Though it’s possible to meet the requirements for most nutrients through a balanced diet, most experts recommend pregnant women take a daily vitamin/mineral supplement as a safeguard.
Supplementation should include 30 mg iron and 600 micrograms (mcg) folic acid daily. Vegans, women under age 25, and those who choose to avoid milk products also are advised to take calcium supplements (600 milligrams per day).
In addition, the U.S. Public Health Service and the March of Dimes recommend that any woman of childbearing age who might become pregnant should consume 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily. This is the amount found in most multivitamins.
Vitamin/mineral supplements are also recommended for women who may be at nutritional risk. That includes women who are strict vegetarians (vegans), breastfeeding, follow restrictive diets, are heavy cigarette smokers, and/or abuse alcohol, or are carrying twins or triplets. For strict vegetarians, vitamin B12 supplements (and perhaps vitamin D and zinc) are recommended. Because excessive levels of vitamin A can be toxic to the fetus and adequate levels are available through a balanced diet, vitamin A supplementation is not recommended during pregnancy except at low levels. There is no evidence that vitamin B6 supplementation is an effective treatment for morning sickness. No scientific evidence exists to justify recommendations for herbal products. Some may have serious side effects.
Source : Healthy Eating During Pregnancy. International Food Information Council Foundation. 2003
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