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Pregnancy
Hello B, Hello, I would like to prepare for pregnancy. What supplements should I take during pregnancy and after childbirth? What are the best types of supplements currently available? -
8 Replies
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Hi – that’s exciting! If you’re interested in testing, we have a handout here that can help with that.
In terms of supplements, if you’re already taking supplements like a methylated B complex for example and other vitamins and minerals, there may not be a need for anything else until you become pregnant.
Many women however like to take a prenatal while trying to conceive so that’s always an option. The brands I like are by Seeking Health and Thorne since they provide methylated forms of B vitamins. Avoid anything with folic acid!!
But keep in mind that every woman’s needs will be different; some women may need iron, while others may not, so finding the best supplement for you depends on what your needs are, and that’s where testing can be helpful.
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I always get low iron during pregnancy, especially the last period. How do I make the iron stable? Also, I need Omga 3, excellent quality
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They advised me in holistic health that I should be take folic acid three months before pregnancy. What do you think?
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There are two main forms of vitamin B9: folate (the natural form) and folic acid (the synthetic form used in many supplements and fortified/enriched foods).
While their chemical structure differ slightly, the main difference lies in the body’s ability to process them.
Unlike natural folate which is easily metabolized in the small intestine, synthetic folic acid is metabolized by the DHFR enzyme in the liver which is rather low, leaving excess folic acid to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
High amounts of unmetabolized folic acid in the blood is associated with:
-Increased colon and prostate cancer risk
-Reduced immune function
-Increased risk of gestational diabetes up to mid-pregnancy
Folic acid supplementation should also be avoided due to poor conversion ability in those with MTHFR genetic polymorphisms (typically called SNPs) leading to higher levels of unmetabolized folic acid and lower levels of active folate in the blood.
Although MTHFR is common, it is “nutrient remedial”–meaning unlikely to be problematic in the context of a folate-rich diet.
If you supplement, be sure to check your multivitamins to avoid products using “folic acid” and instead seek out:
Folate
Metafolin
Quatrefolic
Levomefolic acid
L-methylfolate
L-5-MTHF
5-MTHF
The RDA for food-based folate for men and women aged 19+ is 400 mcg, with 500 mcg recommended during lactation and 600 mcg for pregnancy.
Check your labels and avoid folic acid! -
here’s a video on how to correct iron deficiency in the Mineral Balance course. If you always tend to be anemic, then you have to figure out the root cause reason (which can be many). Here’s a handout on the different causes as well as a video. Let us know if you need help ruling them out.
And here’s a video on omega-3 supplements inside the Fatty Acid Balance course.
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Thank you, dear. It is very useful.
I did not pay attention. I was advised to take folate, and I got confused, but what is the difference between folate and folic acid?
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folate is the natural form and folic acid is the synthetic form used in many supplements and fortified/enriched foods.
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Thank you, my dear, for your efforts. I will do mineral analyzes before taking the supplements. Thank you very much
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