Multivitamins in Pregnancy ‘pointless’

Follow 9News Nigeria On Social Media

Social sharing

Pregnancy multivitamins are a waste of money because most mothers-to-be do not need them, according to researchers.

In Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin, researchers say they looked at all evidence and found supplements did not boost the health of mothers and babies.

But pregnant women should make sure they take folic acid and vitamin D, as well as eating a well-balanced diet, as per NHS guidelines, they add.

Supplements-makers said some women were not getting enough nutrients.

The researchers said folic acid had the strongest evidence to support its use – taking 400 micrograms a day can protect against abnormalities called neural tube defects in the developing baby.

Vitamin D – 10 micrograms a day – is recommended for healthy bones in the mother and baby.

Some women can get these two pills for free on the Healthy Start scheme.

A supplement that can be dangerous in pregnancy is vitamin A. Too much can harm the baby.

Eating for two?

The researchers said pregnant women might feel coerced into buying expensive multivitamins in order to give their baby the best start in life.

But they would do well to resist the marketing claims, which did not seem to translate into better outcomes for mother or baby, they said.

READ ALSO  Earning ₦200K Monthly In Nigeria Is Better Than £2000 In UK - Allen Onyema

“The only supplements recommended for all women during pregnancy are folic acid and vitamin D, which are available at relatively low cost,” they said.

Janet Fyle, from the Royal College of Midwives, said: “We would encourage women who are pregnant or are thinking of becoming pregnant to have a healthy, varied diet including fresh fruit and vegetables, alongside taking folic acid supplements.

“We would also stress that there is no need for pregnant women to ‘eat for two’.

“This is a myth, and all that is required is a normal balanced amount of food.”

The Health Food Manufacturers’ Association, which represents the food supplements industry, insists that a substantial proportion of women of child-bearing age are not getting enough nutrients from diet alone.

The industry-funded Health Supplements Information Service said food supplements could help plug dietary gaps.

Source: BBC Health

 

Leave your comment on this post

THE ROTTEN FISH: CAN OF WORMS OPENED OF APC & TINUBU'S GOVERNMENT OVER NIGERIA'S ECONOMIC DOWNTURN

WATCH THE CRITICAL ANALYSIS AND KNOW THE RESPONSIBLE PARTIES TO BLAME FOR NIGERIA'S ECONOMIC CHALLENGES, WHILE CITIZENS ENDURE SEVERE HARDSHIPS.

Watch this episode of ISSUES IN THE NEWS on 9News Nigeria featuring Peter Obi's Special Adviser, Dr Katch Ononuju, 9News Nigeria Publisher, Obinna Ejianya and Tinubu Support Group Leader, McHezekiah Eherechi

READ ALSO  Official Document Finally Exposes 54 Persons Behind IPOB Activities In Nigeria And 22 Other Countries (See Full List)

The economic crisis and hardship in Nigeria are parts of the discussion.


Watch, leave your comments, and share to create more awareness on this issue.


#9NewsNigeria #Nigeria #issuesInTheNews #politics #tinubu THE ROTTEN FISH: CAN OF WORMS OPENED ...
DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS FOR SUBSEQUENT UPDATES
#9newsnigeria #economia #economy #nigeria #government @9newsng
www.9newsng.com

Leave your comment

Click on the link below or Scan the QR Code to join the 9News Nigeria WhatsApp Channel

9News Nigeria Investigative Reports WhatsApp Channel
9News Nigeria Investigative Reports WhatsApp Channel
About 9News Nigeria 13308 Articles
9News Nigeria is Nigeria's favourite news source. For Authentic, Unbiased News on Politics, Business, Sports, Technology, Entertainment and Lifestyles, Health, Nollywood, Crime and Investigations, Family and Relationships, Inspirations .. and much more. For Latest News from Africa and around the world, 9News Nigeria is your best source. WhatsApp +2348115805632 Email: info@9newsng.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/9NewsNG | Twitter/Instagram: @9newsng

Be the first to comment

Leave your comment