Vitamin B12 in Pregnancy and Lactation

Our prenatal supplement is much higher in vitamin B12 than others and there's a very good reason!

So why is it so important to take adequate Vitamin B12 during pregnancy and breastfeeding? 

Vitamin B-12 plays a crucial role in helping to produce red blood cells, supports brain and nerve function and supports immune health.  A woman's blood volume nearly doubles during pregnancy so these functions are extremely important.  It has also been found that low B12 levels in pregnancy lead to increased risk of preterm birth, preeclampsia and neural tube defects.  It has also been found that children of Vitamin B12 deficient breastfeeding mothers are more likely to experience developmental delays, anemia and failure to thrive. (https://www.aafp.org/afp/2011/0615/p1425.html)

What's shocking but seldom discussed is that it's also generally believed that approximately 25% of pregnant women are deficient in B12!

We use a higher dose than most prenatal vitamins because our bodies do not absorb this vitamin well (only about 2% tends to be absorbed at the time of supplementation) and a larger dose can help ensure moms get what they need. Using a prenatal supplement that is taken multiple times a day rather than taking a "one-a-day" can help also.  B12 is also a water soluble vitamin and therefore it is known to be very safe when taken in large doses because our bodies do not store it but instead readily excrete it.  Research shows that supplements containing even 1000 times the recommended dose (essentially over 2,000mcg) are completely safe.

The more you know the better you're able to make informed decisions about what prenatal vitamins are right for you!