Are You Taking a High Quality Prenatal Vitamin?
By Audra Foster, ND
Our food sources should deliver the ideal amounts of nutrients that we require but our food choices are often inadequate and the quality of what we eat has become compromised in our modern world. For the majority of women that are pregnant or contemplating pregnancy, a high quality prenatal vitamin mineral complex is necessary. We know that supplements, however balanced and complex, can never replace a whole foods diet, which is adequate in proteins, calories and associated nutrients. A prenatal nutrient supplement can help bridge the gap between mom’ s dietary reality and the needs of her pregnancy. A good prenatal will also benefit those with signs and symptoms of nutritional deficiencies or choose a vegan or a restricted diet. Although all nutrients in a prenatal are very important, as a licensed Naturopathic Doctor, I would like to focus on three nutrients. These nutrients are folic acid, vitamin D, and vitamin B12.
Folic Acid Folic acid is used in red blood cell formation and aids in metabolism of proteins. It is also necessary for growth and division of cells in the body. Pregnant women who are deficient in folic acid put their babies at risk for anemia, poor fetal growth or small babies, and neural tube defects. The mothers may also experience anemia, poor memory, and digestive disorders. Thus folic acid is a known key nutrient for both the mother and her baby during pregnancy.
Vitamin D The most recent vitamin D studies have shown the importance of vitamin D in pregnant women. It improves absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus, which is required for bone formation. Vitamin D also maintains a stable nervous system and normal heart action. This is a fat-soluble vitamin, which prevents poor bone and teeth formation or softening of these hard tissues. Additionally, vitamin D is very important for preventing malformation of the face, heart, and skull in the fetus. The absorption of vitamin D is important, thus I recommend an effervescent powder prenatal vitamin, such as the Oxylent Prenatal, to ensure mothers are absorbing all essential nutrients.
Vitamin B12 Vitamin B12 in the form of methylcobalamin is a favorite of mine. Vitamin B12 is essential for normal cell formation and for the proper metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It maintains a healthy nervous system and manages stress
during pregnancy. Vitamin B12 is very beneficial for both the mother and developing baby. Deficiency of this nutrient is called pernicious anemia and can result in brain damage, neuritis, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and fatigue. It is one of the major players in supporting our nervous system. Due to difficult absorption of vitamin B12 from our diets or supplements that are being swallowed, Oxylent Prenatal effervescent powder is recommended to ensure absorption of all nutrients. Vitamin B12 will help protect your developing baby, but also helps support a balanced nervous system, resulting in a calm and happy pregnancy for mother and baby.
All prenatal nutrients along with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins, will ensure both baby and mother have a healthy pregnancy. It is important that her prenatal is high quality and high potency and is easily absorbed and assimilated. Oxylent Prenatal is a perfect addition to support women in preconception, pregnancy, and during nursing.
Audra Foster, ND Bio
Dr. Audra Foster is a licensed, board-certified doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and is considered a Primary Care Physician in the state of California. She has been in private practice for 12 years and focuses on general medicine with an emphasis in women’ s health, including a wide variety of menopausal and gynecological concerns. In addition, she specializes in bio-identical hormone balancing for men and women and has many years of experience in treating chronic illnesses and disease through natural methods of healing. Dr. Foster is a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, as well as the California Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
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