Which Vitamins Should I Take Before Pregnancy?

Understanding the Role of Vitamins Before Pregnancy

Preparing for pregnancy also means focusing on nutrients. Vitamins and minerals support the body’s normal functions, including cell division, hormonal activity, and immune function, and can be part of a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

What Are Vitamins and Why Are They Important?

Vitamins are organic compounds the body needs in small amounts to function properly. They play a role in energy metabolism, immune defense, and cell division. According to the Danish Health Authority, women planning pregnancy are advised to take 400 µg of folic acid daily from the planning stage through the first trimester.

Vitamins and Women’s Health Before Pregnancy

B vitamins (including B6, folate, and B12) support processes relevant before pregnancy: Vitamin B6 contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity, while folate and vitamin B12 play a role in the cell division process. Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system and the maintenance of normal bones; calcium is necessary for maintaining normal bones.

A varied diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy can help cover these needs. If needed, supplements can support the diet.

The Most Important Vitamins and Minerals Before Pregnancy

Folate

Folate contributes to tissue growth during pregnancy and plays a role in the process of cell division. The Danish Health Authority recommends 400 µg of folic acid daily from the time pregnancy is planned and throughout the first trimester.

Vitamin D and Bone Health

Vitamin D supports the normal absorption/utilization of calcium and phosphorus, the maintenance of normal bones and teeth, and the normal function of the immune system. Calcium is necessary for the maintenance of normal bones, and vitamin K and zinc also contribute to bone maintenance.

Iron, A, C, and B Vitamins in Blood Formation

Iron contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells and hemoglobin, as well as the normal transport of oxygen in the body. Vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 contribute to the normal formation of red blood cells. Vitamin A supports normal iron metabolism, and vitamin C enhances iron absorption and helps regenerate the reduced form of vitamin E.

Antioxidants

Vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, selenium, and riboflavin each contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

Omega-3 (EPA and DHA)

EPA and DHA contribute to normal heart function (with a daily intake of 250 mg EPA+DHA). Sources include fatty fish or marine oils.

How to Meet Your Needs

Natural Sources in Food

Folate is found in green leafy vegetables and legumes. Vitamin D is found in fatty fish and fortified foods. Iron is found in meat and legumes. Vitamin C-rich foods (such as citrus fruits and bell peppers) can usefully be combined with iron-rich meals.

Supplementing with Vitamins

Supplements can be useful as a complement to the diet. Always follow product instructions and consult a healthcare professional if you have specific needs or are taking medication.

Potential Risks of Excess Intake

Overdosage

Excessive amounts of certain vitamins/minerals may be harmful (for example, very high intake of vitamin A). Stick to recommended doses and read labels carefully.

How to Avoid Excess Intake

Get vitamins and minerals primarily from a varied diet and supplement purposefully. When in doubt, consult healthcare professionals.

Talk to Your Doctor

Why a Medical Consultation Is Relevant

A healthcare professional can assess your personal needs based on health, diet, and any supplements, and recommend appropriate dosages and duration.

Preparation

Note your eating habits, current supplements, and any symptoms to get the most out of your consultation.

Products from La Roar Life Science with Approved Claims

PregnancyCare® – supplement with folate, which contributes to tissue growth during pregnancy. It also contains nutrients related to blood formation (iron contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells and hemoglobin; vitamins B6 and B12 contribute to the normal formation of red blood cells), bone health (calcium is necessary for the maintenance of normal bones; vitamins D, K, and zinc contribute to bone maintenance), and iron metabolism and absorption (vitamin A supports normal iron metabolism; vitamin C enhances iron absorption; copper contributes to normal iron transport in the body). Antioxidant protection comes from vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, selenium, and riboflavin, which each contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

FertilityCare® – supplement with zinc, which contributes to normal fertility and reproduction, and folate, which contributes to tissue growth during pregnancy. It also contains nutrients that play a role in cell division (such as folate, zinc, iron, and vitamin B12) and in the regulation of hormonal activity (vitamin B6).

Summary

Before pregnancy, folate is key, and in addition, vitamin D, iron, B vitamins, calcium, and antioxidants can be part of a holistic approach. Focus on a varied diet and supplement purposefully as needed.

Ready to take the next step? At La Roar Life Science, you’ll find products such as PregnancyCare® with folate, which contributes to tissue growth during pregnancy, and FertilityCare® with zinc, which contributes to normal fertility and reproduction – and folate, which contributes to tissue growth during pregnancy. Explore our products and learn more about how you can support your body.

Our team is ready to help you with personalized advice on diet, lifestyle, and fertility preparation.

Book a free 15-minute 1:1 consultation here: (Link) – where we focus on your individual needs and questions.