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“A study from Harvard Medical school involving 18,000 women has
shown that taking multivitamins, particularly folic acid, can
improve chances of pregnancy…”
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That study followed nurses who have hoped to get pregnant for an eight year period. Women who took there multivitamin six times a week were 40% less likely to fail to ovulate than women who took
none.
Could poor nutrition impact your fertility?
You bet! I have read dozens of studies on the effects of nutrients on ovulation and lack thereof; it’s amazing all of the studies out there that show the benefits of a nutritious fertility diet. When the body is not nourished properly it affects many functions of the body including the eggs health, the reproductive systems and immune system.
Also remember you can have an impact on the health of your eggs. Everything you are eating now is impacting the egg you will ovulate three months from now.
Do you need to take a multivitamin?
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Ask yourself these questions
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How do you choose the best multivitamin?
Taking a 100% whole food prenatal vitamin is the best for preparing for pregnancy.
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When you are shopping for the best multi there are many different options out there.
Synthetic.
Whole food based.
100% whole food.
My absolute first choice would be 100% whole food. Could you think of a better place to get your nutrients then from whole foods? The human body is not designed to consume isolated nutrients and use them effectively.
I also recommend for women who are preparing for conception to take a prenatal multivitamin. Prenatal multivitamins, especially ones that are 100% whole food, contain all of the nutrients needed for a healthy reproductive system. You will also be taking important nutrients that are needed to be taken before pregnancy to prevent birth defects
Some of the benefits of taking a 100% whole food multi are:
Absorption - the nutrients are recognized by the body and absorbed just like a nutritious meal.
You can’t over dose - there are some vitamins that may harm you if you take too much of them. For example iron - too much iron can lead to constipation and toxicity. Contains everything for the nutrients to be delivered to the correct place. Natural foods were created in such a genious way, that they not only contain vitamins and minerals but within them are catalysts and enzymes that aid that nutrient to be utilized properly by the body.
Avoid isolated vitamins and minerals
I also recommend that you move away from isolated vitamins and minerals. So forget about those cheap, low-cost bottles of vitamin C, vitamin E or those B vitamins you might find at the wholesale clubs, pharmacies or grocery stores. These are typically not going to do you very much good, because your body doesn’t need just vitamin C; your body needs a whole complement of vitamins from a lot of different sources. If you want vitamin C, go with whole-food concentrates. You’ll get plenty of vitamin C in a full-spectrum package that gives you antioxidants, phytonutrients, and fertility boosting compounds all at the same time; and none of that is actually listed on the label.
Which vitamins should you look for in a multi?
There are vitamins and minerals that are necessary for healthy fertility and needed before your pregnancy to assure a healthy baby.
Calcium
In preparation for conception, building up your own calcium stores is very important. Once you are pregnant you will have ample stores and will be eating daily calcium so the baby is getting all that it needs and your teeth are staying healthy.
Calcium also helps to alkalize the body, which is favorable to the sperm and fertilized egg.
Vitamin C
Improves hormone levels*
Keeps the immune system healthy*
Helps Iron to be absorbed*
| “A study published in Fertility and Sterility, states that vitamin C improves hormone levels and increases fertility in women with luteal phase defect.” |
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Vitamin E
Absorption of other essential fats that make the good hormones*
Antioxidants that may protect egg quality*
Iron
Iron is a blood building nutrient that helps to increase fertility by helping to balance ovulation.
| “In a study women who were having ovulation problems, 40% became fertile after supplementing with iron.” |
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The best form of iron is from a food based supplement. Synthetic versions tend to be constipating.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is essential for the utilization of proteins, minerals,and other vitamins*
Folic Acid
Folic acid is known to prevent spina bifida in your future baby.
This nutrient is very important to take before becoming pregnant and through pregnancy. But it is not just folic acid that is important, B12 and all the others B vitamins that make up the B-Complex are necessary to insure your baby’s genetic codes are intact. The recommended dosage for folic acid is 400mcg a day.
PABA
PABA is part of the B-Complex family.
In an ancient study (1942) there was a isolated trial published that reported that 75% of women that were taking PABA … became pregnant.
How to choose the best multivitamin
When you are buying vitamins and supplements remember two things:
They are not all created equal
You do get what you pay for
So a one-a-day from W*lmart is not going to cut it. Throw them all out. I love Trader Joes but that is not where to buy your vitamins either. Using a quality vitamin vs. a cheapo will make all the difference in the world.
You also want to avoid unnecessary fillers, colors and preservatives.
My absolute favorite prenatal multivitamin is Mega Food’s Prental - Baby and Me.
It is made from 100% Whole Food
Does not upset your stomach
Can be taken into pregnancy and beyond
Baby and Me Multivitamin
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Availability:
List Price:
Your Price:
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$71.95
$61.15
$10.79 (15%) |
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