Prenatal Vitamins

[JGruner]

I would like to know what the thought is on prenatal vitamins. The UK promotes not taking any vitamin A, yet American prenatal all include it. The leading brand in UK (Pregnacare) has only 400 mcg of folic acid, yet most American prenatal vitamins have 800 mcg. Pregnacare also doesn't include calcium, yet others do (Rainbow Light and The Honest Company [organic]) and none of the vitamins I have come across include Docosahexaerioc (DHA). There is also a division on when you should consume vitamins - 3 months before or once you realise your pregnant, all the way through pregnancy or stopping at first trimester? Help!! A lot of information and not knowing who to believe.

I'm in the same boat (very confused about pre vits)

I think it's important to get some extra folic acid when pregnant, to prevent birth defects like spina bifida. A little extra iron and caslcium is good for mom, too. I think that's the main justification.
Here in the US, all doctors recommend prenatal vitamins, and nearly all pregnant women take them.
I only took them occasionally, however, because they made me both nauseated and constipated.

I think folic acid and vitamin d are important before conception and in the first trimester due to proven links to the reduction of risk of spina bifida.

IMHO other vitamins give you expensive and fancy wee. You can get all you need from a healthy and balanced diet.

The list important is folic acid really, as long as you eat a balanced duet, the rest don't matter so much xx

Most not list

Potassium iodide supplementation is also a good idea www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090225172637.htm
Since most people are deficient & it is needed for cognitive function.

What about prenats for men?