Pregnancy Question and Answer from Dr. Chris Jensen
On the subject of dietary supplements during pregnancy and lactation, I want to clarify that Vita-Lea can and is used by thousands of consumers as a prenatal supplement. Often people are under the mistaken impression that pregnancy or lactation requires a completely different multivitamin and mineral supplement. In point of fact, this isn't the case. Nutritional needs are increased during pregnancy and lactation, but the value of a balanced and comprehensive nutritional supplement like Vita-Lea is that it complements an individual's food intake to help ensure that all nutrient needs are met. Also, for those women whose physicians recommend additional iron beyond the 18 mg provided in a two table serving of Vita-Lea, our Iron plus Vitamin C formulation is an excellent product to consider.
Some points to keep in mind with regard to Shaklee nutritional supplements during pregnancy and lactation are as follows:
Vita-Lea serves as an excellent prenatal supplement.
It's especially important to get sufficient amounts of the B vitamin folic acid even before you get pregnant, to help reduce the risk of your baby having a common type of birth defect. Folic acid is found in Vita-Lea and B-Complex.
Calcium needs increase during pregnancy and lactation. The RDA during pregnancy and lactation is 1200 mg daily, and any of our four calcium supplements serve as excellent supplementary sources. Remember also that a serving of a dairy product, like milk or yogurt, provides about 200-300 mg of calcium. Some women require supplementary iron during pregnancy. A blood test by your doctor can determine if this applies to you. Shaklee Iron plus Vitamin C serves as an excellent source of additional iron for those in need.
Protein needs during pregnancy increase only slightly, and most Americans get plenty of protein. Therefore, supplementary protein is usually not required. However, most Americans could benefit from healthier sources of protein. Shaklee Energizing Soy Protein can be used as a high quality, low-fat, cholesterol-free alternative to traditional high-fat, high-cholesterol protein sources. For example, many people enjoy Energizing Soy Protein in the morning as a part of breakfast in place of the more traditional protein sources such as eggs and bacon.
A diet rich in vitamin C helps promote absorption of iron. Vitamin C with each meal makes good sense. As indicated by the information above, a basic supplementation regimen is fine during pregnancy and lactation. On the other hand, as a general rule, use of medicinal herbs, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and prescription medicines is not recommended during pregnancy and lactation unless you have first cleared this with your physician. Small amounts of other herbs like garlic and alfalfa should not pose a problem.
Finally, Optiflora is a safe product that you can feel confident in recommending. As for young children, they can take Optiflora if they can safely consume the capsule. We hope this is helpful.
Chris Jensen, PhD
Shaklee Health Science Dept.
