When is dietary supplementation unnecessary during pregnancy?

Supplementation during pregnancy makes no sense if there is no specific deficiency of vitamins, minerals or nutrients. A healthy organism normally adapts to the special circumstances during pregnancy, so that, for example, the absorption rate for certain nutrients in the intestine is automatically increased during pregnancy. Although many women want the best for their unborn child, the body usually excretes the excess nutrients unused.

If the wrong nutrients are added, this can even have harmful effects on the pregnant woman and the unborn child. This is the case, for example, with vitamin A, which in excessive doses can cause malformations in the child. It is often difficult for the pregnant woman to keep track of the multitude of food supplements on offer. It is a fact, however, that in most cases no supplementation or only supplementation with few nutrients makes sense. This should then be clarified with the gynecologist to dispel any doubts and ensure that mother and child are optimally supplied.

Which food supplements are useful?

Basically, those dietary supplements are useful which the pregnant woman lacks. The supplementation of iodine and folic acid is recommended for all women.But there are also other useful additions, if a deficiency threatens or already exists. Iodine: Due to the hormonal change the need for iodine increases, which is essential for the function of the thyroid gland (caution with women who are already taking thyroid medication).

Since most women are generally not sufficiently supplied with iodine, supplementation during pregnancy is recommended. Folic acid: In general, 400μg folate should be added daily, for pregnant women even 600μg. Since this amount is usually not nearly reached, a food supplement before and during pregnancy is strongly recommended.

Omega 3 fatty acids: These are mainly found in sea fish and vegetable oils and influence important developmental processes. So far there are no concrete recommendations for dietary supplements, but numerous positive effects have been confirmed. Iron: Many women already suffer from a slight iron deficiency even without an existing pregnancy.

The need for iron increases even more during pregnancy. However, supplementation is not always recommended and is determined individually by the doctor. Vitamins, calcium and magnesium are also not a standard in supplementation during pregnancy.

Here too, the gynaecologist decides in each individual case which supplementation is appropriate.

Iodine: Due to the hormonal change, the need for iodine increases, which is essential for the function of the thyroid gland (caution: women who are already taking thyroid medication). Since most women are generally not sufficiently supplied with iodine, supplementation during pregnancy is recommended.
Folsäure: Generally daily 400μg Folat should be supplied, with pregnant women even 600μg.
Since this quantity is usually not nearly reached, a food supplement before and during pregnancy is strongly recommended.
Omega 3 fatty acids: These are mainly found in sea fish and vegetable oils and influence important developmental processes. So far there are no concrete recommendations for food supplements, but numerous positive effects have been confirmed.
Iron: Many women already suffer from a slight iron deficiency even without an existing pregnancy. The need for iron increases even more during pregnancy.
However, supplementation is not always recommended and is determined individually by the doctor.
Vitamins, calcium and magnesium are also not a standard in dietary supplements during pregnancy. Here too, the gynaecologist decides in each individual case which supplementation is appropriate.

Every pregnant woman should be offered a substitution with iodine. The daily requirement of iodine is about 250 micrograms.

Through diet one takes in an average of 100 to 200 micrograms. The missing amount of iodine can and should be taken with food supplements. This is also recommended by the WHO.

Pregnant women with a thyroid disease should consult their doctor before taking dietary supplements. The reason for the higher iodine requirement is the higher basal metabolic rate that a pregnant woman has naturally. Consequently, there is also an increased excretion of iodine, which can lead to an underactive thyroid gland in mother and child.

Folic acid is one of the recommended food supplements during pregnancy. The recommended dose is about 400 micrograms per day. In the best case, folic acid preparations should not be taken at the beginning of pregnancy, but several weeks in advance.

This allows the body to replenish its stores even before fertilization. Side effects of prolonged intake of folic acid are not known. The increased need for folic acid is due to the increased cell division that follows fertilization.

If folic acid levels are insufficient, the risk of the child suffering from a so-called neural tube defect increases. The neural tube belongs to the central nervous system. If this tube is not completely closed, this is known as a neural tube defect.

It is the most common malformation of the central nervous system. The defect can present itself as spina bifida in some cases without major symptoms. However, there are also forms of neural tube defects that are not compatible with life.

Iron preparations during pregnancy are not universally recommended. Rather, iron should be taken when the doctor has diagnosed a deficiency or a low value of iron storage.Iron is needed during pregnancy due to the increased blood formation. An iron deficiency during pregnancy leads to anemia in both mother and child and can affect the function of the placenta.

The recommendation for pregnant women without iron reserves is to take 120 to 240 mg iron per day. The intake of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may be useful for some pregnant women. A daily intake of 200 micrograms is recommended.

This can also be achieved by consuming fatty sea fish twice a week. If no fish is eaten, the Federal Center for Nutrition recommends a substitution with DHA. DHA is especially important in the second half of pregnancy. It plays a role in the development of the brain and eyes.