What Supplements I Take in Place of a Prenatal in Pregnancy
I get a lot of questions on what supplements I personally take in pregnancy. I’ve been hesitant to share this because there are a few factors that go into choosing the right supplement routine for a pregnant client.
I have a food first approach and try to prioritize getting the majority of my vitamins and minerals through the food I’m eating. We try to eat local and prioritize high-quality meat, fish, fruits and veggies. I focus on getting in plenty of calories and prioritize foods that are rich in nutrients like Copper, Zinc, B Vitamins, Vitamin C, Magnesium, Potassium, Retinol and more.
I tend to battle nausea quite a bit in the first and second trimesters so when I can’t stomach this amount of vitamins, I do lean on the Seeking Health Optimal Prenatal just to ensure I’m getting in enough nutrients since I can’t rely 100% on my diet. But as I start to feel the nausea lift, I move into this supplement routine. It’s important to work with a provider to determine what is right for you!
The reason that I chose this path for my pregnancy and why I do work with clients to optimize a similar supplement routine is because many conventional prenatal vitamins contain synthetic ingredients that are not easily absorbed into the body. Food-based supplements are much more bioavailable and easier for the body to process and absorb.
It’s always important to remember that any supplements (these and a prenatal included) don’t cancel out a low-nutrient diet. It is ALWAYS most important to focus on eating high-quality foods like organ meats, organic root veggies, raw dairy, shellfish, etc.