Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Ok Not Eating Vitamins While Pregnant

Yenni

By Yenni
in Related Issues & Disorders

Recommended Posts

Yenni Enthusiast
Yenni
Posted

My husband and I are talking about trying to get pregnant here. I have not been able to find a vitamin that I don't react badly to. I am gonna ask my ob-gyn about not eating one, but does anyone have any idea if it is fine to skip that or if I could possible find a pill that contain folic acid only (I get folate from a bar I am eating)? Would it be safe not to eat a vitamin at all?

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


AndreaB Contributor
AndreaB
Posted

You should be ok. Just make sure your folate is taken care of. I'd also recommend either Nordic Naturals cod liver d oil or Carlson's during the dark part of the year. The regular cod liver oil should be fine the rest of the time. They've found that omega 3's are very important. Of course if you already eat lots of fish you wouldn't have to worry about that. They do recommend only eating stuff like salmon though for the lower mercury content.

Are there any plain b vitamins you can handle? It may be beneficial to you to have a vitamin/mineral panel run just to see where you are at and get a better idea of what would need to be supplemented, if anything.

pugluver31902 Explorer
pugluver31902
Posted

I would talk to your doctor about it before getting pregnant. Folic acid can take up to three months to build up to a good level for baby in your system. Since the need for folic acid is in the first few weeks of the pregnancy, you would want to make sure your level is high enough when you get pregnant. Top that off with celiac and malabsorbtion problems, you might need to start even earlier. Good luck! Im 13 weeks pregnant and really glad I started the vitamins early, just bc when the morning sickness hits, its good to already be used to whatever vitamin or supplement you are taking. You dont want to try something new when you already feel yucky!

Yenni Enthusiast
Yenni
Posted
  • Author

The bars I eat have stuff added to them. I know I get the daily intake of Thiamin/B1, Riboflavin/B2, Niacin/B3, Vitamin B6 and Folate/B9.

I eat several of those bars a day and have been for probably over a year, so I should be good on those things.

I also take Calcium with Vitamin D.

I should ask the ob-gyn what else I need. I was thinking that I would do better if I just take a pill with just one thing or two in it.

Thanks for your replies!

Oh, and the bars have ground flaxseed in them, so I should get Omega-3 from them too. Not sure how much though.

I should ask about that panel. I have heard they are spendy though. We do not have much money.

(I did a search on Folic acid and it looks like it is just another name for Folate. (Vitamin B9)

I know I get more than what I need of that. Good to know.)

key Contributor
key
Posted

I would take an iron supplement. If not eat lots of foods high in Iron. You don't want to become anemic during pregnancy, which will add to exhaustion.

Goodluck,

Monica

alamaz Collaborator
alamaz
Posted

i have trouble taking vitamins as well. i went to a nutritionist who put me on Twin Labs multi vitamin and a folic acid supplement. I take at least 800 mg. of folic acid a day. The Twin Labs brand are supposed to be very allergy friendly and easier to absorb/digest. So far, they are the only ones I can handle.

Good luck!

pugluver31902 Explorer
pugluver31902
Posted

Dont forget that your daily intake needs to be higher when you are pregnant. I dont know you personally, but I know that even though I have been gluten free for a year and get well over my daily intake of vitamins, it still doesnt show up in my blood which means Im not absorbing it all. So I need higher doses. The easiest thing to do is see your doc and see what they recommend.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Ursa Major Collaborator
Ursa Major
Posted

The problem with the 'official' daily allowance for nutrients is, that it is so low that it barely keeps you alive. For instance, I think the daily allowance for vitamin C is about 50 or 60 mg. In reality you need at least 500mg a day (more is better, like 1000 to 3000mg) to be healthy. The same is true for just about all essential nutrients. You don't want to go for the minimum requirement of nutrients, but rather the optimal intake, which is higher when pregnant.

Especially with celiac disease I doubt you get enough of anything for both you and the baby out of any kind of bars.

Check out the vitamins from Open Original Shared Link, I am sure they'd have a pre-natal vitamin. I've found that they have hypoallergenic vitamins that I can actually tolerate. And you can order a small amount to test your tolerance, before you put out the money for a big bottle.

momandgirls Enthusiast
momandgirls
Posted
The problem with the 'official' daily allowance for nutrients is, that it is so low that it barely keeps you alive. For instance, I think the daily allowance for vitamin C is about 50 or 60 mg. In reality you need at least 500mg a day (more is better, like 1000 to 3000mg) to be healthy. The same is true for just about all essential nutrients. You don't want to go for the minimum requirement of nutrients, but rather the optimal intake, which is higher when pregnant.

Especially with celiac disease I doubt you get enough of anything for both you and the baby out of any kind of bars.

Check out the vitamins from Open Original Shared Link, I am sure they'd have a pre-natal vitamin. I've found that they have hypoallergenic vitamins that I can actually tolerate. And you can order a small amount to test your tolerance, before you put out the money for a big bottle.

I have to disagree. The "official" daily allowance of Vitamin C is 500mg. Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin. That means, if you take more than about 500mg of Vitamin C per day, the excess will leave your body as urine. You won't absorb it. It's a waste. More is NOT better.

Ursa Major Collaborator
Ursa Major
Posted

Actually, the RDA from the FDA is 90 mg for males, and 75 mg for females. Not 500mg at all.

Open Original Shared Link

And yes, for most people 500mg a day should be enough. But, as I said, the recommended daily allowance is laughable and just enough to prevent scurvy.

Yenni Enthusiast
Yenni
Posted
  • Author

I tried Kirkman Labs vitamins and they did not work for me. Maybe a nutritionist would be a good idea.

Did you guys hear about the woman in Ukraine (I think it was) that had a HUGE baby this year? One of the biggest ever seen I guess and she had eaten tomatoes, pasta and potatoes her whole pregnancy. Nothing else (no Vitamins) what I heard. :P

maryjoali Newbie
maryjoali
Posted

I took Folic Acid (5 milligrams) for a few months pre-conception and had B12 shots as well. Now that I'm 18 weeks pregnant, the doctor said even though I've been gluten-free for almost a year, my body still doesn't absorb nutrients through food like it should. I am taking Preg Vit and they are working out well for me. I've never been able to tolerate oral vitamins well, but with these, you take one in the morning (containing the calcium) and another at night (containing the iron). My doctor said for people who have a hard time with vitamins, it's important that calcium and iron are separated - not only for absorption reasons but for tolerance as well. Most vitamins contain both. Something you might want to consider.

As for whether just eating properly enough, my doctor told me I was fine up to 20 weeks, but after that the baby zaps everything good and the vitamins are more for me. She also wanted me to wait to get to 18-20 weeks to be sure that the nausea and vomitting had subsided.

MeJenn Newbie
MeJenn
Posted

I take Fem Prenatal by MetaGenics. Its formulated to be free of allergies and to be gentle on the system. You may have to order online or ask your doctor or alternative doctor to get it for you. One bottle comes with 30 packets and I take half after one meal and the other half before bed. It hasnt been too bad! Good luck!

missy'smom Collaborator
missy'smom
Posted
Did you guys hear about the woman in Ukraine (I think it was) that had a HUGE baby this year? One of the biggest ever seen I guess and she had eaten tomatoes, pasta and potatoes her whole pregnancy. Nothing else (no Vitamins) what I heard. :P

I don't remember what the deal was with her but one of the risks of untreated gestational diabetes is that the baby can grow larger than it normally would, making for a difficult delivery.

  • 2 weeks later...
angielackner Contributor
angielackner
Posted

I ended up taking flintstones chewables (2 daily) while i was preggo, 1 because they are gluten-free, and 2 because i couldnt swallow the huge horse pill sized prenatals that people normally take. my midwife and GP both approved it...and i had a perfectly normal 11 lb 6 oz baby (now he is 21 months old ;) )

angie

DonnaD777-777 Newbie
DonnaD777-777
Posted
My husband and I are talking about trying to get pregnant here. I have not been able to find a vitamin that I don't react badly to. I am gonna ask my ob-gyn about not eating one, but does anyone have any idea if it is fine to skip that or if I could possible find a pill that contain folic acid only (I get folate from a bar I am eating)? Would it be safe not to eat a vitamin at all?

Check with your obgyn on what exactly you need. I know you need 30mg of IRON a day, and lots of calcium...so you are probably going to have to take individual viatamins on the ones you are not getting enough of.

  • 4 weeks later...
Yenni Enthusiast
Yenni
Posted
  • Author
i have trouble taking vitamins as well. i went to a nutritionist who put me on Twin Labs multi vitamin and a folic acid supplement. I take at least 800 mg. of folic acid a day. The Twin Labs brand are supposed to be very allergy friendly and easier to absorb/digest. So far, they are the only ones I can handle.

Good luck!

I was trying to find the ingredients (and inactive ones) in the Twin Labs pills, but they do not have a list of it on their page.

I sent them an e-mail. Hopefully they will answer.

-------------

I talked to my ob/gyn and she doesn't like the fact that I can't take any. So I need to keep on looking and trying.

Yenni Enthusiast
Yenni
Posted
  • Author
I take Fem Prenatal by MetaGenics. Its formulated to be free of allergies and to be gentle on the system. You may have to order online or ask your doctor or alternative doctor to get it for you. One bottle comes with 30 packets and I take half after one meal and the other half before bed. It hasnt been too bad! Good luck!

Those look interesting.

(although they have Maltodextrin which can come from gluten, corn, rice or potato)

------------------------------------

Isn't it funny what different dosage they all have. Some have tons of this and others have tons of other stuff.

The Kirkman Labs actually seems to not have that much in them (in a good way). Maybe it would be a good idea to give those a try...Less is better when it comes to me I think.

I am going to print the ingredients out and bring them to the ob-gyn tomorrow and see what she says..

-------------

I have talked to my friends in Sweden (where I am from) and none of them ate vitamins. Some ate Folic Acid for a while in the beginning, but the rest weren't even told to eat any. They aren't as big on vitamins over there. I guess they check levels during pregnancy and some have to eat Calcium and Iron if needed. The babies and women seems just as healthy anyways.

Different cultures.

dbmamaz Explorer
dbmamaz
Posted

I didnt see this post b4, but I had a really hard time tolerating multivitamins when pregnant, including the chewables. I ended up taking B12 and folic acid, calcium, and yellowdock capsules instead of iron. My midwife said that yellowdock helps you absorb the iron you are already consuming. My last 2 pregnancies, I was also told to drink a pregnancy tea (which actually came from some very christain herb farm which had a website) which honeslty seemed to make me feel a lot better.

Yenni Enthusiast
Yenni
Posted
  • Author
I didnt see this post b4, but I had a really hard time tolerating multivitamins when pregnant, including the chewables. I ended up taking B12 and folic acid, calcium, and yellowdock capsules instead of iron. My midwife said that yellowdock helps you absorb the iron you are already consuming. My last 2 pregnancies, I was also told to drink a pregnancy tea (which actually came from some very christain herb farm which had a website) which honeslty seemed to make me feel a lot better.

Interesting. If it doesn't work for me finding vitamins I'll remember this. Thanks for the info.

Yenni Enthusiast
Yenni
Posted
  • Author
I was trying to find the ingredients (and inactive ones) in the Twin Labs pills, but they do not have a list of it on their page.

I sent them an e-mail. Hopefully they will answer.

Got an answer from Twin Labs. I asked about a full ingredients list (saying I have Celiac Disease and more tolerances than just gluten+allergies). I got the reply they do not have a full ingredients list on all of their products but that they are gluten free.

So that is out (I don't do well on a bunch more stuff so I do not dare taking those).

Yenni Enthusiast
Yenni
Posted
  • Author

I ordered the Kirkman Labs's pre-natal vitamins. I had bad luck with their original ones (I got starved and go blood sugar drops real bad), but these are a bit more basic with out the extra stuff in them, so I am going to be brave.

home-based-mom Contributor
home-based-mom
Posted

I really hope this works for you as it is *SO* important to have the folate in you before conception.

Here is a link to the FDA's web site.

Open Original Shared Link

This page also has a link to another page which is a bunch of links to even more information! :blink::blink::blink:

Obviously getting vitamins from what we eat is best, but we know that doesn't always work.

Blessings on your efforts!

iamtgif Newbie
iamtgif
Posted

I have many food intolerances (celiac, gluten, dairy, soy. egg, yeast and caffeen) and I take Twinlab (Phone: (800) 645-5626), Allergy multi caps. I have called and talked to Twinlabs, they are very helpful. I also take many of the County Life vitamines (1-800-645-5768), like the calcium citrate w/D, They are also very helpful on the phone. If you are gluten free and still having problems you might be having other food intolerances. I was tested at Open Original Shared Link and it solved my problems.

I would really encourage you to take folate and vitamins when pregnant. I was just diagnosed with Celiac about 8 months ago. I know I was not gluten free when I was pregnant with my children, but I would have done anything for my kid

  • 2 weeks later...
SDW Newbie
SDW
Posted
My husband and I are talking about trying to get pregnant here. I have not been able to find a vitamin that I don't react badly to. I am gonna ask my ob-gyn about not eating one, but does anyone have any idea if it is fine to skip that or if I could possible find a pill that contain folic acid only (I get folate from a bar I am eating)? Would it be safe not to eat a vitamin at all?

It would be much better to take prenatal vitamins. I have celiac's and take vitamins offered by Whole Foods. I've not had any reactions at all!

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. Dakota01
      - Dakota01 commented on Scott Adams's article in Winter 2026 Issue
      1

      Are Gluten-Free Processed Foods Making You Sick? (+Video)

      This video is extremely informative and explains why I still get sick when I eat these so called gluten-free processed foods. I make every effort to stay away from all processed foods.
    2. Scott Adams
      0

      Why Celiac Diagnosis Still Takes Years—and How to Change That

    3. JoJo0611
      - JoJo0611 posted a topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      0

      Awaiting Biopsy results

      I have had my endoscopy this morning with biopsies. My consultant said that it looked like I did have coeliac disease from what he could see. I now have to wait 3 weeks for the biopsy results. Do I continue eating gluten till my follow appointment in three weeks.
    4. cristiana
      - cristiana replied to emzie's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      1

      Stomach hurts with movement

      Hi @emzie and welcome to the forum. Perhaps could be residual inflammation and bloating that is causing sensitivity in that area. I was diagnosed with coeliac disease in 2013 and I remember some years ago my sister telling me around that time that she had a lady in her church, also a coeliac, who had real pain when she turned her torso in a certain...
    5. emzie
      - emzie posted a topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      1

      Stomach hurts with movement

      Hi! One of the usual symptoms I have with a gluten flare up has deviated a bit and I thought I'd search for advice/opinions here. Also to see if anyone goes through similar stuff. Monday all of a sudden I got really bad pain in my stomach (centre, right under the chest, where the duodenum would be located). I ended up having to throw up for 2 hours, my body...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      132,455
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Suelle
    Newest Member
    Suelle
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • JoJo0611
      Awaiting Biopsy results

      By JoJo0611 · Posted

      I have had my endoscopy this morning with biopsies. My consultant said that it looked like I did have coeliac disease from what he could see. I now have to wait 3 weeks for the biopsy results. Do I continue eating gluten till my follow appointment in three weeks.  
    • cristiana
      Stomach hurts with movement

      By cristiana · Posted

      Hi @emzie and welcome to the forum. Perhaps could be residual inflammation and bloating that is causing sensitivity in that area.  I was diagnosed with coeliac disease in 2013 and I remember some years ago my sister telling me around that time that she had a lady in her church, also a coeliac, who  had real pain when she turned her torso in a certain direction whilst doing exercises, but otherwise was responding well to the gluten-free diet. As far as I know is still the picture of health. I often end up with pain in various parts of my gut if I eat too much rich food or certain types of fibre (for some reasons walnuts make my gut hurt, and rice cakes!) and and as a rule, the pain usually hangs around for a number of days, maybe up to a week.   When I bend over or turn, I can feel it.  I think this is actually due to my other diagnosis of IBS, for years I thought I had a rumbling appendix but I think it must have just been IBS.  Reading the experiences of other sufferers, it seems quite typical.  Sensitized gut, build up of gas - it stands to reason that the extra pressure of turning can increase the pain. When I am glutened I get a burning, gnawing pain in my stomach on and off for some days - it isn't constant, but it can take up a few hours of the day.  I believe this to be gastritis, but it seems to hurt irrespective of movement.   Anyway, you are doing the right thing to seek a professional opinion, though, so do let us know how you get on.   Meanwhile, might I suggest you drink peppermint tea, or try slices of fresh ginger in hot water? A lot of IBS sufferers say the former is very helpful in relieving cramps, etc, and the latter is very soothing on the stomach. Cristiana
    • emzie
      Stomach hurts with movement

      By emzie · Posted

      Hi! One of the usual symptoms I have with a gluten flare up has deviated a bit and I thought I'd search for advice/opinions here. Also to see if anyone goes through similar stuff. Monday all of a sudden I got really bad pain in my stomach (centre, right under the chest, where the duodenum would be located). I ended up having to throw up for 2 hours, my body was trying to get rid of something from all sides and it was just horrible. Since then I havent been nauseous anymore at all, but the pain has stayed and it always worsens the moment i start moving. The more I move the more it hurts, and when i rest longer it seems to dissapear (no movement). I've had this before, but years ago I think around when I first got diagnosed with coeliac, where each time I moved, my stomach would hurt, to the point where I went to the ER because doctors got freaked out. That only lasted 1 night though, and Now it's already wednesday, so 3 days since then, but the pain persists and remains leveled. it doesn't get crazy intense, but it's still uncomfortable to the point I cant really go out because Im afraid itll turn into a giant flare up again. I couldn't think of where I could possibly have been glutened at this bad of a level and why it hasn't passed yet. I went to the GP, and as long as I have no fever and the pain isnt insane then its fine which I havent had yet. Tomorrow im also seeing a gastroenterologist specialized in IBS and coeliac for the first time finally in years, but I thought I'd ask on here anyway because it still hasnt dissapeared. It also hurts when someone presses on it. Maybe it's just really inflamed/irritated. I'm just frustrated because I'm missing out on my uni lectures and I do a sports bachelor, so I can't get behind on stuff & next to that i'm also going to go to the beach with my boyfriend's family this weekend: ( 
    • Flash1970
      Shingles - Could It Be Related to Gluten/ Celiac

      By Flash1970 · Posted

      Hi. So sorry to hear about your shingles. There is a lidocaine cream that you can get at Walmart that will help numb the pain.  That's what I used for mine. It can't be put near your eyes or in your ears. I hope your doctor gave you valacyclovir which is an antiviral.  It does lessen the symptoms. If it is in your eyes,  see an ophthalmologist.  They have an antiviral eye drop that can be prescribed.  Shingles in the eye could cause blindness.  I was unsure whether you have celiac or not.  If you do,  follow the diet.  I believe that extra stress on your body does affect everything. Shingles can recur. If you start getting the warning signs of nerves tingling,  see the dr and start taking the valacyclovir to prevent a breakout. If I sound technical,  I am a retired pharmacist. 
    • Scott Adams
      celiac disease and braces

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      You are right to be proactive, as research does indicate that individuals with celiac disease can have a higher predisposition to enamel defects, cavities, and periodontal issues, even with excellent oral hygiene. While many people with celiac successfully undergo orthodontic treatment without complication, your caution is valid. It may be beneficial to seek a consultation with an orthodontist who is familiar with managing patients with autoimmune conditions or who is willing to collaborate with your daughter's gastroenterologist or a periodontist. They can perform a thorough assessment of her current oral health, discuss your specific concerns about recession and decay, and create a tailored hygiene plan. This second opinion could provide a clearer risk-benefit analysis, helping you decide if addressing the cosmetic concern of the lower teeth is worth the potential risks for your daughter, especially if they are not currently affecting function or her confidence. 
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.