Your first plan of action should be to ensure that you are receiving all of the nutrients needed for optimal health in your age range. Some nutrient needs, as well as calorie needs, will increase with pregnancy and breastfeeding. But your increased need for vitamins and minerals is immediate and does not depend on whether you are pregnant. Vitamins and minerals are key nutrients to every process that takes place in your body. They work together to make all your body processes happen normally. Your needs for certain nutrients are more imperative before and during pregnancy. Specific nutrients that are important include folate, calcium, and iron.
The Dangers of Mega-Dosing
Just because a vitamin or mineral is beneficial, more does not always mean better. Some vitamins and minerals have toxic effects at very high levels; for instance, be particularly aware of your intake of iodine and vitamins A, D, E, and K. Let’s take the example of vitamin A to see how high levels can be ingested and a sample potential danger of ingesting too much of a nutrient. Other vitamins and minerals in too-high doses carry different risks; pay attention to what you eat, and be sure to go to your doctor with any questions or concerns.
Vitamin A is important for promoting the growth and health of cells and tissues in both the mother and fetus. Vitamin A needs are not increased during pregnancy because the reserves in a woman’s body easily meet the needs of the fetus. In fact, research suggests that excess vitamin A ingested from supplements-over 10,000 international units (IU) daily-can be toxic and increase the risk of birth defects. Vitamin A in larger amounts poses the most risk two weeks prior to conception and during the first two months of pregnancy. These findings do not pertain to beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, which does not pose a risk and is not toxic. Check any supplements you take to learn the source of the vitamin A, and take in this vitamin only in amounts recommended or prescribed by your doctor. Stay away from mega doses of any vitamin or mineral before, during, and after pregnancy.
