If you’re here then you’ve probably Google’d about: should i take vitamin d in pregnancy. This article aims to clear any doubts and questions you may have about this subject and we will do our best to do so.
How Much Vitamin D Should I Take In Pregnancy?
This will give your baby enough vitamin d for the first few months of life. This guidance is strongly recommended through autumn and winter and advised in spring and summer. Do not take more than 100 micrograms (4,000 IU) of vitamin D a day as it could be harmful.
You can also buy Healthy Start vitamins at some children’s centres and pharmacies. Other vitamin D supplements are available cheaply at a pharmacy or supermarket.
Will I Need To Take Extra Vitamin D In Pregnancy?
You may have a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency if you:
rarely go outside
always cover your skin
use high-factor sun block
have darker skin
have a BMI above 30. For anyone within these groups, taking a vitamin D supplement is especially important. It is difficult to get enough vitamin D from foods alone, but there are foods that help your intake.
These include:
eggs
oily fish (salmon and sardines, for example)
red meat
breakfast cereals, fat spreads and non-dairy milk alternatives, but the amount added to these products can vary and might only be small.
Why Are Public Health England Making This Recommendation?
You can also find Vitamin D in some food. There is no evidence that taking Vitamin D reduces the risk of catching or getting ill with coronavirus.
Fewer Complications With High Vitamin D Doses
Itamin D during pregnancy have a greatly reduced risk of complications, including gestational diabetes, preterm birth, and infection, new research suggests. “Any doctor who hasn’t followed the literature may be wary of telling their patients to take 4,000 IU of vitamin D,” she says.
How Will I Know If I Have Low Vitamin D?
If you have low vitamin D you will be advised to increase your sun exposure and take extra vitamin D during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
How Often Do I Need To Take Vitamin D?
Because you use vitamin D every day, you should take vitamin D supplementation every day while pregnant and breastfeeding if your vitamin D level is low. Vitamin D is stored in fatty tissue; this may affect the amount of vitamin D supplementation that you will need to take.
Can Taking Extra Vitamin D Harm My Baby Or Me?
There is no evidence to show that taking supplements in the quantities advised will harm either you or your baby. If your baby requires vitamin D supplementation you will need to discuss this with your doctor or midwife. Where to get help See your doctor
Visit healthdirect (external site) or call 1800 022 222
Acknowledgements
Women and Newborn Health Service
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only.
It is not a substitute for professional medical care.