Episode 552: MJA Podcasts 2024 Episode 11: Pregnancy supplements – how much is too much?
Apr 7, 2024
auto_awesome
Experts Associate Professor Shelley Wilkinson and Dr Linda Gallo discuss the risks of excessive pregnancy supplements, emphasizing the importance of whole food diets. They highlight the negative impacts of surpassing recommended levels of supplements and promote moderation unless medically necessary.
Promote whole food diets during pregnancy instead of relying solely on supplements.
Excessive intake of pregnancy supplements can lead to health risks and complications.
Deep dives
Importance of Considering Whole Food Diets in Pregnancy
The podcast discusses the importance of promoting whole food diets in pregnancy as opposed to relying solely on pregnancy supplements. Studies have shown that many pregnant women take multivitamins extensively due to strong marketing, clinician recommendations, and perceived benefits. However, it is highlighted that key nutrients like folic acid and iodine can be adequately obtained from a balanced diet, emphasizing a 'food-first' approach.
High Reliance on Pregnancy Supplements for Key Nutrients
Research findings reveal that a significant number of pregnant women heavily rely on supplements to meet essential nutrient requirements, particularly folic acid, iodine, and iron. While multivitamin intake can help some women reach recommended nutrient levels, excessive intake poses risks such as gestational diabetes, neurodevelopmental issues, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Higher-income backgrounds are associated with increased multivitamin use, illustrating the need for more emphasis on dietary intake.
Balancing Supplement Use with Dietary Guidelines and Risks
The dangers of exceeding recommended levels of certain nutrients, like folic acid, iodine, and iron, are explored in the podcast. Excessive multivitamin use can lead to various health complications, including cognitive outcomes in children, gestational diabetes, and preterm birth risks. Given the risks involved, clinicians and healthcare providers advocate for a balanced approach by encouraging whole food diets and tailored supplement use based on individual nutritional needs.
Today we discuss pregnancy supplements, including the need for clinicians to reconsider widespread prescriptions for pregnancy supplements, and instead promote whole food diets.
My special guests are Associate Professor Shelley Wilkinson and Dr Linda Gallo.