrition for Health and Development. , Geneva : World Health Organization., 2005
2015 – 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. 8th Edition.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2015 – 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. 8th Edition., 2015