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Vitamin A is a fat-soluble nutrient that is essential to the human body. During pregnancy, it isn’t a stretch to say that vitamin A is critical to human functioning. While it is popular for supporting vision, its role goes beyond that. It impacts the formation of key organs, making it vital to fetal development. You also need it during pregnancy to enhance postpartum tissue repair.
Vitamin A comes in two major forms, preformed vitamin A and provitamin A carotenoids. You can get preformed vitamin A from animal sources like eggs and some dairy products. The body readily absorbs this form without leaving much excess. On the other hand, the provitamin A carotenoids are not always easily absorbed, so they leave excesses.
In this article, we will focus on vitamin A’s impact on pregnancy. We will also address the reasons why some women avoid vitamin A during pregnancy.
Why Is Vitamin A Important during Pregnancy?
The significance of vitamin A in pregnancy resides in its impact on fetal and maternal health. You can understand its importance by knowing what it does to your body and your baby’s growth.
Vitamin A in Fetal Development
Here are some ways vitamin A benefits your fetus when you take it appropriately during pregnancy:
- It helps in the formation of the baby’s retina, ensuring proper vision development
- It helps in the development of the baby’s immune system, preparing its body to fight diseases and infections
- It helps form vital organs like the lungs, heart, kidneys, and bones
- It helps develop the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord
Vitamin A in Maternal Health
As a mother, you are also not left out of the benefits of vitamin A during pregnancy. When you take it in appropriate proportions, you gain the following benefits:
- A better immune system that helps protect against illnesses and infections during pregnancy and postpartum
- Proper cell regeneration and healing that supports the changes your body is going through
- Adequate maintenance of the skin and mucous membranes protecting you against infections.
- Protection from anemia and infections that can lead to maternal mortality
How Much Vitamin A Do You Need When You Are Pregnant?
There is no doubt that vitamin A is essential to pregnancy, but that is not to say you should chug a bottle of the supplement. Excessive vitamin A consumption during pregnancy poses many risks. Therefore, you must understand the appropriate amount of nutrients needed to optimize your health and that of your fetus.
The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for Vitamin A during pregnancy is 770 micrograms of retinol activity equivalents (RAE) per day, with a recommended upper limit of 8,000 IU.
This recommendation accounts for the total intake of vitamin A from all sources, including foods and diets for pregnant women between the ages of 19–50. Pregnant women under 18 years old have an RDA of 750 mcg RAE per day.
Can You Have Too Much Vitamin A in Pregnancy?
You can take too much vitamin A during pregnancy when you are not careful. This is a risky condition that you must take proper care to avoid. Firstly, you should know the possible sources of vitamin A and eat them in moderation during pregnancy.
Animal-based sources of vitamin A include liver, dairy products, fish, and meats. You can also get the nutrients from plant-based sources like carrots, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, and fruits. Taking these food items in adequate proportions can help you optimize the nutrient’s benefits while avoiding vitamin A overdose in pregnancy.
Studies have revealed that complications can occur when the intake of vitamin A in pregnancy exceeds 10,000 IU. The dangers of excessive vitamin A in pregnancy include:
- Vitamin A overdose in pregnancy can increase the risk of birth defects
- Too much vitamin A in pregnancy can put a strain on the liver, causing liver toxicity to both mother and fetus
- Studies suggest that too much vitamin A in pregnancy can cause miscarriage and premature birth.
Is It Safe to Consume Vitamin A during Pregnancy?
Yes, it is safe to consume Vitamin A during pregnancy. In fact, you need Vitamin A for yourself and your fetus. Fortunately, you can get it in your everyday diet. However, you may need to supplement your vitamin A intake if you do not have enough.
Consult a medical professional before taking vitamin A supplements during pregnancy to prevent the complications associated with overdose. Also, ensure that you do adequate tests to reveal deficiencies and the quantity you need. Not having the daily requirements of vitamin A in pregnancy can lead to deficiency, which poses the following risks:
- Night blindness in the mother, causing poor vision in low-light conditions
- Increased risk of infection for both mother and baby
- Poor fetal growth, low birth weight, and congenital malfunctions
- Maldevelopment of vital organs like the lungs and heart in the fetus, leading to long-term health issues
- Severe Vitamin A deficiency can lead to possible maternal mortality
Supplements Considered Unsafe during Pregnancy
Supplements are an essential part of the pregnancy journey. However, not all supplements can be taken during pregnancy. Some supplements are harmful to the mother’s health, can induce labor prematurely, and cause fetal impairment, especially when taken in excess. Therefore, you should avoid the supplements below if you are trying to get pregnant or are already pregnant.
1. Vitamin A
Wondering why Vitamin A makes this list despite the many benefits we have listed so far? Vitamin A overdose in pregnancy has been linked to liver toxicity, birth defects, and other maternal and fetal risks. Therefore, the danger of vitamin A in pregnancy is its excessive intake, making its supplement unnecessary for many pregnant women. Instead, you can rely on vitamin A from your diet to meet the daily requirements of vitamin A during pregnancy.
2. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is another nutrient you may not need to supplement in pregnancy. It can increase the risk of abdominal pain and preterm birth. This nutrient is an antioxidant that protects cells from damage, but you can meet its pregnancy RDA of 15 milligrams per day through a balanced diet.
3. Fish Oil Supplements
You must not take fish oil supplements during pregnancy, despite their many benefits. Some fish oil supplements contain a high level of mercury that can lead to cognitive, vision, and hearing problems for the baby.
4. Ephedra
Ephedra is a supplement used for energy enhancement and weight loss. Unfortunately, it is a big NO during pregnancy. It can raise blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety, leading to a miscarriage or premature birth.
Other Herbal Supplements Considered Unsafe during Pregnancy
Apart from the supplements listed above, there are also herbs you should look out for when pregnant. While many consider herbs a safer option with fewer side effects, these herbal supplements contain active ingredients that can put you and your baby at risk.
- Tobacco: Contains nicotine that can cause blood vessel restriction, impair oxygen delivery, and affect neurodevelopment.
- Black Cohosh: Can induce labor, causing uterine contractions, miscarriage, or preterm birth.
- Ginseng: Contains ginsenosides, which can interfere with embryonic development.
- Goldenseal: Goldenseal contains berberine, which can cross the placenta and harm the fetus and can lead to or worsen jaundice.
- Red Clover: It contains phytoestrogens, which mimic estrogen and can stimulate the uterus, increasing the risk of miscarriage or preterm labor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vitamins A and E are the two vitamins restricted in pregnancy. Although the two vitamins are essential for overall health, taking them excessively can cause problems during pregnancy. Excessive accumulation can lead to liver problems and congenital birth abnormalities.
There is no way to do without Vitamin A in pregnancy, from conception to postpartum care. You and your baby need Vitamin A to support your immune system, vision, and overall health.
The daily requirements of vitamin A in pregnancy depend on several factors, most especially the pregnant woman’s age. The tolerable upper intake level (UL) for vitamin A is 3,000 mcg RAE per day (10,000 IU). Pregnant teenagers between ages 14 and 18 need 750 mcg RAE per day, while pregnant women between ages 19 and 50 need 770 micrograms (mcg).
Ok so i was readin about vitamin A and got a bit worried. How do I know if im takin too much vitamin A? I mean, its in lots of foods and I take a prenatal too. Is there like a sign or smth if i overdo it?
Actually, it’s important to balance your intake. Too much Vitamin A can lead to toxicity, which is harmful during pregnancy. Symptoms might include nausea and headaches. Always best to consult your doctor for tailored advice.
Been there! My doc said to follow the prenatal vitamin’s directions and keep a balanced diet. Don’t stress too much, just keep informed. 😊
Interesting read, especially the part about unsafe supplements. Never knew fish oil could be a concern. Always thought that was a go-to for everyone. Goes to show, you gotta do your homework.
In your section about herbal supplements, you didn’t mention CBD. I’ve read mixed things. Could you clarify if it’s considered safe or not during pregnancy? Thanks!
Everyone’s suddenly a doctor online. How am I supposed to take this seriously if ur not even a medical professional? Gotta take everything with a grain of salt these days.
so glad i found this article! with baby number 3 on the way, im always on the lookout for the best health advice. keeping this for later!
lol at fish oil being unsafe, my mom took that all the time. but ig times change and so does advice.
While I appreciate the insights on vitamin A, the demonization of certain supplements without extensive evidence seems premature. It’s pertinent we rely on comprehensive studies to guide our health choices.
i always go for the natural stuff and herbs. but reading this makes me think twice. gotta be safe especially with a baby on the way. thnx for the headsup.
Thanks for the clarity, Vitamins For Woman! The prenatal vitamin maze has been stressing me out. This article really cut through the noise for me.
One must consider the methodology of studies before jumping to conclusions about supplement safety. It’s crucial to evaluate the evidence critically before making health decisions.
I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.
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