What is the difference between multivitamin and prenatal vitamin

For women of childbearing age who could become pregnant, doctors often recommend getting more of certain key nutrients that have been shown to help support fetal development, like folate or folic acid, iodine, and DHA. But prenatals may contain other nutrients that experts recommend for women who are pregnant or planning for pregnancy, like folic acid, iodine and DHA. So always talk to your OBGYN if you have questions about finding the best prenatal vitamin and multivitamin for you.

Then, compare the labels of your daily multivitamin and your prenatals, and choose the supplement that contains the right nutrients that your doctor recommends.

The National Institutes of Health NIH recommend that women of childbearing age get mcg of folic acid or folate, its natural equivalent found in foods every day. A lot of research has been done that shows that taking folic acid or folate is crucial before, during and after conception. In fact, experts recommend taking folic acid four weeks prior to conception, and at least 12 weeks after conception to support healthy fetal development 4. Excess iron can be a problem, too.

Getting too much iron is associated with health problems like constipation , nausea , and diarrhea. For these reasons, most women should skip prenatal vitamins unless their doctors tell them otherwise. Many women claim that prenatal vitamins affect hair and nail growth.

Some claim that taking prenatal vitamins makes hair grow thicker or faster, and that nails could grow faster or stronger too. They could also have adverse side effects. A balanced diet includes lean proteins, low-fat dairy sources, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and veggies. But keep in mind that there are always exceptions to why you may need to take a vitamin or mineral supplement. Maybe your doctor found specific nutrition deficiencies in your diet.

Rachel Nall is a Tennessee-based critical care nurse and freelance writer. She began her writing career with the Associated Press in Brussels, Belgium. Although she enjoys writing about a variety of topics, healthcare is her practice and passion.

Nall is a full-time nurse at a bed intensive care unit focusing primarily on cardiac care. She enjoys educating her patients and readers on how to live healthier and happier lives. Biotin plays an important role in the health of your hair, skin, and nails, but can it really help with hair growth? Here's what you need to know.

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Post Should allergens be introduced later than other complementary foods? Post Why is it important for pregnant women to take a prenatal multivitamin? Annie Brodeur-Doucet - May 21, 0. Vitamin and mineral requirements are increased during pregnancy to support fetal growth. Prenatal multivitamins are a safe way to help meet these elevated needs. Follow us. Breastfeeding and contraception. What about colics? What to eat and what to avoid during breastfeeding?