Our body requires a plethora of vitamins and minerals to function properly. These nutrients support various biological activities in our body. These also help to prevent bad health conditions.
We need to consume a specific amount of various nutrients throughout our lives, more so during pregnancy. A woman who is pregnant or planning to conceive baby, are well aware that prenatal vitamins are incredibly important for them.
At the same time, it is very much possible to ask whether these prenatal vitamins are any different from “regular” multivitamins for women?
Prenatal vitamins and multivitamin supplements have some similarities, and at the same time have some differences.
Similarities between prenatal vitamin and multivitamins
The most distinguished similarity is that both prenatal and multivitamin supplements deliver multiple nutrients.
These supplements do not focus on a single vitamin or mineral, but provide recommended dosage of various nutrients our body needs to function.
Many products tend to focus on nutrients that we don’t consume enough through our diet.
Another similarity between prenatal and multivitamin supplements is that, none of these are replacement for healthy diet.
Instead, vitamins are complementary to a well-balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Differences between prenatal vitamin and multivitamins
It’s very common for women to assume that prenatal vitamins and multivitamins are the same thing.
The primary reason for that misconception as mentioned above is, the very nature of both types of supplement is to deliver plethora of nutrients.
However, prenatal vitamins are not the same thing as multivitamin supplements. The reason is simple, multivitamin is specifically formulated to meet nutritional needs of an adult women, particularly in cases when the diet alone doesn’t deliver enough nutrient to the body.
On the other hand, prenatal vitamins are formulated to meet the needs of the growing baby. These products support the growth and development of the baby in your stomach, and even after your child is born.
While a regular multivitamin can supply your body various nutrients, it doesn’t meet the needs of both you and your baby. Pregnancy increases the daily intake requirement for vitamins and nutrients that boost fetal growth.
Compared to regular multivitamins, prenatal vitamins contain higher levels of folic acid, iron, and calcium, these are all very important for the growth and development of your baby.
Can I take both prenatal vitamin and multivitamin at the same time?
No, one should never take prenatal vitamin and multivitamin at the same time.
Because, taking both pills at the same time increases the risk of serious side effects due to overdose. A common belief is that, the more vitamins we take, the healthier we become, but the reality is different.
Our body requires specific amount of each nutrient everyday. Taking both prenatal and multivitamin supplements can prove risky and might lead to complications in child birth.
It is generally recommended to avoid taking any other multivitamin medicine or supplement, two hours before or after taking prenatal vitamins.
The best thing is to always consult a doctor.
Conclusion
Prenatal vitamins and multivitamins have some similarities, but also have significant differences. You shouldn’t take them at the same time to avoid overdose and serious side effects.
Consult your doctor or physician to understand appropriate dosage, and probable side effects.
