Chapter 16 - Mineral and vitamin supplementation before, during, and after conception

Summary

Adequate quantities of vitamins and minerals are essential for the development of the embryo, fetus, and neonate. This chapter highlights the importance of vitamin and mineral supplementation before, during, and after conception. Women actively planning pregnancy should supplement with a prenatal multivitamin. Supplementation to prevent birth defects has been shown to be cost effective. Supplementation should commence approximately 3 to 4 months before the planned pregnancy to permit the body to achieve protective levels of vitamins and minerals such as folate. The formulations of prenatal multivitamins usually vary between manufacturers; however, they generally comprise a combination including vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, calcium, chromium, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, and zinc. The chapter reviews their importance during pregnancy.