Faced with the explosion of food supplements intended for pregnant women, it sometimes becomes difficult to distinguish serious medical recommendations from marketing promises. Folic acid, omega-3, vitamin D, iodine… certain nutrients play a key role during pregnancy and can be prescribed when the diet does not cover needs. Conversely, other supplements should never be taken without medical advice. So which ones are actually useful? And in what cases? Maternity experts take stock.
Folic acid, essential before and during pregnancy
Vitamin B9, also called folic acid, is unanimously approved by health professionals. It is ideally recommended from the two months preceding conception and must be continued during the start of the pregnancy.
“It’s true that we see more and more of them on pharmacy shelves and on social networks.“, notes an expert. However, its medical benefit is well established: folic acid contributes to the proper development of the baby’s nervous system and helps reduce certain risks of malformations.
The generally recommended dose is 400 micrograms per day, with possible adjustments depending on the medical profile of the future mother and the recommendations of the healthcare professional.
Omega-3, vitamin D, iodine: needs to be assessed on a case-by-case basis
Beyond vitamin B9, other supplements can be considered during pregnancy, but always within the framework of personalized monitoring.
Omega-3
Omega-3s are particularly recommended to support the development of the baby’s brain and retina, especially when the consumption of fatty fish is insufficient.
Vitamin D
In France, vitamin D deficiencies are common. Supplementation can therefore be offered during pregnancy in order to promote good bone mineralization in the baby and support the mother’s immunity.
Iodine
Iodine plays an essential role in thyroid function and fetal development. During pregnancy, a daily intake of 200 to 250 micrograms is often recommended.
Iron: a supplement to be used with caution
Not all supplements should be taken systematically. This is particularly the case for iron.
“Iron is on a case by case basis. It is only prescribed if a blood test confirms anemia.“, recalls a specialist.
Unjustified supplementation may in fact be useless, or even present certain risks. Hence the importance of medical monitoring before taking any food supplements.
Personalized follow-up remains essential
Food supplements can be of real medical use during pregnancy when food alone is not enough to cover nutritional needs. But experts insist: they should never be consumed independently.
“Never take them on your own, your midwife or doctor is there to personalize what is truly right for you“, advises a gynecologist.
The objective is to ensure that the future mother and baby have an adequate intake of essential nutrients, while avoiding the risks linked to inappropriate supplementation.
What do you think of this careful and personalized approach to food supplements during pregnancy? Have you already encountered these recommendations during your maternity follow-up?