Dietary supplements you should avoid during pregnancy

MF editorial team

21 Jun 2017

We often think we are doing the right thing eating dietary supplements for our own health and that of our baby. But this might actually be a bit risky. Here’s why.

It isn’t rare that during pregnancy, women would want to use dietary supplements to try to improve the health of their baby. They are so easily accessible from pharmacies and even via online stores! It is understandable that you would be tempted to buy some. In fact, in a study done by Nutrinet in 2013, 75% of women surveyed have allegedly used some form of supplement in their third trimester. However, this consumption could be harmful for your unborn child!

Risks for your baby

According to L’Anses (National Agency of Sanitary Security in France), ingesting supplements that contain vitamin D at high doses could be unsafe. Essential to a healthy thyroid system, the vitamin has shown to bring an excessive amount of calcium to the infant’s and mother’s blood if they take too much of it. This might cause the baby to suffer from digestive disorders and convulsion periods. L’Anses’ Deputy General director Gerard Lasfargues says iodine present in some dietary supplements could also be the cause of psychomotor retardation.

Without a medical prescription, it isn’t necessary to take dietary supplements. L’Anses warns consumers against buying such supplements online as they tend to not follow the regulations for vitamin D and iodine. The maximum daily amount for these elements in your system should not exceed 5 micrograms for vitamin D and 250 micrograms for iodine. Nevertheless, if blood tests reveal shortcomings in these nutrients, it is primordial to follow doses prescribed by your doctor. According to your own needs, he will establish a personalised dose.

How to swap dietary supplements for a healthier diet

If you are in good health, a balanced diet is amply adequate to satisfy your needs! We suggest simple meals that include, for example:

A source of protein (meat, fish, eggs): 1 to 2 servings per day.
Starches: they are mandatory to feel full. They will introduce vitamins, minerals and fibres to your diet. Favour whole wheat ingredients – they have more fibre.
Vegetables: low in calories, they are full of fibre, vitamins and minerals.
Oils and fats: preferably unheated, in order to preserve their properties. In dressings, one spoonful of oil minimum is recommended per meal. Even though they are quite rich, oils will bring essential nutrients to you and your baby. For example, vitamin A is present in butter and is responsible for the development of visual pigments.
Dairy: don’t overdose your favourite cheeses that are full of fat. Go for milk and less caloric yoghurts, which will help build your kid’s bones.
Fruits of all kinds! Whether raw, cooked or in juices, fruits are a reliable source of vitamins, minerals and fibre. It is recommended to eat 2 to 3 fruits per day. Be aware that you should carefully choose your fruits, as some contain more sugar than others, like mango and banana!