Prenatal Vitamins

[fancee]

Hi everyone, My husband and I are trying to get pregnant. I was recently diagnosed with Celiacs and I am unsure of what prenatal vitamin to take. I have been told to take one with DHA in it and I also need a lot of calcium, D, and B12. All of the vitamins that I have looked at only have 300mg of calcium in it and the bare minimum of D and B12, so I am just concerned about taking so many additional supplements. I need about 1500-2000mg of calcium, 1500-2000IU vitamin D, and 500mcg B12. Does anyone recommend a gluten free prenatal vitamin? I would like to stick to an over the counter because they are less expensive. Thanks for your help!

Stephanie

[tarnalberry]

I take the rainbow light prenatal one vitamin.

BUT, you're not going to get a single pill that has all that you describe there in it. It's too big, and you wouldn't be able to utilize it anyway.

IMHO, the important things during pregnancy (especially with celiac) are to take a prenatal (on it's own).

Then, spaced out during the day:

* take 500mg of calcium (with at least 250mg of magnesium, you can get some that have this combined, or take magnesium separately) - this three to four times a day (if you need that much)

* take at least 1000IU of vitamin D (doesn't have to be separated from the other items, and you may need less if you're in a lower latitude and get out in the sun)

* take at least 25mg of iron a day, but NOT with the calcium (they interfere with absorbption)

* take a B-complex (that will include the B12, and more folic acid than the prenatal already does, and it doesn't have to be separated from the other vitamins)

* take fish oil - separately, not combined in another pill. I try to get 6g a day, but that's fairly unique to me, after consulting with my chiro. most people will find 1-2g/day sufficient.

[fancee]

Thank you so much for your help. I agree..I think I am just going to have to take additional supplements to get everything I need. I will definitely look into the Rainbow Light. Thanks:)

[tarnalberry]

The problem is that not only are the minerals bulky to take in that quantity, but either your body cannot absorb it all at once (like the calcium) or there are interactions that have one item preventing your body from absorbing the other one (like the calcium/iron combo). It's kinda a pain, but it works.

[fancee]

That's a very good point. I never really thought about that. Is the Rainbow Light the favorite of most people with celiac? Thank you for your help. It is really nice to have this support.