Dietary supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding: caution above all

Dietary supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding: caution above all

Chapter 1: Physiological changes and increased body vulnerability

Pregnancy and lactation period are unique stages in women’s life, characterized by deep physiological changes aimed at ensuring the optimal development of the fetus and a newborn. These changes, although they are natural and necessary, make a woman’s body especially vulnerable to the effects of various substances, including those contained in biologically active additives (dietary supplements).

During pregnancy, a significant increase in blood volume occurs, which leads to a decrease in the concentration of many substances in plasma. The speed of glomerular filtering in the kidneys increases, which can accelerate the excretion of drugs and other substances from the body. Changes in the hormonal background affect the metabolism and distribution of various compounds. All these factors can affect how the body of a pregnant woman reacts to dietary supplements.

The placenta plays the role of a barrier that protects the fruit from harmful substances, but it is not absolutely impenetrable. Many substances, including components of dietary supplements, can penetrate through the placenta and influence the development of the fetus. During the lactation, substances consumed by the mother can fall into breast milk and, therefore, to the newborn.

The developing fruit and the newborn are especially sensitive to the effects of toxic substances, since their organs and systems are not yet fully formed and do not have sufficient ability to detoxify. For example, the fetal liver is not able to effectively metabolize many substances, which can lead to their accumulation and toxic effects. The nervous system of the fetus and the newborn is also especially vulnerable to the effects of various substances, which can lead to developmental disabilities.

Given these factors, it is necessary to show special caution when using dietary supplements during pregnancy and lactation. The decision to take dietary supplement should be made only after consulting a doctor and a thorough assessment of potential risks and advantages.

Chapter 2: What is dietary supplements and their regulation

Biologically active additives (dietary supplements) are concentrates of natural or identical to natural biologically active substances designed for direct intake with food or introduction into food products. They are not drugs and are not intended for the treatment of diseases.

Bades can contain vitamins, minerals, amino acids, dietary fiber, probiotics, prebiotics, plant extracts and other substances. They are produced in various forms, such as tablets, capsules, powders, solutions, etc.

The regulation of dietary supplements varies in different countries. In Russia, dietary supplements are regulated by the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor). Before entering the sale, dietary supplements must undergo state registration, which confirms their safety and compliance with the established requirements.

However, unlike drugs, dietary supplements do not pass clinical trials confirming their effectiveness. Therefore, the declared properties of dietary supplements often do not have scientific confirmation. In addition, the composition of dietary supplements may not always be indicated on the label, which increases the risk of unforeseen side effects.

It is especially important to understand that dietary supplements should not be used as a replacement for full and balanced diet. They are designed to supplement the diet and replenish the deficiency of certain substances.

Chapter 3: Potential risks of the use of dietary supplements during pregnancy

The use of dietary supplements during pregnancy is associated with a number of potential risks, which can negatively affect the health of the mother and fetus.

• Teratogenic effect: Some components of dietary supplements can have a teratogenic effect, that is, cause development defects in the fetus. Dietary supplements containing high doses of vitamin A (retinol), some herbs and plant extracts are especially dangerous.
• Toxic effects: The components of dietary supplements can have a toxic effect on the organs and systems of the mother and fetus. For example, some plant extracts can be toxic for the liver or kidneys.
• Interaction with drugs: Bades can interact with drugs taken by a pregnant woman, enhancing or weakening their effect. This can lead to undesirable side effects or reducing treatment effectiveness.
• Allergic reactions: The components of dietary supplements can cause allergic reactions in a pregnant woman. Allergic reactions can appear in the form of a skin rash, itching, edema, shortness of breathing and other symptoms.
• The risk of an overdose: Since dietary supplements do not undergo strict quality control, there is a risk of an overdose of individual components. An overdose of vitamins and minerals can be dangerous for the health of the mother and fetus.
• Pollution with heavy metals and other harmful substances: Some dietary supplements can be polluted by heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium) and other harmful substances. These substances can have a toxic effect on the body and cause various diseases.
• Inaccurate information on the label: Information on the Bad label may be inaccurate or incomplete. This may complicate the assessment of potential risks and advantages of the use of dietary supplements.
• Lack of clinical research: Unlike drugs, dietary supplements do not undergo clinical trials confirming their safety and effectiveness for pregnant women. Therefore, it is difficult to assess the real risks and advantages of the use of dietary supplements.
• The risk of premature birth or miscarriage: Some herbs and plant extracts contained in dietary supplements can stimulate uterine contraction and increase the risk of premature birth or miscarriage.

Chapter 4: Potential risks of the use of dietary supplements during lactation

During lactation, substances consumed by the mother can fall into breast milk and, therefore, to the newborn. Therefore, the use of dietary supplements during lactation is also associated with a number of potential risks.

• Toxic effects on the newborn: The components of dietary supplements can have a toxic effect on the organs and systems of the newborn. Since the organs and systems of the newborn are not yet fully formed and do not have a sufficient ability to detoxification, they are especially vulnerable to the effects of toxic substances.
• Allergic reactions in the newborn: The components of dietary supplements can cause allergic reactions in a newborn. Allergic reactions can appear in the form of a skin rash, itching, edema, colic, diarrhea and other symptoms.
• The impact on the taste and smell of breast milk: Some components of dietary supplements can change the taste and smell of breast milk, which can lead to the baby’s refusal from the chest.
• Influence on the amount of breast milk: Some herbs and plant extracts contained in dietary supplements can affect the amount of breast milk. Some herbs can increase lactation, while others can reduce.
• Anxiety and irritability in a newborn: Some components of dietary supplements, such as caffeine and other stimulants, can cause anxiety and irritability in a newborn.
• Interaction with drugs: Bades can interact with drugs taken by the newborn, enhancing or weakening their effect.
• The risk of an overdose: Since the dosage of dietary supplements is not always indicated on the label, there is a risk of an overdose of individual components, especially for the newborn.
• Pollution with heavy metals and other harmful substances: Some dietary supplements can be polluted by heavy metals and other harmful substances that can have a toxic effect on the newborn.

Chapter 5: Bades, which should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation

There are a number of dietary supplements that should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation due to their potential danger to the health of the mother and child.

• Bades containing high doses of vitamin A (retinol): High doses of vitamin A can have a teratogenic effect and cause development defects in the fetus.
• Bades containing vitamin D in high doses: Although vitamin D is important, its excess leads to hypercalcemia, dangerous to mother and fetus.
• Bades containing vitamin E in high doses: Excessive use of vitamin E can also negatively affect the development of the fetus.
• Bades containing vitamin K in high doses: Vitamin K can affect blood coagulation, which is undesirable during pregnancy.
• Bades containing herbs and plant extracts with a potential teratogenic or abortive effect: Such herbs include:
  • Dudnik Chinese (Dong quai): It can stimulate the reduction of the uterus and increase the risk of miscarriage.
  • Solo root: It can increase blood pressure and cause swelling.
  • Wormwood: Contains a thujon that can be toxic for the nervous system.
  • Ordinary tansy: Contains a tuion that can stimulate uterine contraction.
  • Aloe Vera (when taking inside): It can stimulate uterine contraction and cause diarrhea.
  • Hay: It can cause diarrhea and dehydration.
  • Ephcedra: It can increase blood pressure and cause a heartbeat.
  • Yohimbe: It can increase blood pressure and cause anxiety.
  • Black Kokhosh: It can stimulate uterine contraction and cause premature birth.
  • Blue Kokhosh: It has a strong stimulating effect on the uterus and is not recommended during pregnancy.
• Dietary diets for weight loss: Most dietary supplements for weight loss contain substances that can be dangerous to the health of the mother and fetus.
• Bades containing stimulants (caffeine, guarana, ginseng): Stimulants can increase blood pressure, cause heartbeat and anxiety.
• Dietary supplements containing creatine: Creatine can increase the load on the kidneys and cause dehydration.
• Bades who have not passed state registration: Such dietary supplements may contain harmful substances and not meet the established safety requirements.
• Bades with unproven efficiency: Reception of dietary supplements with unproven efficiency may not only do not bring benefits, but also harm health.
• Bades containing high doses of iron without indications: Excess iron can lead to hemochromatosis and other problems.

Chapter 6: Bades that can be considered (with caution and under the supervision of a doctor)

Despite potential risks, in some cases the use of certain dietary supplements can be considered during pregnancy and lactation, but only as prescribed by the doctor and under his strict control.

• Folic acid: Folic acid plays an important role in the development of the nervous system of the fetus. Reception of folic acid is recommended for all women planning pregnancy and in the first trimester of pregnancy. The dosage of folic acid should be determined by the doctor.
• Vitamin D: Vitamin D is necessary for the normal development of the bones and teeth of the fetus. Vitamin D intake can be recommended to women with vitamin D deficiency. The dosage of vitamin D should be determined by the doctor based on the results of blood tests.
• Iron: Iron deficiency is a common problem during pregnancy. Iron intake can be recommended to women with iron deficiency anemia. The dosage of iron should be determined by a doctor based on the results of blood tests.
• Calcium: Calcium is necessary for the normal development of the bones and teeth of the fetus. Calcium intake can be recommended to women with calcium deficiency. The dosage of calcium should be determined by the doctor.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are important for the development of the brain and vision of the fetus. Reception of omega-3 fatty acids can be recommended to women who do not consume a sufficient amount of fish. The dosage of omega-3 fatty acids should be determined by the doctor.
• Probiotics: Probiotics can improve intestinal microflora and reduce the risk of infections. The intake of probiotics can be recommended to women with intestinal dysbiosis or other digestive problems. The choice of probiotics and dosage should be determined by the doctor.
• Iodine: Iodine is necessary for the normal function of the thyroid gland of the mother and fetus. The intake of iodine can be recommended to women living in regions with iodine deficiency. The dosage of iodine should be determined by the doctor.

It is important to remember that even if there are indications for the use of certain dietary supplements, it is necessary to choose dietary supplements from reliable manufacturers who have undergone state registration and have quality certificates. It is also necessary to strictly observe the recommended dosage and inform the doctor about any side effects.

Chapter 7: Alternative approaches: a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle

Instead of relying on dietary supplements, pregnant and lactating women should focus on a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

• Balanced nutrition: The diet should be diverse and include products from all main groups: fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, proteins and healthy fats. It is important to use a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals contained in natural products.
• Healthy lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle includes regular physical exercises of moderate intensity, sufficient sleep, rejection of smoking and alcohol, as well as stress management.
• Consultation with a doctor and nutritionist: It is important to regularly visit a doctor and consult with a nutritionist to obtain individual recommendations for nutrition and lifestyle.

Chapter 8: Reading labels and risk assessment

If the doctor recommended taking a certain dietary supplement, it is important to carefully study the label and evaluate potential risks.

• Composition: Carefully read the composition of the dietary supplement and make sure that it does not contain substances that should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.
• Dosage: Strictly follow the recommended dosage.
• Warning: Pay attention to warnings and contraindications.
• Manufacturer: Choose dietary supplements from reliable manufacturers with a good reputation.
• Quality certificates: Make sure that dietary supplement has passed state registration and has quality certificates.
• Consultation with a doctor: Discuss all issues related to the use of dietary supplements with a doctor.

Chapter 9: Legal aspects and responsibility

Despite the fact that dietary supplements are not medicines, manufacturers and sellers of dietary supplements are responsible for the safety and quality of their products.

• Information on the label: Information on the Bad label should be reliable and complete.
• Safety: Bades should be safe for consumer health, subject to recommended doses and methods of use.
• Responsibility for damage caused by health: Manufacturers and sellers of dietary supplements are responsible for the harm caused to consumer health as a result of the use of poor -quality or dangerous dietary supplements.

Chapter 10: Conclusion: making justified decisions

The use of dietary supplements during pregnancy and lactation requires special caution and a conscious approach. Before taking any dietary supplements, you need to consult a doctor and carefully evaluate potential risks and advantages. In most cases, a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are the best alternative to dietary supplements. The adoption of reasonable decisions based on reliable information and professional recommendations will help maintain the health of the mother and child.