Vitamin D is a nutrient we all need every day. Children, teens, adults, and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding need vitamin D. It’s so vital that many foods are actually fortified with vitamin D.
How Much Vitamin D Do I Need?
According to the National Institutes of Health, the daily recommended values depend on age, gender, and if you are pregnant or lactating. The chart below details the values for each category.1 For women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, 15 mcg of vitamin D is recommended daily.1,2-4 The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests an intake above 15 mcg may be beneficial.2-4
What Are the Benefits of Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a critical nutrient for before conception and throughout pregnancy. One of the primary functions of vitamin D is its role in maintaining and building bone mineralization. For pregnant women, this benefit is yielded to mom and baby. However, vitamin D is not just about building and maintaining healthy bones. During pregnancy, ample vitamin D supplies may help reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes.5
How Do I Ensure I’m Getting Enough Vitamin D?
A well-balanced diet is a great way to ensure you’re meeting your daily vitamin D intake. Some foods, including swordfish, tuna, and mackerel, contain high amounts of vitamin D naturally. However, most vitamin D is consumed in foods that are vitamin D fortified. Below are some foods fortified with vitamin D and the amount you’d need to consume each day to reach the daily recommended intake.
While eating a balanced diet is always recommended, eating healthy foods is not always enough. Typically, women do not consume enough vitamin D in their regular diets. One good way to ensure that you and your baby are getting enough vitamin D is by supplementing with a vitamin from the Prenate® Vitamin Family. These prenatal vitamins are specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of women who are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant.
Below are links to learn more about the prenatal vitamins with vitamin D that the Prenate® Vitamin Family offers:
- Prenate Mini®
- Prenate Pixie®
- Prenate® Enhance
- Prenate® Restore
- Prenate Chewable®
- Prenate DHA®
- Prenate Elite®
- Prenate Essential®
Ask your doctor if a Prenate® Vitamin is right for you.