Which supplements are safe during pregnancy?

If you are interested in supplementing your diet during pregnancy, it can be daunting to figure out which supplements can be taken safely. In this article, we will answer some of the most common questions regarding taking supplements during pregnancy.

Important note: Make sure to always consult a health care professional before adding new supplements to your wellness routine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Is vitamin C safe during pregnancy?

Yes, not only is vitamin C safe during pregnancy – in fact, Health Canada recommends it! The Recommended Dietary Allowance for pregnant women is 85 mg of vitamin C daily. While this can be easily achieved by including plenty of vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables in your diet (like citrus, bell peppers, and tomatoes), taking a vitamin C supplement can help ensure you are meeting your daily needs, as well as aid in the absorption of other important nutrients.

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Is vitamin D safe for pregnancy?

Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, is an important micronutrient with several important roles in the human body. Most notably, it is vital to the healthy function of the immune system. Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in Canada – an estimated 75 to 96% of Canadians are considered to have an inadequate intake from food sources!

During pregnancy, the recommended vitamin D daily intake is 5 mcg, which is equivalent to 200 IU. There are a few different ways you can obtain the vitamin D you need: from exposure to sunlight, dietary sources (including fatty fish like salmon and sardines, red meat, and egg yolks), and vitamin D supplements.

Organika’s Serenity™ magnesium bisglycinate is a great source of vitamin D, with 1000 IU per serving, plus the added bonus of also providing pregnancy-safe magnesium, another prevalent nutrient deficiency in a large portion of the Canadian population.

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Is it safe to take collagen supplements during pregnancy?

Collagen is a great source of amino acids, including glycine. During pregnancy, the amino acid glycine becomes conditionally essential (our body can't produce it on its own). This means we need to find external sources. This makes collagen a beneficial supplement to take while going through pregnancy and breastfeeding, with no known risks at reasonable doses.

Read more about taking collagen while pregnant or breastfeeding here.

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Are iron supplements safe during pregnancy?

Another common nutrient deficiency during pregnancy, iron is a supplement many parents-to-be may want to consider. According to Health Canada, iron deficiency anemia occurs most often during the third trimester and may lead to pregnancy complications.

There are many dietary sources of iron, including meat, poultry, fish, legumes and nuts. However, even if those foods are a regular part of your diet, your doctor may still recommend supplementation. Consulting a healthcare professional and getting blood testing before adding an iron supplement to your routine is important.

Organika’s Absolute Iron™ provides a potent and highly bioavailable source of iron bisglycinate, a form of iron that is more easily absorbed by the body and causes less digestive upset than typical iron supplements.

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