Folic acid, iodine, vitamins and minerals during pregnancy

As expected, there are several nutrients you need more of during pregnancy for both you and your baby. In most cases the best source of these extra vitamins and minerals is a good balanced diet. The reason you need to eat a variety of foods each day from the five food groups is to make sure you are getting the full spectrum of nutrients required. Each food group provides its own unique array of vitamins, minerals, protein, fats and carbohydrates.

Other than folic acid and iodine, other supplements or multivitamins are not recommended during pregnancy unless on the advice of your doctor or midwife.

Folic Acid

There’s one particular nutrient that’s vital to take as a supplement from even before you get pregnant: folic acid. In a nutshell, folate is an essential B vitamin that helps with the formation of red blood cells and the growth of new tissues.  It acts as an important building block during the rapid growth and development stages of your baby.

In Australia it’s recommended that you take a daily folic acid supplement containing at least 400 micrograms of folic acid, at least one month before pregnancy and for the first three months of pregnancy.

Low folate levels in early pregnancy are associated with a higher risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida in babies. Research has shown that folic acid supplementation can help to prevent neural tube defects.

Talk to your doctor if you've already had a pregnancy that was affected by a neural tube defect, or if you’re at a higher risk of having a pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect. You may be prescribed a higher dose of a daily folic acid tablet for the same period.

As well as taking a folic acid supplement every day, it’s also important to eat a healthy diet including folate containing foods. Folate is found in green leafy vegetables, oranges, legumes and breads (all bread-making flour, except organic flour is fortified with folic acid).  Diet alone will not provide you with all of the folate you need during pregnancy, and this is why you need to take a daily folic acid supplement.

Talk to your midwife or doctor for further information about a folic acid supplement.

Iodine

Iodine is an essential mineral that is important for your baby's growth and in particular, brain development.   It can be difficult to get enough iodine from foods.  To meet pregnancy and breastfeeding needs, it is recommended to take a 150 microgram iodine tablet every day from the start of pregnancy, through until the end of breastfeeding.

It is also important to regularly eat foods which contain iodine such as bread (as iodised salt is used in most breads except organic and unleavened breads), milk products, eggs and cooked fish.   If using salt in cooking, choose iodised salt.

The NHMRC recommends that women who are planning a pregnancy, pregnant or breastfeeding take an iodine supplement of 150 micrograms each day. Speak to your doctor or midwife for more information.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for good health and helping your body absorb calcium from food for strong bones and teeth and muscle function. The main source of Vitamin D is through skin exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from the sun - remember to always follow the recommendations for safe sun exposure.  It can be difficult to get enough Vitamin D from diet alone because few foods contain or are fortified with Vitamin D. The best food sources include oily fish (freshly cooked or canned), fortified foods (margarines, milk, yoghurt), full-fat milk, egg yolks (well cooked). 

If you are concerned you are at high risk of Vitamin D deficiency, consult your doctor, midwife or dietitian for Vitamin D supplement advice. 

Iron

Iron is a mineral that helps you produce red blood cells which carry oxygen and nutrients through your body, and is critical to support your baby’s growth and development. During pregnancy you need more iron in your diet to support your higher blood volume and your growing baby’s needs.

Make sure you eat plenty of iron-rich foods every day.  Iron is found in a wide range of foods like meat, chicken, fish, legumes, green leafy vegetables and fortified breakfast cereals.

The best sources of iron are animal meats such as lean red meat, chicken and fish, because the ‘haem-iron’ found in these foods is more easily absorbed by your body. In fact, the redder the meat, the better the iron content.

Legumes, vegetables, nuts, wholegrain breads and fortified breakfast cereals contain a type of iron called 'non-haem' iron which your body doesn’t absorb as easily. Eating fruits and vegetables which are high in vitamin C (like oranges, broccoli, tomatoes or capsicums) as part of your meal can help you better absorb the non-haem iron from plant sources. The protein in meat, fish and poultry can also help the absorption of non-haem iron from plant foods, so eating mixed meals of meat, vegetables and grains is another great way to help the body absorb as much iron as possible.

Avoid drinking tea and coffee with your meals as the tannins present can reduce your iron absorption.

If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, eat a range of foods from each food group, including iron-fortified foods. You may want to ask your health professional for extra information and support to ensure you are getting enough iron.

If you are concerned you are low in iron, have a chat with your midwife or doctor.  They may advise a blood test to check if your iron levels are low, to diagnose if an iron supplement is required.

Other supplements

Other than folic acid and iodine, additional supplements or multivitamins are not recommended during pregnancy unless they have been prescribed by your doctor because you are at risk of a deficiency. Eating a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, wholegrain breads and cereals, milk and milk products and protein rich meat and meat alternatives will usually ensure you get all of the vitamins and minerals you need for pregnancy and breastfeeding.

References:

National Health and Medical Research Council (2013). Australian Dietary Guidelines. Canberra: National Medical Research Council.

Folic acid/folate and pregnancy (foodstandards.gov.au)

Iodine supplementation for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women | NHMRC

The materials published on this website are of a general nature and have been provided for informational purposes only. Always consult your medical practitioner or a qualified health provider for any further advice in relation to the topics discussed.