Contents
Any person needs vitamins and microelements – even if this person is still “living” in the womb. And during this period, the body of a pregnant woman is the only source of nutrition for the baby. In the 1st trimester, a woman’s nutrition rich in micro- and macronutrients is especially important, since it is during this period that the baby’s nervous system is laid, the circulatory and cardiovascular systems are formed.
But the statistics are not encouraging. Doctors say that the intake of vitamins and minerals in pregnant women in Our Country does not reach the recommended standards, which threatens with a number of development of malformations in the fetus. (1) Take vitamin D, for example – its deficiency is associated with the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, placental insufficiency, low birth weight, and is also a risk factor for preterm birth and bacterial infections.
Even the ideal daily diet of an adult in terms of saturation with vitamins and microelements is deficient by about 20%. And you also need to take into account the climatic conditions and lifestyle of the expectant mother, which are not ideal for many.
Therefore, in order to restore balance and create an optimal environment for the development of the fetus, doctors prescribe vitamin and mineral complexes, which include B vitamins, vitamins A, C, E, D, polyunsaturated fatty acids, as well as necessarily micro and macro elements.
Rating of the top 11 vitamins for pregnant women in the 1rd trimester according to KP
1. Vitrum Prenatal Plus
The American-made drug contains many useful vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, E, group B, folic acid, zinc, iodine, iron and selenium. This dietary supplement can often be found in the rankings of the best vitamins for pregnant women in the 1st trimester.
Such a “set” of vitamins and nutrients not only creates an optimal environment for the development of the fetus, but also helps to strengthen the woman’s immunity. Despite the large amount of nutrients, the manufacturer promises a balanced composition. That is, the risk of an overdose of certain vitamins is significantly reduced.
This supplement is convenient to take: one tablet per day, preferably in the morning. Vitamins are well absorbed. However, there is a possibility of side effects: increased sweating or decreased visual acuity, so you should consult your doctor before taking it.
The complex is sold in pharmacies in packs of 30 pieces (for a month) and 100 pieces. It is more profitable to immediately take a larger volume.
2. “Elevit Planning and the first trimester”
Biologically active food supplement of French-Swiss production. Created for women who are planning to conceive, and are also intended for use in the 1st trimester of pregnancy. The composition is rich in useful substances, there are vitamins A, B1, B2, B5, B6, B12, C, D, E, as well as niacin and biotin, metafolin (folates that are absorbed better than folic acid), iron, copper, iodine, zinc, magnesium, manganese, selenium and calcium.
You need to take one tablet a day with meals. Of the contraindications – only individual intolerance. However, in any case, it is better to consult your doctor before using this dietary supplement.
3. Femibion Natalcare 1
The VMC was created in Austria for women at the stage of preparation for pregnancy and in the early stages after conception – until the end of the 12th week.
The complex is enriched with folic acid and metafolin, there are B, C, E vitamins, iodine, biotin and nicotinamide (for the skin), pantothenate (improves metabolism).
These vitamins are well absorbed and suitable even for people with a weak stomach, as evidenced by the reviews.
The manufacturer prudently chose a blister for packaging the drug – so a woman can control the number of pills if she doubts whether she took vitamins today or not.
4. “Natalben SUPRA”
A complex of vitamins, micro and macro elements, Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from an Italian manufacturer. The VMC is specifically designed to meet the daily needs of pregnant and breastfeeding women for these substances. And “Natalben SUPRA” can be used in preparation for pregnancy.
In the composition you will find polyunsaturated fatty acids of the Omega-3 family, vitamins C, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, D3, zinc, iron, pantothenic and folic acids, iodine, biotin, selenium.
5. Solgar Prenatal Nutrients
Another vitamin complex for expectant mothers that you can start using even before conception and continue after. This dietary supplement contains the most essential vitamins, acids and minerals, including magnesium and potassium. Additionally, only iodine is prescribed.
The distributor promises, as additional positive effects, the stabilization of pressure and the reduction of toxicosis. It is recommended to take 4 tablets per day.
6. “Complivit Mama”
A balanced vitamin cocktail that will help women compensate for the deficiency of vitamins and microelements. Ingredients: vitamins A, E, C, D, a group of vitamins B, PP, magnesium, copper, zinc, iron, calcium, phosphorus and manganese.
Due to the fact that this is a development, dietary supplements are sold in many pharmacies and online stores, and at an affordable price.
However, be sure to consult your doctor before using and study contraindications, including anemia and urolithiasis.
7. “9 months. Omegamama complex»
As the name implies, this dietary supplement is not only a combination of vitamins and minerals – there is also Omega, or rather, fish oil, which is a complex of omega acids.
The package contains 60 tablets and capsules, which are placed in blisters. Once a day (in the first half) during a meal, you need to take one capsule and one tablet. The reviews note that this is very convenient: you do not need to keep several jars and bottles in the kitchen – everything is useful in one preparation. Supplements can also be consumed after childbirth, during breastfeeding.
If you have thyroid problems and you are already taking iodine-containing drugs, consult an endocrinologist before purchasing a supplement.
8. “Minisan Mama”
Multivitamin complex from Finland for the prevention of vitamin and mineral deficiency. Suitable not only for pregnant women in the first trimester, but also during preparation for conception and during breastfeeding.
Unlike a number of multivitamins for pregnant women, it contains iodine and magnesium – you do not need to buy them separately. According to the instructions, these vitamins should be taken one tablet per day. Sold in packs of 90 pieces, which is convenient – enough for three months.
9. “AlfaVit Mom’s health”
Popular vitamins of domestic production. The company is also known for dietary supplements for children, young girls and men.
This complex is represented by vitamins E, D3, K1, C, B1, B2, B5, B6, B12, PP, it is also a source of beta-carotene, folic acid, biotin, calcium, iron, zinc, iodine, selenium, copper, molybdenum, chromium, contains manganese, magnesium, phosphorus and taurine.
All nutrients are “packed” in different tablets, which can be distinguished externally by their colors: inside you will find cream-colored, blue and pink capsules. So that useful substances do not “quarrel” with each other inside the body, you need to take pills with a break of several hours. For example, in the morning – cream, at lunch – pink, in the evening – blue.
10. “Pregnakea”
Used to prevent vitamin and mineral deficiencies in pregnant and lactating women. The package contains 30 capsules, which should be enough for a month of use.
Each capsule contains a whole complex of vitamins and minerals: D3, E, B1, B2, B6, B12, K1, C, folic acid, niacin, iron, zinc, magnesium, iodine, copper.
The manufacturer admits the possibility of allergies. It is necessary to take this point into account and consult a doctor before use.
But if the urine turned orange, and the feces turned dark, it’s okay, it’s because of the active substances in the composition.
11. “Fruttilar”
A dietary supplement from the Evalar line for expectant mothers, which is presented in an unusual form for the segment, is marmalade. That is, the problem of large tablets that are inconvenient to swallow has been solved.
This vitamin and mineral supplement is an additional source of zinc, iodine, manganese, biotin, folic acid (in the form of methylfolate, which is better absorbed), nicotinamide, vitamins A, D, E, C, group B.
It is recommended to take one lozenge twice a day to get a noticeable effect.
How to choose vitamins for pregnant women in the 1rd trimester
Experts say that a deficiency of a single micronutrient is rare – usually doctors are faced with a lack of a combination of useful substances. Therefore, it is advisable to supplement the woman’s diet with vitamin and mineral complexes. (3)
However, in pharmacies and online stores you can find many types of dietary supplements, how to understand them and choose the right one for you?
It is optimal to take tests to understand which nutrients are lacking in the body. And then by all means consult with a doctor who, taking into account the characteristics of your body and in accordance with your budget, will give recommendations on vitamin complexes. Also, study the contraindications and possible side effects yourself – especially if the doctor does not know about some of your individual characteristics.
Expert Commentary
We asked obstetrician-gynecologist, nutritionist, integrative, personalized and anti-aging medicine doctor Margarita Khalimova give some tips on choosing vitamins in the 1st trimester of pregnancy:
– What vitamins and microelements must be present in the diet or taken in addition?
Firstly, these are B vitamins, which have a greater effect on a healthy pregnancy. Thanks to vitamin B2, some hormones, red blood cells and ATP are produced, which is vital for body cells. Vitamin B9, known as folic acid, promotes conception and normal gestation, and prevents the development of cancer cells. Vitamin B9 is found in small amounts in foods, so doctors usually prescribe folic acid supplements, separately or as part of vitamin-mineral complexes.
Secondly, vitamin C – it is involved in creating a protective shield of the body. In addition, for iron to be better absorbed, vitamin C must be present in adequate amounts. Otherwise, iron deficiency leads to low hemoglobin and anemia. And against this background, tissue hypoxia (oxygen starvation) often develops, including in a child, which is fraught with developmental disorders. In addition, with anemia, complications are frequent: preeclampsia, the threat of termination of pregnancy, premature detachment of the placenta, and others.
Thirdly, it is necessary to note the importance of other elements. Calcium is needed for the development of the child’s skeletal system, and iodine is needed by the thyroid gland, which in turn produces vital hormones.
Popular questions and answers
What is the fundamental difference between vitamins for the 1st trimester of pregnancy and those taken in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters?
When can you not take vitamin supplements?
Most vitamins are not formed in the body, but come from food. If a pregnant woman eats a full and varied diet, foods rich in nutrients are included in the diet, then she does not need additional intake of vitamins and minerals (with the possible exception of certain substances).
The effect of such a balanced diet will be even better than the intake of vitamin and mineral complexes. However, most women, as both practice and scientific research show, cannot adjust their diet by filling it with everything they need.
In addition, doctors may prescribe certain vitamins and minerals to a pregnant woman, even if she is eating well. First of all, it is folic acid (vitamin B9). Its deficiency increases the risk of neural tube defects and a number of other defects in the fetus (cleft lip, palate, congenital heart defects, etc.) In addition, it is vitamin D. Both of these substances are needed in large quantities, which is very difficult to provide with a diet .
Is there a risk of overdose? What does this mean for the fetus?
The most unfavorable is an overdose of vitamin A – there is a risk of various malformations. Excessive intake of vitamin D is also dangerous. An overdose of vitamin B6 is accompanied by risks in late pregnancy: subsequently, children may experience seizures for no apparent reason and, in general, the likelihood of developing asthmatic diseases increases.
Excessive use of vitamin E carries the risk of its deposition in the liver and body fat, affects the nervous system of a woman. In addition, it can adversely affect the development of the fetus: a decrease in the functionality of the kidneys and liver, pathology and deformity. However, such severe consequences can be expected with a very long-term intake of vitamin E in a very large dosage.
Care must be taken to take calcium: firstly, its excess can be converted into kidney stones, and secondly, too much calcium interferes with the absorption of zinc and iron.
Sources of
- Kodentsova V.M. Vitamins and minerals as a factor in preventing fetal developmental defects and pregnancy complications // Medical Council. 2016. – No. 9. pp. 106-113. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/vitaminy-i-mineraly-kak-faktor-preduprezhdeniya-defektov-razvitiya-ploda-i-oslozhneniy-beremennosti/viewer
- Platonova N.M., Rybakova A.A., Nikankina L.V., Malysheva N.M., Andreeva E.N., Pokusaeva V.N., Boyko E.L., Troshina E.A. Vitamin D and pregnancy: the current state of the problem in the central regions of the Federation // Problems of Endocrinology. 2020. 66. №6. pp. 81-87
- Radzinsky V.E., Solovieva A.V., Kuznetsova O.A., Smirnova T.V. Preconception preparation: proven benefit. Essential micronutrients in multivitamin complexes. // Doctor.Ru. Gynecology. 2020. – Volume 19. – No. 6. pp. 30-35