Are Multivitamins enough?

K

Kathy02

Cathlete
Ok, I'm just really curious. Right now I am taking a prenatal vitamin, due to the fact that I'm trying to get pregnant. But I was wondering, is that enough vitamins for an entire day? I was thinking that maybe I should be taking an extra E, and maybe a C, and possibly a calcium suppliment. I really don't drink any juice, I don't eat enough fruit, and I don't drink enough Milk either. There are pelnty of reasons for all of this, but I won't go into it. I do eat a sald everyday for lunch, and then for a snack I try to eat broccoli with light dip, or cuccumbers. I know that I really should be taking extra calcium, I hardly ever drink milk, not a fan. I've bought Soy Milk, I like that, but I just need to drink it. I tend to drink water more than enything else.
Do any of you have any opinions on what more I should maybe be taking? If anything?

Thanks!!

Kathy
 
Hi Kathy,

Personally, if I was trying to get pregnant, I would okay everything with my OB/GYN, midwife or family doctor before I took anything additional. Good luck!

Blessings,
Denise
 
Taking vitamins cannot make up for poor food choices, and can create imbalances (adding supplemental vitamins to the diet can create problems where there were none before). Choose nutrient-rich foods, which are vegetables, and you'll get the vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, carbs, protein, and fats (and other elements that haven't been discovered yet) you need.

The human body doesn't need another animal's milk, and can't generally utilize the calcium in it. Excess protein (generally above 15% of the diet) is harsh on the body and causes the body to release minerals from the bones to buffer it, contributing to osteoporosis. The best way to protect your bones is thru eating calcium-rich veggies, not eating excessive protein, and exercising.

Try: http://www.nealhendrickson.com/mcdougall/030400.htm for info on dairy and supplementing and human nutrition. Click on "Dairy Products - 10 False Promises."

http://www.nealhendrickson.com/mcdougall/030800.htm Click on "Plants, not Pills, for Vitamins and Minerals"

http://www.nealhendrickson.com/mcdougall/030900.htm Click on "Building Your Own High-Performance Athletic Body"

I like Dr. McDougall because he gets his info from science studies published in peer-reviewed professional journals. Hope this helps.
 
I know of no OB's who do not recommend a prenatal vitamin. It's essential to get enough folic acid, iron and calcium for a healthy pregancy. While I agree that a balanced diet is the best way to get your nutrients, I would recommend against making any huge changes since you may be pregnant at any time. Lean proteins, like fish and chicken and particular cuts of red meat, as well as lots of whole grains and a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables is the best way to ensure your good health and a healthy baby.

I personally believe that weight bearing exercise is essential to strong bones and I consume milk and soy milk, meat and tofu, yogurt and cheese as well as broccoli and other dark leafy greens to help with calcium intake. Everything in moderation. However, consumption of high fat dairy products must be moderate since saturated fat is detrimental to good health. I believe eliminating anything from your diet is unnecessary unless there is a specific health reason or a matter of principle that would necessitate such a move. One exception is trans fats, which should be strictly avoided.

The advice to talk to your doctor is sound. You are a team who's goal is a healthy, vital pregnancy and a beautiful, healthy baby! Good luck! When I was pregant, I felt wonderful and peaceful!
Chicks's Rule! http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/chicken.gif Bobbi
 
Hi Kathy,

When I was pregnant my OB told me that a prenatal vitamin was enough. Just one a day. I agree with my OB who believes that vitamins are really just a supplement, something that adds to what you have gotten from your diet or gives you what your diet lacks. She did tell me it was important to drink lots of orange juice for the folic acid, which a developing fetus needs. I had a high-protein diet when I was pregnant. It wasn't something I chose to do consciously. I simply craved lots of protein -- 1% milk, lean chicken breast, fish, yogurt and ice cream (I bought Healthy Choice). I also craved bananas, mangoes and salad. I remember being in Subway a lot, buying foot-long sandwiches on whole wheat bread. I guess I was lucky that way, that my appetite graciously leaned towards the healthy while I was carrying my boy. I kept on the prenatal vites until my sixth month when my OB said that my blood test showed I lacked iron. She told me exactly how many mg's I had to take based on the results. If you are concerned about how your current eating habits would impact the pregnancy you want, give your OB a call. It helps to have someone you trust guide you during a very important and exciting time in your life.

Good luck,
Pinky:)
 
here's my 2 cents.
I'm in the same position as you - hoping to get pg and trying to make sure I get all my vitamins/minerals/etc.

I am vegan so do not drink any milk or eat dairy meat products. Here's what I'm taking:

Prenatal (4 times per day - it splits out the vitamins/minerals - your body can only absorb so much at once so I believe this is better for me)

DHA supplement (since I don't eat any fish)

Calcium supplement (just in case - I've read that the citrate form is the best and also that your body does not absorb the entire amount that is in any supplement)

Zinc supplement (as a vegan and a regular exerciser, I've read that this is helpful)


My approach was to do a lot of reading - mostly books - and see what sorts of things my diet may be lacking. I modified my diet a little and added in supplements where I felt I might be a little short.

Good luck!!
 
Thank you all for your thoughts. AS some of you may have already read I am pregnant, so now I am just making sure to take my prenatal vitamins.
I think one of the reasons I wanted to know if I was getting enough was because I was dizzy, and didn't have any energy. Now I know the real reason.
ONce again, thank you for your info!

Kathy
 
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