Pregnant Women Aren't Getting Vitamins They Need: Can Prenatal Vitamins Bridge the Gap?

Recent research from Purdue University reveals that many pregnant women are not getting the recommended amounts of vital vitamins and nutrients, even when taking supplements¹. The use of prenatal vitamins can help bridge this nutritional gap, but only if they contain the right combination of essential vitamins and minerals that are available for absorption.

BabyRx’s Prenatal Complete+ was built from the ground up based on studies like these that found critical nutritional deficiencies among pregnant women.

Key Nutrient Deficiencies Among Pregnant Women

Proper nutrition is critical for pregnant individuals, as the developing fetus relies entirely on the mother for all its nutrients. In the absence of essential nutrients, the fetus can develop a variety of birth and developmental defects.

The Purdue researchers examined a sample of 1,003 expectant mothers aged between 20 and 40, whose health data was collected through the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2001 to 2014. They found that:

"A considerable number of women had significantly low levels of magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin E, and iron. In addition, some women were deficient in vitamin A, folate, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin B, and zinc."

The research team also observed that, even when using supplements, many women did not achieve optimal levels of essential nutrients.

Low-quality supplements that had poor absorption increased the risk of vitamin deficiencies in pregnant women, as these women incorrectly assumed they were getting all the nutrients they needed.

Vitamin Deficiencies Can Restrict the Baby's Growth

Each vitamin plays a vital role in supporting the growth and development of the fetus. Deficiencies in key vitamins can adversely affect the baby's growth and development, leading to potential health problems later in life. For example:

Low iron levels can cause anemia, which can result in fatigue, complications during delivery, and even death in the baby².
Folate deficiency can cause birth defects in the spine³.
Inadequate intake of vitamin D can result in rickets, a condition causing weak and soft bones in infants and children⁴.
Insufficient vitamin A can cause visual impairment and negatively impact the immune system⁵.

To prevent these issues, it's crucial to choose prenatal vitamins that provide adequate levels of essential vitamins and are formulated for optimal absorption.

How Natural, Highly Absorbent Prenatal Vitamins Can Help

Prenatal vitamins are specially formulated supplements that cater to the increased nutrient needs of pregnant women. They contain higher levels of vital nutrients, such as folic acid, iron, and magnesium, which are essential for a healthy pregnancy. Natural bioavailable prenatal vitamins like BabyRx's Prenatal Complete+ provide better absorption, ensuring that the body can effectively utilize the nutrients provided, and thus are more effective.

A study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics found that "women who used prenatal vitamins were more likely to meet the recommended dietary intake of key nutrients"⁶. This emphasizes the importance of prenatal vitamins in bridging the nutritional gap during pregnancy.

Choosing the Right Prenatal Vitamin

A high-quality prenatal vitamin should contain the following nutrients and be designed with bioavailable ingredients for optimal absorption. BabyRx Prenatal Complete+ is made with all natural ingredients that are best absorbed by your body.

Folic acid: The American Pregnancy Association recommends 600 to 1000 micrograms of folic acid per day for pregnant women⁷. Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects in the baby.
Iron: Pregnant women require 27 milligrams of iron per day total⁸. Iron is essential for the production of red blood cells, which supply oxygen to both the mother and the baby.
Vitamin D: At least 600 IU of vitamin D is recommended for pregnant women⁹. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and supports the development of the baby's bones and teeth.
Vitamin B12: The recommended daily intake of vitamin B12 for pregnant women is at least 2.6 micrograms¹¹. Vitamin B12 is crucial for the formation of red blood cells and the development of the baby's nervous system.
Omega-3 DHA: 200-300 mg of DHA is recommended daily for pregnant women¹². DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, is vital for the development of the baby's brain and eyes.
Magnesium: Pregnant women need 350-360 milligrams of magnesium per day¹³. Magnesium supports bone health, nerve function, and blood pressure regulation. Experts recommend supplements include lower doses of Magnesium as a balanced diet will usually supply the majority of a pregnant woman’s needs¹⁴.
Zinc: The recommended daily intake of zinc for pregnant women is at least 11 milligrams¹⁵. Zinc is essential for cell division, protein synthesis, and immune system support.
Collagen: While there is no specific amount sited for collagen intake during pregnancy, it is an important protein that provides structure to the skin, bones, and connective tissues¹⁶.

The Bottom Line

Adequate nutrition is of utmost importance during pregnancy for the lifelong health of mothers and babies. Although many pregnant women struggle to meet the recommended intake of essential nutrients, natural, highly absorbent prenatal vitamins can help bridge this gap. By selecting a natural complete prenatal vitamin, mothers can ensure proper nutrition throughout their pregnancies and supporting the lifelong health of their babies.

Consult your healthcare providers before starting any supplement regimen.

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