To Elevit or not?? Choosing the right Pre-natal
When embarking on the journey of pregnancy, selecting the right healthcare practitioner is crucial for both the mother's and the baby's health. A practitioner who bases their recommendations on robust scientific research ensures that you receive the most effective and safe care. Research-backed prenatal guidance helps mitigate risks, addresses nutritional needs accurately, and supports optimal fetal development.
Let's explore why Elevit and other similar products might not be the best option some critical nutrients and their roles during pregnancy, highlighting why evidence-based advice is essential.
Choline
Elevit does not include choline, a nutrient that helps prevent neural tube defects and promotes cognitive development. Studies show that adequate choline intake leads to better cognitive scores in 18-month-old infants, improved visual memory in 7-year-olds, enhanced attention in 5-week-old infants, faster information processing in babies aged 4–13 months, and improved memory performance at age 7.
B Vitamins
Essential B vitamins (folate, B12, and B6) are crucial for your baby’s nervous system and neural tube development. Elevit includes 800 mcg of folic acid, but it's a synthetic form that might block folate receptors in your digestive system, leading to poor absorption of natural folate sources. If you carry the MTHFR gene mutation (which is common worldwide), your body requires folinic acid, a pre-converted form of folate.
The other B vitamins in Elevit are present in such minimal quantities that they are unlikely to offer any real benefits.
Zinc
Elevit contains a low dose of zinc sulfate, which is not well absorbed and can deplete your antioxidant reserves. Zinc is vital for DNA replication and protection against DNA damage, which can lead to miscarriages. Additionally, low zinc levels are linked to stretch marks, so adequate intake is important.
Calcium
Building a baby's skeleton requires a significant amount of calcium, but the amount provided in Elevit is insufficient, barely enough to support the growth of a small bone.
Vitamin D
Elevit provides negligible amounts of vitamin D. A deficiency in pregnant women necessitates that their babies receive vitamin D supplements during their first year. Low vitamin D levels are associated with pre-eclampsia, poor bone development in babies, impaired embryo growth, increased miscarriage rates, and higher risks of preterm birth and small for gestational age infants.