When you enter into pregnancy, you are faced with many decisions and questions that can leave you overwhelmed and confused. Every expectant mother always wants the best for their baby, and with the numerous options available today, you can sometimes end up confused as to which option is the best for you. One of the questions that this article seeks to answer is whether or not you can take DHA with your prenatal vitamins.
Yes, you need that extra dose of vitamins while you are pregnant.
Remember that when you are pregnant, you are not only feeding yourself. You have to share the nutrients that you receive with your baby. Feeding yourself with healthy food may not be enough, especially as your baby continues to grow inside you. Hence, it is essential that you supplement these nutrients with the best prenatal vitamins with DHA, folic, iron, and calcium.
Yes, you can even take these vitamins before you get pregnant.
If you are already planning, thinking, and trying to conceive, it is best that you take these supplements as well. DHA, along with other nutrients you get from prenatal vitamins are essential especially during the first weeks of life. When a woman gets pregnant, it usually takes around four to six weeks before you even find out. Hence, you may have missed the crucial early development stages of your baby. It is advantageous, therefore, for you to exercise extra care by taking these vitamins even before you get pregnant.
Yes, some prenatal vitamins do not have DHA.
Some prenatal vitamins already contain DHA; others, however, do not. DHA usually comes from omega-3 fish oil supplements. Check the inclusion of your prenatal vitamins if it already has DHA in it, so that if it doesn’t, then you can supplement. Be sure to check, so that you are not making the mistake of over-taking DHA. Anything in excess is bad for the body. A pregnant woman needs around 300 milligrams of DHA in her body each day.
Yes, you highly need DHA, together with your other prenatal vitamins, especially if you are a vegetarian.
DHA is usually sourced from omega-3 fatty acids, generally from fish such as salmon and other protein sources. If you are vegetarian, however, you may be lacking in this essential nutrient simply because you do not eat fish or meat. Hence, the easiest way for you to supplement the same is to take DHA vitamins alongside your other prenatal vitamins.
Yes, DHA is highly needed as it falls under one of the top vitamins required of pregnant women.
For some pregnant women who are still in doubt as to whether or not you need DHA, the verdict is yes, you need it. DHA ranks among the top five essential vitamins and nutrients that a pregnant woman needs for her health and the development of her baby. These are the following:
- Folic acid
- Iron
- Calcium
- DHA
- Iodine
Yes, DHA-containing fish oil capsules are mercury-free.
One of the biggest criticisms for those who are against DHA is that there is always a debate as to whether or not fish oil capsules are mercury-free. Yes, they are. Hence, it is safe for the consumption of pregnant women. DHA is necessary for the development of the fetus’ brain and eyes; therefore, this is an essential nutrient that is highly needed by pregnant women, especially in the early days of the pregnancy.
Yes, there are other sources of DHA, too.
The only problem with fish oil capsules is that they are usually big, jelly-like vitamins that may be difficult for some pregnant women to swallow. If you are one of those who do not have difficulty doing so, then it is okay for you to take DHA capsules separate from your usual prenatal vitamins. However, if you are one of those expectant mothers who may have difficulty swallowing fish oil or DHA jelly supplements, you can opt for any of these other sources:
- Prenatal vitamins that already contain DHA as well
- Fish that are low in mercury such as herring, salmon, and anchovies
- Juice, milk, and eggs that contain DHA
Conclusion
In summary, yes, you can take DHA alongside any of your other prenatal vitamins. However, before you go ahead and buy any of those readily available, do consult with your doctor first. It is your doctor who can determine which nutrient it is that you need to supplement on, as not all pregnant women are the same. Also, some prenatal vitamins already have DHA as well, so you do not have to take them separately. Before making any decision independently, it is best for you to consult your doctor first. Remember that you shouldn’t take any risks when it comes to your health, and that of your baby’s as well.