Supplements And Pregnancy: Do They Mix? By: Joseph Miles

Introduction Nutritional supplement use is on the rise, in America especially. There are many types of supplements out there for many types of issues and conditions. A recent study has found that certain supplements (fish oil & probiotics) can decrease some allergies and baby eczema in infants, when taken by the pregnant mother. There are several factors when considering whether supplements are right for you

What are nutritional supplements? Nutritional supplements are substances which can be taken to boost the nutritional makeup in a person’s diet ( Supplements can come in pill, capsule, drink, bar, herb, or powder form They can be taken by all age groups, since there are supplement products geared toward every stage of life There is controversy surrounding the regulation and safety of supplements

What types of nutritional supplements are there? There are many types of supplements that can be used. Baby formula and vitamin supplements are common in infants. They are usually given to malnourished children by a parent or physician. Protein powders/shakes, energy bars, sports drinks, and energy drinks are common in athletes and fitness seeking adults. Many elderly people partake in nutritional shakes, vitamin injections, and supplement pills to help with their maladies. Holistic people and alternative health seekers use herbs and supplements to avoid using traditional medical treatments and pharmaceuticals.

Benefits of nutritional supplements There are many benefits to using supplements. Vitamin supplements help your body get the full amount of vitamins your body needs. These supplements help alleviate nutrient deficiency illnesses and conditions. They also help children to grow properly when their diet is negatively affected. Energy bars and drinks can help give you a boost of energy when you are fatigued. They can assist you to stay awake and alert for a longer time when you have a lot of work to do. Some herbal and chemical supplements can assist your mental awareness and cognitive abilities. There are some that can help your immune system as well. Probiotics are great for your digestive health and the growth of “good” bacteria in your intestines.

Dangers of Nutritional Supplements Lack of information on many supplements can lead to people taking too much of certain nutrients. Abuse of some nutritional substances can lead to renal failure and liver damage. Certain supplements can cause: Allergic reactions Nausea Headaches Sweating One of the most concerning dangers of non-vitamin supplements is that there is little regulation of the labeling, production, or advertising. There is no guarantee that the supplement you pay for is the actual substance you are getting.

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Regulation of Supplements

The Breakthrough Despite the risks of supplements, when used correctly, there can be great benefits to the health of a person Supplements like fish oil, probiotics, and vitamin/mineral supplements can be used to greatly improve infant and pregnant woman health. Which brings us to…….

The Report In a research report, done by Imperial College London, 400 studies were assessed. They reported that, the studies show pregnant women who take fish oil can reduce egg allergies in infants. They also found that infants born to women who took daily probiotic supplements, had a 22% less chance of developing eczema.

Fish Oil

Probiotics

Final Thoughts The nutritional supplement industry is one that is hotly debated. There are supplements that are definitely giving boosts to health as they should. Pregnant women should be sure to stick to only natural supplements like probiotics, vitamin/mineral supplements, and fish oil. These supplements are scientifically backed and may be prescribed by a physician. As long as the woman has a physician’s advisement, they should feel safe taking supplements of the natural type.

Thank You!!

References Fish oil and probiotic supplements in pregnancy may reduce risk of childhood allergies. (2018, February 28). Retrieved February 28, 2018, from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/02/180228144448.htm Health Supplements News & Trends: Vitamins & Nutrition | New Hope. (n.d.). Retrieved February 26, 2018, from http://www.newhope.com/products-and-trends/vitamins-and-supplements Nutritional Supplements. (n.d.). Retrieved February 26, 2018, from https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Nutritional Supplements Research on Cultural Competence in Health Care: Setting the Agenda. (n.d.). Retrieved September 12, 2012, from http://www.ahrq.gov/research/cultural.htm Using Dietary Supplements Wisely. (2016, June 13). Retrieved February 25, 2018, from https://nccih.nih.gov/health/supplements/wiseuse.htm K. (2012, August 14). Retrieved February 25, 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwAFdUxmj0I (2017, September 08). Retrieved February 26, 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1ci84DBVaU (n.d.). Retrieved February 25, 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=benefits%2Band%2Brisks%2Bof%2Bnutritional%2Bsupplements