{"id":17535,"date":"2025-09-23T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-23T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pharmanutra.it\/?p=17535"},"modified":"2025-09-05T12:47:58","modified_gmt":"2025-09-05T10:47:58","slug":"prenatal-nutrition-vitamins-supplements","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pharmanutra.it\/en\/prenatal-nutrition-vitamins-supplements\/","title":{"rendered":"Prenatal nutrition: when supplements make the difference"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

During pregnancy, a woman\u2019s body undergoes profound changes and requires an extra supply of essential nutrients<\/strong>. Even with a balanced diet, it can be difficult to meet all the body\u2019s needs through food alone. That\u2019s why supplementing with prenatal vitamins and minerals<\/strong> such as folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega-3 DHA, and iron is fundamental to supporting maternal health and the baby\u2019s optimal development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Folic acid in pregnancy: essential for fetal development<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Folate (vitamin B9) is found in foods such as leafy greens, citrus fruits, and kiwi. It plays a crucial role in the growth of rapidly dividing tissues, including those of the fetus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The synthetic form, folic acid<\/strong>, is more stable and widely used in prenatal supplements. However, not all the folic acid consumed is effectively absorbed. That\u2019s why it is important to choose highly bioavailable forms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Italy, the National Institute of Health<\/strong> recommends 0.4 mg (400 \u03bcg) per day during pregnancy.1<\/sup> Proper folic acid supplementation helps prevent neural tube defects and supports the healthy development of the baby\u2019s nervous system.2<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vitamin B12 in pregnancy: support for mother and baby<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)<\/strong> is vital for red blood cell formation, myelin synthesis, and DNA production. It is naturally found only in animal-based foods such as eggs, dairy, meat, liver, fish, and shellfish.3<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vegetarian and vegan women are particularly at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency in pregnancy<\/strong>, which has been linked to growth delays and neurological issues in infants. Studies show that B12 levels in vegetarian pregnant women often fall below the recommended range, with 25% of them presenting elevated plasma homocysteine levels\u2014an indicator of possible cardiovascular complications.4<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For this reason, it is strongly recommended to monitor B12 levels and consider supplementation when necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vitamin D in pregnancy: the \u201csunshine vitamin\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Vitamin D, often called the sunshine vitamin<\/strong>, functions as a hormone and is crucial for bone health, calcium and phosphorus absorption, and immune regulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During early pregnancy, vitamin D supports embryo implantation and hormone balance. Supplementation throughout pregnancy has been shown to reduce the risk of gestational hypertension (preeclampsia), preterm birth, and low birth weight<\/strong>.5<\/sup> The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)<\/strong> recommends 10 \u03bcg per day of vitamin D for all pregnant and breastfeeding women.6<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

DHA in pregnancy: omega-3 for neurological development<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), an omega-3 fatty acid, is essential for the development of the baby\u2019s nervous system and retina. It also supports uteroplacental blood flow, improving oxygen and nutrient delivery to the fetus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prenatal DHA supplements<\/strong> have been shown to reduce the risk of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).7<\/sup> The recommended daily intake is around 200 mg per day<\/strong>.8<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Iron in pregnancy: preventing iron deficiency<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Iron is critical for the production of hemoglobin and myoglobin, which transport oxygen throughout the body. During pregnancy, the demand for iron increases significantly, especially in the third trimester, when up to an additional gram of iron is required to support both mother and baby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Iron deficiency in pregnancy<\/strong> is one of the leading causes of anemia and can negatively impact birth weight and cognitive development in children.9<\/sup> Targeted iron supplementation, together with a diet rich in red meat, legumes, and leafy greens, is often necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sucrosomial\u00ae Technology: improving nutrient absorption<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While the importance of micronutrients in pregnancy is well known, their absorption and bioavailability<\/strong> can often be limited. To address this, Pharmanutra <\/strong>developed Sucrosomial\u00ae Technology<\/a><\/strong>, which encapsulates vitamins and minerals in a matrix of phospholipids and sucrester fatty acid esters, forming a unique structure called the Sucrosome\u00ae<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This innovative delivery system prevents nutrients from being released in the stomach, ensuring better absorption and reducing common side effects associated with traditional prenatal supplements.10<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

SiderAL\u00ae Mamma: complete prenatal supplement in one capsule<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

SiderAL\u00ae Mamma<\/strong> is a nutritional supplement specifically designed for pregnancy and breastfeeding. Each capsule provides:<\/p>\n\n\n\n