8 Key Nutrients for a Prenatal Supplement

During pregnancy, women are often advised to take a daily prenatal multivitamin/mineral supplement to optimize their baby’s growth and development and to support their own health. 

While it’s best to rely on food to meet nutrient needs, the extra health demands of pregnancy for both mom and baby can make it difficult to eat all the nutrients needed. In addition, nobody eats perfectly on a daily basis, especially women experiencing “morning sickness” which can last all day and limit food intake. Dietary supplements can fill in gaps for several nutrients.ⁱ

Key Ingredients for Mom and Baby

Although no worldwide government recommendations dictate which nutrients should be in a prenatal supplement,  the following stand out as particularly important.  

Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in brightly colored fruits and vegetables, such as kale, spinach, and broccoli, and in corn and egg yolks. The body cannot make lutein and zeaxanthin, so baby and mom must get these important nutrients from foods or supplements, or a combination.

As early as the second trimester of pregnancy, lutein and zeaxanthin start accumulating in the retina of baby’s eyes. During the third trimester, when baby’s eye and brain development are at their peak, the levels of lutein in mom’s bloodstream are also at their highest._ⁱⁱ A recent study found that children born to moms who had higher lutein and zeaxanthin levels in their blood just before delivery had a lower risk for poor visual acuity – the ability to see fine detail – at three years of age.ⁱⁱⁱ

Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in areas of the brain related to sight, learning and memory.^iv

Currently there is no global health organization recommendation for lutein and zeaxanthin intake during pregnancy._^v  However, health professionals suggest adults consume 10 milligrams (mg) of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin daily to support eye health and to insure adequate levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in the retina.^vi

Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)

During pregnancy, DHA, an omega-3 fat, accumulates in baby’s brain and retina. Mom supplies baby with DHA from stores in her body and her diet. ^vii Seafood, and the algae that ocean fish consume, provide DHA.  Women who don’t eat enough fish or DHA-fortified foods may not be consuming adequate DHA to maximize baby’s brain and vision.^viii ix Experts recommended a daily minimum of 200 mg of DHA during pregnancy. ^x

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 assists in the production of DNA and red blood cells and supports baby’s central nervous system development. Vitamin B12 is found naturally only in animal foods. Women who eat small amounts of animal products or who avoid them can quickly become deficient in vitamin B12 because it is not stored in the body.  Some plant foods have added vitamin B12, but it’s probably best to rely on a supplement during pregnancy. The suggested intake for vitamin B12 during pregnancy is 2.6 micrograms (mcg) daily. ^xi

Folic Acid

Folic acid is the form of the B vitamin folate added to fortified foods and dietary supplements.  Folic acid helps produce healthy red blood cells in baby and mom, and to prevent defects of the neural tube which becomes the baby’s spinal column and brain. Look for a daily prenatal supplement with 600 mcg of folic acid.^xii

Choline

Studies show that choline is critical for the development of the brain, particularly the hippocampus, the brain’s so-called memory center. ^xiii Research suggests women need 450 mg of choline daily during pregnancy. ^xiv It’s possible to get adequate choline from foods, but evidence shows that the majority of pregnant women don’t consume enough choline-rich foodsxv, making the need for supplemental choline important.

Iodine

Iodine plays a major role in formation of the brain and nerve cells during pregnancy. Women of childbearing age living in the U.S. are among those most likely to consume inadequate amounts of iodinexvi and research suggests that the number of pregnant women with insufficient iodine intakes is on the rise.^xvii

The American Thyroid Association recommends consuming 150 mcg of iodine in supplement form every day during pregnancy. Choose a supplement with potassium iodide as the source.^xviii

Iron

Iron is vital to the production of hemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that transports oxygen to cells. Iron also plays a role in building a strong immune system, ensuring a healthy birth weight, and in the proper development of a child’s brain and nervous system.^xix Iron requirements increase significantly during pregnancy, as the body boosts red blood cell production to support a growing baby.

Experts recommend pregnant women consume 27 milligrams (mg) of iron every day during pregnancy. It’s difficult for most women to reach the suggested intake for iron during pregnancy with food alone, so pregnant women should consider taking supplemental iron.^xx

About the author:

Elizabeth Ward is a registered dietitian and author of several books, including Expect the Best, Your Guide to Healthy Eating Before, During, and After Pregnancy. Read more of Elizabeth’s work on her web site: www.BetterIsTheNewPerfect.com.