Do I have to get fleeced buying pregnancy vitamins?

[Andanotherthing123]

Midwife said no need to take frolic acid now just go to multi vitamins. The pregnancy ones are horrendously overpriced whereas the ordinary multi vitamins around 1.50. I object to

the NHS states it's okay in the summer (no need for supplements) but that they are required in the winter for some groups of people

"There is not enough evidence to support a recommendation for
food fortification or widespread vitamin D supplementation for the general population. Unlike vitamin D produced in the skin, there is the potential that vitamin D from supplements and fortificants could build up to toxic levels and there is not enough evi dence about the possible risks of raised vitamin D blood levels in the general population over a long period of time."

this is what worries me about supplementation.

Op am guessing the frolicking has already happened.

If you decide to take vitamins, Tesco do pregnancy ones 30 for £3, and are always on 3 for 2, so works out £2 a month.

But vitamin D supplements are recommended for pregnant women.

yes, I saw that was the case.

i did take a multivit after the first trimester

I do tend to agree about most vitamins.. its usually easy to get most of what you need from your diet.. well if you can keep anything down/eat something other than crisp sandwiches

Folic acid is just another vitamin (B9 I think?) but so important - its weird really.

I don't think we understand yet the potential of vit D - there are trials going on at the moment, but a lot of people think the benefits could be huge, there just isn't the data there yet though (as far as I know).

And yes, its possible to get enough in this country,but with the last couple of years of crappy weather and the amount of time you'd have to spend outside to get it, a lot of people may be deficient,esp the further north you go. Hopefully the recent sunny weather has given everybody a boost :)

they only found out about folic acid preventing spina bifida in the 1980s.

Its quite amazing really, I keep meaning to look up how they discovered the link.

The potential link between vitD and multiple sclerosis is only being investigated now.

I just take nhs healthy start vitamins with vitamins C, D and folic acid which are free for pregnant women at the children's centre where I have my midwife appointments. I wasn't aware I needed to be buying anything extra...

Its not great. You get plenty in your normal diet,and too much vitamin A in supplement form isn't needed and can cause problems. You do need some while you're pregnant though, but as I said, its easy to get enough in your diet.

badguider I've read about that - the incidence of MS seems to increase the further north you go (I read that on here though, so not sure how much truth there is in that).

The Pregnacare ones I've been taking are around £3.90 for a month's supply which I think is pretty reasonable.

yes, vitamin A, according to the NHS websitse:
"According to some research, having more than an average of 1.5mg a day of vitamin A over many years may affect your bones, making them more likely to fracture when you are older.

This is particularly important for older people, especially women, who are already at risk of osteoporosis. This is where your bone density reduces and you have a higher risk of fractures."

and it goes on to reiterate not to take vitamin A supplements during pregnancy

that's interesting about vitamin D and MS.

I'm just reluctant to take vitamin supplements when you don't know how much of a problem it could be if you take too much (see Vitamin A as a good example)

I'm just taking vitamin D now I'm well past 12 weeks. I have the Asda kids chewy ones, £1 for 45 tablets and they have the recommended amount of vit D same as the expensive adult/pregnancy ones.

I haven't taken any. I take omega 3 and 6 occasionally and liquid iron if I'm feeling a bit tired, i drink a lot of healthy teas and generally have a healthy diet so don't want to risk messing my natural stores with artificial supplements. I've had very good blood pressure and iron levels and never any problems detected in my urine all the way through, daily sunlight and exercise. I think unless you have a very poor diet due to illness or fussiness then multi vitamins for everyone are a con.

Boots have their own brand of pregnancy vitamins. Folic acid and vitamin B which was what i was told to take. Pregnicare ones where HUGE, massively expensive and you have to take more than one a day :/ Boots own are small, one a day and around 3 pound :) And buy one get one free when I bought them!!

If you don't take vitamin D throughout pregnancy and then breastfeed, it is recommended that you give your baby a vitamin supplement from 1 month old. Otherwise it's from 6 months to 5 years.

I bought pregnancy vitamins and take them for peace of mind. I eat an okay diet, but not the highest in fruits and veggies (I try) so I feel the vitamins help with anything I might be missing. And hey, maybe they r not needed, but it makes me feel better taking them :)