Vitamin D During Pregnancy

How Important Is Vitamin D During and After Pregnancy?
A recent study which was carried out in the United Kingdom suggested that pregnant women who took a vitamin D supplement were more likely to have children with higher bone mineral content as they aged.
The Role of Vitamin D
People usually assume – incorrectly – that calcium is the most important vitamin for teeth and bone development. Vitamin D is just as important – it works in combination with other vitamins and minerals to ensure healthy bone growth. Vitamin D helps the body absorb valuable nutrients – such as calcium and phosphorus which help.
How Much Vitamin D Do You Need?
You only need about 5 mcg of Vitamin D daily while you are pregnant or breastfeeding, which isn’t really much, its about what you would get from 5 glasses of milk.
Will You Need A Supplement?
In most cases you wont need a Vitamin D supplement especially because you can get your dose of Vitamin D from a few glasses of milk and around 15 minutes on sunlight. If you are a strict vegetarian and your diet does not contain any milk, eggs or fish then your health care provider may recommend that you take a supplement. If you are getting too much vitamin D in your diet it may be toxic, so be sure to check with your health care provider before taking any vitamin D enriched supplements.
Popular Food Sources For Vitamin D
1 Cup Milk 2 mcg
3 oz. herring 35 mcg
1 Tablespoon cod liver oil 34 mcg
3 oz. mackerel 8 mcg
3 oz. salmon 8 mcg
3 oz bluefin tuna 4 mcg
1 Egg 2 mcg
Caution: There are precautions which you need to take when eating fish while you are pregnant.
Vitamin D During Pregnancy

Please note: The information provided on this website is not intended to and do not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.