Vitamin Supplement Health Guide

One of the most important events in a woman’s life is getting pregnant. When a woman gets pregnant, the feeling of thrill and excitement is there. Hence, pregnancy is something to look forward to. But in spite of these feelings, there are still many questions that bother pregnant women like, “Is taking medicine dangerous for pregnant women?” “Does it have any side effects?” “Is it always recommended to take prenatal vitamins?”

Is eating the right kinds of foods already enough for a pregnant woman? Think twice. Experts discovered that pregnant women taking prenatal vitamins are healthier and that also includes their child.

Many fertility experts recommend that if possible, pregnant women should not limit themselves in eating foods only. It is also advised that women should take prenatal vitamins. This is not to replace the nutrients, but instead, supplement the other nutrients present inside the body.

Many doctors advised women to take at least 200 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid or folate to reduce the risk of having birth defects, neural tube defects and other congenital conditions during pregnancy. One of the most common defect is spina bifida. Prenatal vitamins in indeed necessary since acquiring birth defects can be a problem within the family.

Two separate studies in 1991 and 1996 found out that folic acid can help prevent neural tube defects, urinary tract and cardiovascular defects. Deficiency folic acid will lead to low birth weight and increased incidence of neural tube defects.

Another necessary prenatal vitamin is iron. Iron is the main component of hemoglobin which is the part of the blood that carries oxygen. Thus, iron is important in the transportation of oxygen in the body of the pregnant woman and that of the unborn child. Iron enhances the baby’s healthy growth and helps the mother maintain a healthy body as she gives birth to a baby.

There are many things Vitamin A can do. First, it can help in developing the embryo,cells and tissues. Second, it fights infections and repair damaged tissues. Third, it can also help in lactation which is done during breastfeeding. Lastly, it develops other parts of the body such as the eyes, heart, skin and mucous membranes. These are the reasons why Vitamin A is essential for pregnant women.

What is good in taking prenatal vitamins is not only in helping you when you were pregnant but also in providing a healthy life to your child.

Natasha Marryat runs the Why Can’t I Get Pregnant blog where she blogs about pregnancy issues. Hop over to her blog to learn more about trying to get pregnant.

Iron is an essential mineral and part of hemoglobin that carries oxygen components in the blood. Persons with deficiency of iron suffer from fatigue and other physical disorders because of the lack of oxygen. Athletes are said to be at risk of iron insufficiency. Iron also helps muscle cells to store oxygen and boost energy to the body. The deficiency of iron cannot properly synthesize adenosine triposphate (ATP) that fuels the body in proper function. As a result, fatigue and weariness in a person can be noticed who have iron deficiency and hemoglobin levels are normal.

Iron is richly available in oysters, poultry, fish and meat. These are rich in “heme” iron (a form of iron). Non-heme iron is richly found in dried fruit, fish, meat, oysters, molasses, wine, iron supplements and leafy green vegetables. Tomato (acidic food) cooked in an iron pan can also be a source of dietary iron.

Why Are Iron Used By Athletes? – Iron enhances the energy level in the body so athletes consume products containing iron. It functions as a medium of transporting oxygen to the muscle and is an important constituent of hemoglobin. There are blurred reasons for having low body-iron levels in marathon runners. The anemia in athletes might not be due to lack of iron and could be the normal stress of exercise they follow. Persons suffering from iron deficiency should consult a doctor. In such conditions, people suffering from iron deficiency should not consume iron supplements unless the deficiency of iron is diagnosed.

Thus, if any athletes are in need of iron are advised to take 100mg per day until the blood tests indicate the requirement. A 100-200 mg dosage of iron per day can be beneficial as it increases the stamina for aerobic exercise. In addition to that, modern research has been found that especially women athletes consume low iron diet. So it is necessary for them to take 20 mg of iron per day for six weeks. This will revitalizes the knee strength and can continue her exercise without fatigue.

Side Effects of Iron Products – Iron containing products (ferrous sulfate) and iron supplements should be kept out of the reach of children as it may cause accidental poisoning. Persons suffering from hemochromatosis, polycythemia, hemosiderosis and iron-loading anemia should not take supplementing iron as it can be dangerous for them. It should be kept in mind that excessive amount of supplement can cause constipation. It has been proved by many researchers that overload iron deficiency may lead to cancer, diabetes and even increase the jeopardy of infection, exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

The level of iron efficiency can be analyzed by testing the anemia. It is to be noted that persons having mild deficiency of iron may not suffer from anemia. However, person with iron deficiency should consult a doctor before taking supplements of iron. The physician’s prescription should be followed thoroughly to take supplements: you should take iron supplements or pills with food, the number of pills should be taken gradually as prescribed by your doctor. If the consumption of iron pills make you constipated then take fiber added diet.

By Jennifer Kaplan

Perhaps you have heard or have read on the many available resources on the Internet that children who suffer from the symptoms of ADHD are often discovered to have a deficiency of essential minerals in the body. For this reason, many believe that giving ADHD children vitamins and minerals would help in alleviating the symptoms. But are minerals and vitamins for ADHD really helpful?

In a way, vitamins and mineral products for ADHD kids are indeed helpful in addressing the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Why do we say this? Several studies have been done on children with ADHD. Results of some of these studies showed that some of the symptoms are indeed associated with the lack of certain minerals in the body. In fact, one study have revealed that 95% of children who were diagnosed with ADHD lack magnesium. ADHD children who lack this important mineral were shown to have ADHD symptoms such as excessive fidgeting, irritability, inability to stay focused, restlessness, confusion, anxiety, and learning disabilities.

With the results shown by some studies, it has been believed that the lack of essential minerals can indeed result to the symptoms or aggravated symptoms of ADHD in children. Therefore, it would be very beneficial if ADHD children are given the vitamins and minerals required by the body.

Aside from magnesium, other essential vitamins and minerals that should be given to children diagnosed with ADHD are vitamin B6, iron, essential fatty acids, vitamin B1 or thiamin, niacin, and zinc.

Vitamin B6 helps in the synthesis of brain chemicals. It can help boost normal brain function and development. Regular intake of vitamin B6 can help reduce behavioral problems in a hyperactive child. If you will be buying a multivitamin for your ADHD kid, make sure that it contains vitamin B6.

As we all know, iron is an essential nutrient for our body. Children who have iron deficiency may have decreased attention span and may have lack of social responsiveness. Ensure that your child gets enough iron from his daily diet or you may give him an iron supplement. However, you need to consult the doctor before giving your child any iron supplement as iron can be toxic to children who do not have iron deficiency.

Essential fatty acids (EFA) are very important to normal brain function. To ensure that your child gets the required EFA regularly, include foods with Omega 3 or Omega 6 in his diet. Foods that contain EFA are fish, flax seed oil, and primrose oil.

Vitamin B1 or thiamin is essential in improving your child’s concentration and focus. Studies have also shown that children with ADHD have a lack of this important mineral.

Niacin boosts an ADHD child’s brain function and energy production. It also helps in balancing blood sugar levels.

Zinc is another important mineral that have been shown to be lacking in children with ADHD. ADHD children who lack zinc were shown to have less responsiveness to stimulant drugs.

Along with giving your child these important vitamins and minerals, you may give your child homeopathic remedies. Homeopathic remedies, when used in conjunction with these vitamin and mineral supplements may be able to give optimum positive results.

So what are you waiting for? Start giving your child homeopathic remedy along with the required minerals and vitamins for ADHD! You will soon notice that your problems on ADHD symptoms are easy to deal with.