Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) for Brain and Retina Development
During pregnancy, DHA, an omega-3 fat, accumulates in baby’s brain and retina. Mom supplies baby with DHA from stores in her body and her diet. vii Seafood, and the algae that ocean fish consume, provide DHA. Women who don’t eat enough fish or DHA-fortified foods may not be consuming adequate DHA to maximize baby’s brain and vision.viii ix Experts recommended a daily minimum of 200 mg of DHA during pregnancy. x
Vitamin B12 for DNA and Nervous System Development
Vitamin B12 assists in the production of DNA and red blood cells and supports baby’s central nervous system development. Vitamin B12 is found naturally only in animal foods. Women who eat small amounts of animal products or who avoid them can quickly become deficient in vitamin B12 because it is not stored in the body. Some plant foods have added vitamin B12, but it’s probably best to rely on a supplement during pregnancy. The suggested intake for vitamin B12 during pregnancy is 2.6 micrograms (mcg) daily. xi
Folate (Folic Acid) for Fetal Brain and Spinal Development
Folic acid is the form of the B vitamin folate added to fortified foods and dietary supplements. Folic acid helps produce healthy red blood cells in baby and mom, and to prevent defects of the neural tube which becomes the baby’s spinal column and brain. Look for a daily prenatal supplement with 600 mcg of folic acid.xii
Choline for Brain and Neural Development
Studies show that choline is critical for the development of the brain, particularly the hippocampus, the brain’s so-called memory center. xiii Research suggests women need 450 mg of choline daily during pregnancy. xiv It’s possible to get adequate choline from foods, but evidence shows that the majority of pregnant women don’t consume enough choline-rich foodsxv, making the need for supplemental choline important.
Iodine for Thyroid Function and Brain Development
Iodine plays a major role in formation of the brain and nerve cells during pregnancy. Women of childbearing age living in the U.S. are among those most likely to consume inadequate amounts of iodinexvi and research suggests that the number of pregnant women with insufficient iodine intakes is on the rise.xvii
The American Thyroid Association recommends consuming 150 mcg of iodine in supplement form every day during pregnancy. Choose a supplement with potassium iodide as the source.xviii
Iron for Oxygen Transport and Healthy Pregnancy
Iron is vital to the production of hemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that transports oxygen to cells. Iron also plays a role in building a strong immune system, ensuring a healthy birth weight, and in the proper development of a child’s brain and nervous system.xix Iron requirements increase significantly during pregnancy, as the body boosts red blood cell production to support a growing baby.
Experts recommend pregnant women consume 27 milligrams (mg) of iron every day during pregnancy. It’s difficult for most women to reach the suggested intake for iron during pregnancy with food alone, so pregnant women should consider taking supplemental iron.xx
