Is it okay for expectant mothers to take nutritional supplements?

expectant mom( many thanks to ballison at sxc.hu for this free stock photo)

Is it okay for expectant mothers to take nutritional supplements?

The short answer to the question is: ‘Yes’.

But of course, any planned changes to the diet and supplement routines you were following before you became pregnant, should first be discussed with your health-care provider. This is particularly important  in the first three months of your pregnancy.

Providing you get the go-ahead from your doctor, here are a few suggestions to help you choose which GNLD supplements are best for you and your growing baby…

Phyllis Balch in her book, ‘Prescription for Nutritional Healing’, as well as Patrick Holford in his book, ‘Optimum Nutrition Before, During, and After Pregnancy’, advocate supplements for expectant mothers.

Supplements derived from real food…rather than ones copied in the laboratory…work  the best, because your body recognises the nutrients readily, works with  them easily, and you and baby get the most benefits.

The best way to take supplements is in divided doses with food. In other words, have some with breakfast, and some with lunch.

The supplements ensure that mum-to-be has all the building blocks she needs to make a healthy baby.

Here’s what the experts recommend…

  • protein supplement…because your developing baby is mostly made from protein
  • multivitamin, multimineral supplement…because all your body’s processes need vitamins, and at least one mineral, to work properly
  • vitamin B supplement containing folic acid…because folic acid helps ensure correct spinal cord development, and the other B vitamins are needed for protein building
  • iron supplement…required for red blood cells, certain enzymes, and growth
  • omega 3 salmon oil…because omega 3 fatty acids are essential for brain, eyes, nerves, and immune system development
  • antioxidants like vitamin E, vitamin C, flavonoids, and carotenoids…because they’re needed for a strong immune system
  • calcium & magnesium tablets in a 2 calcium-to-1 magnesium ratio…because the minerals are needed for bones, teeth, nails, and nerves

Here’s the GNLD translation of the recommendations…

  • Nutrishake protein health drink…two scoops in low-fat or skimmed milk, or mixed with plain yoghurt
  • Formula IV Plus… 1 sachet with breakfast, or with lunch, whichever is preferred
  • Omega 3 Salmon Oil Plus… 1 capsule with breakfast… 1 capsule with lunch
  • Vitamin B Complex sustained release… 1 tablet with lunch
  • Cal-Mag… 3 tablets at night before going to bed… helps you get a good night’s rest

Iron tablets are usually dished out by the hospital, so mums-to-be don’t need another iron supplement from GNLD.

Iron can be a two-edged sword, so follow your doctor’s advice and don’t take too much of it.

GNLD Formula IV Plus also contains vitamin C and vitamin E, so a budget-conscious expectant mother taking GNLD Formula IV Plus will be okay without the icing on the cake of a separate supplement of vitamin C and one of vitamin E.

interesting reading…

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in England published the benefits they found for mother and baby, of taking GNLD’s Omega 3 Salmon Oil Plus.

If you’d like to read the benefits they found…reported in the ‘you and your family’ magazine…please click here.

Bookmark us and come and read the next post with tips on healthy food choices for mothers-to-be :-)