Multivitamins and supplements have always had a reputation for boosting one’s health. They’re also believed to be beneficial to people with compromised immune system, such as old people and pregnant women.
But are they really all that helpful?
According to a new study conducted by a group of researchers from Griffith University in Queensland, Australia, there are plenty of misconceptions about multivitamins and supplements.
Because many women are not aware of these risks, they end up shelling out money for these products which don’t really benefit them.
“In fact, the vitamins that our body need is already present in the food we should be eating,” said a Business Insider report. “If you are the type of person who consumes healthy foods often, chances are you don’t need multivitamins and supplements anymore.”
In simpler terms, it’s better to rely on real food for vitamins and nutrients. Eat leafy greens for vitamins A, C, and E. Eat bananas and avocadoes for potassium. For omega-3 and fatty acids, eat fish and nuts.
According to the same Business Insider report, “several supplements have been linked with an increase in certain cancers, while others have been associated with a rise in the risk of kidney stones. Still others have been tied to an overall higher risk of death from any cause.”
Meanwhile, in a separate report, Business Insider said that folic acid is important for pregnant women.
Helping our bodies create new cells, folic acid is known for lowering pregnant women’s neural-tube problems. It also lowers the chances of a baby inside the developing defects in the baby’s brain, spinal cord, and spine.
According to the National Institutes of Health, pregnant women should take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. Both mothers and unborn babies need this nutrient more during this period.
“It’s also vital for pregnant women to take folic acid in its natural form, or folate,” as per a Parent Herald report. “It can be found in brown rice and green leafy vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, okra, avocado, beans, peas, and lentils.”
Experts also said that pregnant women should take micrograms of vitamin D daily. This vitamin is responsible for regulating the body’s calcium and phosphate, which then maintains bone and teeth health.
For Vitamin D rich food, eat salmon, sardines, mackerel, and eggs.
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Read about our top picks on prenatal vitamins here.