Pregnant? The Top 5 Supplements for Pregnancy

1. Chlorella and Spirulina

Chlorella and spirulina are excellent sources of carotenes, chlorophyll, and other antioxidants. Studies show they can help eliminate heavy metals and toxins from the body, thus reducing the fetus' exposure to these poisons.

2. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)

DHA from algae or concentrated fish oil supplements helps the baby develop a normal brain and retina. A pregnant woman can lose as much as 50 percent of the DHA from her brain—a major contributor to postpartum depression. Mothers with low levels of DHA also are more likely to deliver prematurely. Read more about eating essential fats during pregnancy. 

3. Folic acid supplementation

Folic acid supplementation during pregnancy has been shown to prevent neural-tube birth defects and acute childhood leukemia. It may also help prevent miscarriage, and has been linked to a decrease risk of autism. In the mother, folate helps prevent anemia and supports emotional health.

L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5-MTHF) is the active form of folate and ensures more immediate effects on metabolism compared to synthetic folic acid, the form commonly used in fortified foods and supplements. Synthetic folic acid is not recommended, especially for those with certain types of MTHFR issues, due to the inability to convert folic acid to methylfolate. I recommend women supplement with L-5-MTHF or Folinic acid --- not folic acid.

4. Probiotics (lactobacillus, acidophilus, and bifidobacteria)

Probiotics help maintain good immune function to prevent respiratory, gastrointestinal, and vaginal infections—reducing the risk of complications during delivery. When pregnant mothers take these "healthy bacteria," their children are less likely to develop allergies. Read more about probiotics during pregnancy. 

5. Vitamin D

Vitamin D supports normal fetal growth, including bone, neurologic, and immune system development. Supplementation may help prevent the child from getting diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Read more tips about vitamin D and pregnancy.

Kelly Harrington, MS, RDN

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for Healthy Goods