Vitamins - Introduction

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Folate levels from even healthy diets may not be protective enough for pregnant women and supplements are needed. Requirements are as follows:

• The RDA for folic acid prior to conception and during pregnancy is 400 mcg.
• During breast feeding between 260 and 280 mcg is recommended.

The following vitamins may have some value for pregnant women:

• Choline, another vitamin B, is also essential for pregnant (450 mg) and nursing women (550 mg).
• Vitamin B6 may help improve morning sickness.
• One study also suggested that if pregnant women took vitamin K supplements, their infants might not need the required injection of this vitamin after birth, but supplements of vitamin K during pregnancy are not currently recommended.

Some women have low vitamin A reserves in their liver. It is important to note, however, that too much vitamin A significantly increases the risk for birth defects. Daily amounts of 10,000 IU of vitamin A in supplements and food (an amount not far above the RDA level) can pose a danger. Experts recommend that pregnant women take in no more than 8,000 IU per day and avoid eating liver.

Infants and Children. Infants who are breastfed by healthy mothers receive enough vitamins except, in some cases, vitamins K and D. Human milk has low levels of K, and the newborn's immature intestinal tract may not produce enough of the baby's own supply. Most babies are given an injection of this vitamin at birth. Infants being breastfed by malnourished women or those who lack sufficient exposure to sunlight may be deficient in vitamin D. In these cases, supplements of 200 - 300 IU are recommended. Formulas are required to contain sufficient vitamins and minerals. One study suggests that vitamin supplements for infants under 1 year of age may help protect them from developing type 1 diabetes later on. Beyond infancy, most American children receive all the vitamins they need from their diet unless they are living in severely deprived circumstances.

Smokers. Smoking interferes with absorption of several vitamins, importantly vitamin C. In fact, in one study nearly 25% of female smokers and 31% of male smokers were deficient in vitamin C. Folic acid supplements may be important for all smokers. Taking high doses of antioxidant vitamins, however, may actually be harmful in smokers, especially beta carotene. Instead of taking supplements, most smokers should be sure their diets are rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains.