Vitamin supplementation during Pregnancy
Supplying the body with the essentials for life.
These essential elements, present in most foods, are required by our bodies for adequate growth and development, body maintenance and overall health. Fortunately a well balanced diet will provide you with all the vitamins that are needed.
There are 13 major vitamins, all being absolutely essential for your well-being. Eleven of these vitamins must be obtained through correct eating, while one or maybe two of them can be made by the body itself.
| Vitamin and beneficial effects | Natural derivation | Deficiency issues |
| Vitamin A
Healthy skin, resistance to infection, aids night vision, needed for bone and tooth growth |
Obtained from yellow/orange vegetables, liver, kidneys, eggs, apricots | Ear, eye and respiratory infections, night blindness, weight loss, stunted growth |
| Vitamin B1 Breaks down carbohydrates to provide energy, healthy nervous system and muscles |
Obtained from wholegrain cereals, brown rice, seafood, meat, potatoes | Fatigue, nausea and loss of appetite, shortness of breath |
| Vitamin B2 Breaks down carbohydrates, fats and proteins, healthy skin |
Obtained from liver, kidney, meat poultry, eggs, yoghurt, green vegetables | Lip inflammation and sores, hair-loss, insomnia |
| Vitamin B3 Aids in efficient blood circulation and the control of cholesterol in the blood, healthy skin and appetite |
Obtained from fish, nuts (especially peanuts), cheese, dried fruit | Diarrhoea, dermatitis, depression, loss of appetite and nausea |
| Vitamin B5
Healthy nervous system, produces antibodies to fight infection |
Obtained from egg yolk, liver, oranges, legumes | Deficiency is rare, but symptoms may include: Susceptibility to infections and allergies, fatigue, insomnia |
| Vitamin B6 Breaks down proteins, forms red blood cells and produces antibodies to fight infection |
Obtained from most foods, especially yeast extracts, green vegetables, milk and raisins | No deficiency reported |
| Vitamin B9 Aids in the proper functioning of vitamin B12, forms red blood cells |
Meat, liver, kidney, fresh fruit, wheat germ | Deficiency of vitamin B12, anaemia, fatigue, insomnia |
| Vitamin B12 Proper functioning of folic acid, forms red blood cells, prevents cell degeneration |
Liver, dairy products, fish, egg yolk | Anaemia, folic acid deficiency, loss of appetite |
| Biotin Break down of fats, synthesis of glucose when diet lacks carbohydrates |
Egg yolk, liver, oats, nuts | Uncommon |
| Vitamin C Promotes resistance to infection and heals wounds, aids in iron absorption, healthy skin, bones, blood vessels, gums and teeth |
Fruits and fruit juices, especially citrus fruits, potatoes, peppers | Muscle degeneration, bleeding gums and loose teeth, anaemia |
| Vitamin D Aids in the absorption of calcium, for strong bones and teeth |
Produced by sunlight filtering onto skin, oily fish, egg yolk, full-fat dairy produce | Teeth and bone deformities, muscle weakness |
| Vitamin E May retard the effects of aging, resistance to infection |
Nuts and seeds, egg yolks, wheat germ, margarine | Dull skin and hair, muscle weakness |
| Vitamin K Aids in effective blood clotting |
Created by bacteria in the large intestine, green vegetables, eggs, potatoes, wheat germ | Uncommon, can arise from long-term antibiotic consumption, diarrhoea, nosebleeds |
- Excessive doses of Vitamin A throughout all three trimesters, can cause a number of foetal abnormalities.
- Vitamin C, when taken near term in excessive doses, may cause foetal kidney stones.
- Excessive doses of Vitamin D may be a cause of heart, kidney and mental problems
- Even small amounts of Vitamin K and Vitamin B6 when taken near term could create problems, so caution is needed when taking these.
