Bades during pregnancy: doctors’ reviews and safety
I. Introduction to the topic of dietary supplements and pregnancy
Pregnancy is a period of significant physiological changes in the body of a woman, requiring increased attention to nutrition and maintenance of health. At this time, the need for vitamins, minerals and other biologically active substances increases. In this regard, many pregnant women are wondering about the appropriateness and safety of taking biologically active additives (dietary supplements).
Bades are concentrated sources of nutrients designed to supplement the diet. They are available in various forms: tablets, capsules, powders, liquids, etc. Unlike drugs, dietary supplements are not intended for the treatment or prevention of diseases. They are designed to replenish the deficiency of the necessary substances in the body.
The question of the use of dietary supplements during pregnancy is the subject of discussions among doctors and scientists. On the one hand, some dietary supplements can be useful to maintain the health of the mother and the development of the fetus. On the other hand, the uncontrolled reception of dietary supplements can be unsafe and even harm. It is important to understand that dietary supplements do not pass such strict clinical trials as drugs, and their composition and quality are not always guaranteed.
In this article, we will consider various aspects of the use of dietary supplements during pregnancy, including doctors, potential risks and benefits, as well as criteria for choosing safe and effective additives.
II. The need for nutrients during pregnancy
During pregnancy, the need for nutrients increases significantly. This is due to the need to ensure the normal development of the fetus and maintain the health of the mother. The lack of certain vitamins and minerals can lead to serious consequences for both the mother and the child.
Key nutrients necessary during pregnancy:
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Folic acid (vitamin B9): It plays an important role in the formation of the fetal nervous tube, prevents the development of defects in the nervous system (for example, Spina Bifida). It is recommended to start taking folic acid a few months before the planned pregnancy and continue during the first trimester.
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Iron: It is necessary for the formation of hemoglobin, which transfers oxygen to tissues of the body. During pregnancy, the need for iron increases, since the volume of blood increases and the growing fruit must be provided with oxygen. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia in the mother and premature childbirth.
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Calcium: It is important for the formation of the bones and teeth of the fetus. If the mother’s diet is not enough calcium, the fetus will take it from her bones, which can lead to osteoporosis in the future.
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Vitamin D: It is necessary for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, as well as for the normal development of bones and the fetal immune system. Vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of rickets in a child.
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Omega-3 fatty acids (DGK and EPK): Important for the development of the brain and vision of the fetus. DGK is especially important in the third trimester of pregnancy, when active brain growth occurs.
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Iodine: It is necessary for the normal function of the thyroid gland, which regulates the metabolism. Iodine deficiency can lead to a delay in mental development in a child.
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Vitamin C: It is necessary for the synthesis of collagen, strengthen the immunity and assimilation of iron.
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Vitamin A: It is important for vision, immunity and cell growth. However, you should avoid taking high doses of vitamin A, as this can be toxic for the fetus.
Obtaining a sufficient amount of these nutrients with food is not always possible, especially in the presence of certain food restrictions or diseases. In such cases, a doctor may recommend a dietary supplement to replenish the deficit.
III. The opinions of doctors about the use of dietary supplements during pregnancy
The opinions of doctors about the use of dietary supplements during pregnancy are ambiguous. Some doctors believe that the intake of dietary supplements can be useful to replenish the deficiency of nutrients and maintain the health of the mother and fetus. Other doctors relate to dietary supplements with caution and recommend taking them only according to strict indications and under the supervision of a doctor.
Arguments in favor of the use of dietary supplements:
- Filling a deficiency of nutrients: Bades can help replenish the deficiency of vitamins, minerals and other necessary substances that are difficult to get in sufficient number with food.
- Support for the health of mother and fetus: Some dietary supplements, such as folic acid, iron, calcium, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, have proved their effectiveness in maintaining the health of the mother and the normal development of the fetus.
- Prevention of pregnancy complications: Acceptance of certain dietary supplements can help reduce the risk of developing certain complications of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia, premature birth and low weight at birth.
Arguments against the use of dietary supplements:
- Insufficient evidence base: Many dietary supplements have not passed sufficient clinical trials to confirm their effectiveness and safety during pregnancy.
- Risk of side effects: Reception of dietary supplements can cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, allergic reactions, etc.
- Interaction with drugs: Bades can interact with drugs, which can affect their effectiveness or enhance side effects.
- Uncontrolled composition: The composition of dietary supplements does not always correspond to the stated on the package, which can lead to reception of ineffective or even hazardous substances.
- Overdose possibility: Reception of dietary supplements in high doses can be toxic to the mother and fetus.
In general, most doctors agree that the decision to take dietary supplements during pregnancy should be made individually, based on an assessment of the health status of a woman, her diet and test results. It is important to consult a doctor before taking any dietary supplements in order to evaluate potential risks and benefits.
IV. Bad safety during pregnancy: Potential risks
The safety of dietary supplements during pregnancy is an important issue that requires careful consideration. As already mentioned, dietary supplements do not pass such strict clinical trials as drugs, so their safety and effectiveness are not always guaranteed.
Potential risks associated with the reception of dietary supplements during pregnancy:
- Toxicity: Some dietary supplements contain substances that can be toxic to the mother and fetus, especially when taking high doses. For example, high doses of vitamin A can lead to congenital defects in a child.
- Interaction with drugs: Bades can interact with drugs taken by a pregnant woman, which can affect their effectiveness or enhance side effects. For example, St. John’s wort can reduce the effectiveness of contraceptives and some antidepressants.
- Unknown composition: The composition of dietary supplements does not always correspond to the declared on the package. Some dietary supplements may contain impurities, pollutants or substances that are not indicated in the composition. This can be especially dangerous during pregnancy, when a woman’s body is more sensitive to the effects of various substances.
- Overdose: Reception of dietary supplements in high doses can lead to an overdose of vitamins and minerals, which can be toxic to the mother and fetus. For example, an overdose of vitamin D can lead to hypercalcemia, which can negatively affect the development of fetal bones.
- Allergic reactions: Some dietary supplements can cause allergic reactions in pregnant women. Symptoms of allergies can vary from the lungs (for example, skin rash, itching) to severe (for example, anaphylactic shock).
- Risk for the fetus: Some dietary supplements can negatively affect the development of the fetus. For example, some herbs can cause uterine contractions, which can lead to premature birth.
- Influence on lactation: Some dietary supplements can affect lactation after childbirth. For example, some herbs can reduce milk production.
In order to minimize the risks associated with the intake of dietary supplements during pregnancy, the following recommendations must be observed:
- Consult a doctor: Before taking any dietary supplements during pregnancy, you need to consult a doctor. The doctor will appreciate your health, diet and test results and will help determine if you need dietary supplements and which ones.
- Choose high -quality dietary supplements: When choosing dietary supplements, pay attention to their quality and reputation of the manufacturer. Choose dietary supplements that have passed an independent examination and have quality certificates.
- Observe the dosage: Strictly observe the recommended dosage indicated on the packaging. Do not exceed the dose set by the doctor.
- Avoid dietary supplements with an unknown composition: Avoid dietary supplements whose composition is not indicated on the packaging or is in doubt.
- Stop taking when side effects appear: If you notice any side effects after taking Bad, immediately stop taking it and consult a doctor.
- Tell the doctor about all the dietary supplements: Tell your doctor about all the dietary supplements that you take so that he can evaluate potential interactions with drugs.
V. Bades most often used during pregnancy: review and analysis
Some dietary supplements are often recommended by doctors during pregnancy due to their proven benefit and relatively low risk of side effects. Consider the most common of them:
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Folic acid (vitamin B9):
- Benefit: Critically important for the prevention of defects in the nervous tube in the fetus (Spina Bifida, anencephalus).
- Recommendations: It is recommended to start reception 1-3 months before conception and continue during the first trimester of pregnancy.
- Dosage: It is usually recommended 400-800 mcg per day. Women with a high risk of defects in the nervous tube (for example, with the presence of such defects in a history of such) can be recommended a higher dose.
- Safety: It is considered safe in recommended doses.
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Iron:
- Benefit: Prevents iron deficiency anemia, which can lead to premature birth, low weight at birth and other complications.
- Recommendations: It is often recommended from the second trimester of pregnancy, when the need for iron increases significantly.
- Dosage: It is usually recommended 30-60 mg of elementary iron per day. The dosage can be adjusted by the doctor depending on the results of blood tests.
- Safety: It can cause side effects, such as constipation, nausea and vomiting. It is recommended to take iron with vitamin C to improve absorption. There are various forms of iron (for example, fumarat, gluconate, bislycinate), and some of them are better tolerated than others.
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Vitamin D:
- Benefit: It is necessary for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, maintaining the health of the mother’s bones and the development of the bones of the fetus, as well as to maintain the immune system.
- Recommendations: It is recommended to take throughout pregnancy, especially in the winter months, when the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin decreases.
- Dosage: It is usually recommended 600-2000 IU per day. The dosage can be adjusted by the doctor depending on the level of vitamin D in the blood.
- Safety: It is considered safe in recommended doses. An overdose of vitamin D can lead to hypercalcemia.
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Calcium:
- Benefit: It is necessary for the formation of the bones and teeth of the fetus, as well as to maintain the health of the mother’s bones.
- Recommendations: It is recommended to take if the diet does not provide enough calcium.
- Dosage: It is usually recommended 1000-1300 mg per day.
- Safety: It is considered safe in recommended doses. Calcium intake should be divided into several techniques during the day for better absorption.
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Omega-3 fatty acids (DGK and EPK):
- Benefit: Important for the development of the brain and vision of the fetus, as well as for maintaining the health of the Mother’s cardiovascular system. DGK is especially important in the third trimester of pregnancy.
- Recommendations: It is recommended to take throughout pregnancy, especially if the diet is not rich in fish.
- Dosage: It is usually recommended 200-300 mg of dgk per day.
- Safety: They are considered safe in recommended doses. It is necessary to choose dietary supplements with omega-3 fatty acids obtained from environmentally friendly sources and have passed from heavy metals.
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Iodine:
- Benefit: It is necessary for the normal function of the thyroid gland and the development of the fetal brain. Iodine deficiency can lead to a delay in mental development in a child.
- Recommendations: It is recommended to be taken throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Dosage: It is usually recommended 150-250 mcg per day.
- Safety: It is considered safe in recommended doses. It is important to avoid an overdose of iodine, as this can lead to problems with the thyroid gland.
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Polyvitamins for pregnant women:
- Benefit: Contain a set of vitamins and minerals necessary to maintain the health of the mother and the normal development of the fetus.
- Recommendations: It can be recommended if the diet does not provide enough nutrients.
- Dosage: Follow the recommendations of the manufacturer and the doctor.
- Safety: Polyvitamins should be chosen, designed specifically for pregnant women and containing safe doses of vitamins and minerals. It is important to avoid polyvitamins containing high doses of vitamin A.
It is important to remember: This list is not exhaustive, and specific recommendations for receiving dietary supplements during pregnancy should be given individually, based on an assessment of the state of health of a woman and her needs.
VI. Dietary supplements that should be avoided during pregnancy
Some dietary supplements can be dangerous during pregnancy and should be excluded from the diet. These include:
- Bades containing high doses of vitamin A (retinol): High doses of vitamin A can be teratogenic, that is, cause congenital defects in a child. A safe dose of vitamin A for pregnant women is not more than 10,000 IU per day.
- Herbal dietary supplements with unexplored action: Many herbs can affect the body, and their safety during pregnancy has not always been studied. The use of herbal dietary supplements should be avoided if their safety is not confirmed by clinical research. The herbs, which should be avoided during pregnancy, include:
- St. John’s wort: It can interact with drugs and cause side effects.
- Dudnik Chinese (Dong quai): It can cause uterine contractions and bleeding.
- Ephcedra: It can increase blood pressure and cause premature birth.
- Solo root: It can increase blood pressure and cause swelling.
- Black Kokhosh: It can cause uterine contractions and premature birth.
- Sassafras: Contains a carcinogenic substance of Safrol.
- Dietary diets for weight loss: Literation dietary supplements often contain stimulants and other substances that can be dangerous for the mother and fetus. During pregnancy, it is not recommended to make attempts to lose weight.
- Bades containing toxic substances: Some dietary supplements may contain heavy metals, pesticides and other toxic substances. You should choose dietary supplements that have undergone an independent examination and do not contain harmful impurities.
- Bades with unproven efficiency: Bades, the effectiveness of which is not confirmed by clinical research should be avoided.
VII. Criteria for choosing safe and high -quality dietary supplements for pregnant women
The choice of safe and high -quality dietary supplements during pregnancy is a responsible step that requires an attentive approach. Here are a few criteria that should be taken into account when choosing dietary supplements:
- Consultation with a doctor: First of all, you need to consult a doctor. The doctor will appreciate your health, diet and test results and will help determine if you need dietary supplements and which ones.
- Reputation manufacturer: Choose dietary supplements from famous and respected manufacturers who have a good reputation in the market. Check reviews about the manufacturer and its products on the Internet.
- Quality certificates: Make sure that dietary supplement has quality certificates confirming its compliance with safety and quality standards. Pay attention to the availability of certificates from independent organizations, such as NSF International, USP or Consumerlab.com.
- Composition: Carefully study the composition of the dietary supplement. Make sure that it does not contain harmful substances, such as heavy metals, pesticides, artificial dyes, flavors and preservatives.
- Dosage: Strictly observe the recommended dosage indicated on the packaging. Do not exceed the dose set by the doctor.
- Output form: Choose a dietary supplement release form that is most convenient for you. Bades are available in various forms: tablets, capsules, powders, liquids, etc.
- Package: Pay attention to the package of Bad. It should be sealed and protect the contents from the effects of light, moisture and air.
- Best before date: Check the expiration date of the dietary supplement. Do not use dietary supplements with an expired shelf life.
- Consumer reviews: Read the reviews of other consumers about the dietary supplement. Pay attention to the reviews about the side effects and effectiveness of the dietary supplement. However, remember that the reviews of other people cannot replace a consultation with a doctor.
- Price: Do not choose dietary supplements only on the basis of price. Cheap dietary supplements can be poor -quality and contain harmful impurities. It is better to choose a more expensive, but high -quality dietary supplement from a well -known manufacturer.
VIII. Alternatives to receive dietary supplements: balanced diet and lifestyle
Although dietary supplements can be useful for replenishing the nutrient deficiency during pregnancy, they should not be a replacement for a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. It is important to strive to obtain the necessary nutrients from food, and use dietary supplements only as an addition to the diet.
Recommendations for a balanced diet during pregnancy:
- A variety of diet: Include products from all food groups in your diet: fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, protein products (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes) and dairy products.
- Sufficient protein consumption: Protein is necessary for the growth and development of the fetus. Include low -fat meat, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes and dairy products in your diet.
- Iron Rich products: Use products rich in iron, such as red meat, liver, legumes, dark green leafy vegetables and enriched cereals.
- Calcium rich products: Use products rich in calcium, such as dairy products, green leafy vegetables, tofu and enriched products.
- Folic acid -rich products: Use products rich in folic acid, such as green leafy vegetables, legumes, avocados and enriched cereals.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Use fatty fish (for example, salmon, tuna, sardines) 2-3 times a week. If you do not eat fish, consider the possibility of taking additives with omega-3 fatty acids.
- Limit the consumption of sugar, treated foods and harmful fats: Avoid the use of sweet drinks, sweets, pastries, fast food and other processed products. Limit the consumption of saturated and trans fats.
- Drink enough water: Water is necessary to maintain hydration and the normal functioning of the body. Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.
In addition to a balanced diet, a healthy lifestyle is important:
- Regular physical exercises: Moderate physical exercises (for example, walking, swimming, yoga for pregnant women) are useful for the health of mother and fetus. Before starting classes, consult your doctor.
- Sufficient sleep: Try to sleep at least 7-8 hours a day.
- Avoid stress: Stress can negatively affect the health of the mother and fetus. Find the ways of relaxing and relieving stress, such as meditation, yoga, reading or walking in the fresh air.
- Refuse smoking and alcohol: Smoking and drinking alcohol during pregnancy are strictly prohibited, as they can cause serious harm to the health of the child.
A balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle is the basis of a healthy pregnancy. Bades can be useful as an addition to the diet, but should not be a replacement for healthy diet and lifestyle.
IX. Conclusion (do not include in the article)
X. List of literature (do not include in the article)
XI. Notes (do not include in the article)