Vitamins when planning pregnancy for women: list and names

If the pregnancy is planned in advance and not accidental, then it is quite clear that we are talking about responsible people who will take all measures to ensure that their child is born healthy and the pregnancy is successful. Many people know that for this it is necessary to give up such things as smoking, wild parties, alcoholic drinks, sleepless nights, stress at least six months before conception. But do women need vitamins when planning a pregnancy?

A modern pragmatic approach to replenishing a family involves planning a pregnancy. This increases the likelihood of a healthy baby being born, reduces the risk of congenital pathologies, allowing for the correction of paternal and maternal health conditions before conception.

In this process, one of the leading roles belongs to adequate nutrition, taking into account the necessary vitamins, micro- and macroelements, which will provide the needs of the organisms of both parents for vital substances and will have an unconditional positive effect on their functioning.

When planning a pregnancy, it is necessary to take into account the need for each vitamin and mineral component, since each substance performs a specific function. Most often, doctors recommend multivitamin-mineral complexes, based on the fact that modern working parents do not always have the opportunity to eat well. The norm of vitamins when planning a pregnancy increases, however, it is still necessary to develop a differentiated approach to this issue. Most often, the body lacks one or two specific substances, while the rest are normal. Synthetic drugs can cause hypervitaminosis much faster than those obtained from food. An excess of vitamin and mineral components is also undesirable when planning a pregnancy. It is quite possible to find out which nutritional components the body lacks by taking tests. Deficiency states have very specific symptoms, a competent doctor will be able to consult a couple and prescribe the necessary examinations.

Indications of prenatal vitamins

A woman is a source of "building material" for a future person. He will need vitamins, microelements and other useful substances that he will take from the body of the future mother. Therefore, it is probably necessary to make reserves even before conception, so as not to harm yourself and give birth to a full-term and healthy child. The very concept of "pregnancy planning" includes a visit to the doctor of both future parents for an examination: passing various tests for infections, determining hereditary risk factors. The woman will be checked for hormonal levels, the state of chronic diseases. Based on these indicators, the doctor will prescribe certain vitamins or vitamin complexes. Special indications for the use of vitamins when planning pregnancy for women are the fact that the previous pregnancy had complications or was interrupted.

The woman is the one who bears the child, but the father is 50% responsible for the child's health. And given that men are usually more careless about their nutrition than women, vitamins are no less important for the future father when planning a pregnancy than for the mother. They will mainly help improve the quality of sperm in order to conceive a healthy offspring.

First of all, vitamins are needed by men who eat a monotonous diet or are forced to stick to a dietary diet due to health reasons; have problems with potency; smoke and regularly drink alcohol; are often ill and suffer from increased fatigue. Basically, the future father during this period needs: retinol, tocopherol, ascorbic and folic acid, other B vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids Omega-3,6; minerals - zinc and selenium. There is a fairly large selection of multivitamin and mineral preparations for men, the most popular of them are Vitrum Prenetal, Alphabet and Orthomol Fertil+. A lot depends on the health of the future father and it is impossible not to take it into account.

Vitamins are necessary for women when planning pregnancy, firstly, so that the reproductive system works perfectly, and conception occurs according to plan and without unpleasant surprises, and secondly, to prepare for a successful nine-month gestation and to ensure a normal process of childbirth. First of all, it is recommended to take vitamins for expectant mothers who, due to the circumstances (for example, frequent business trips), have a limited ability to provide themselves with a full diet; a history of deficiency conditions; habitual miscarriage; increased fatigue; whose age exceeds 30 years. In the overwhelming majority of cases, women planning to become a mother are prescribed vitamin B9 (folic acid) and tocopherol (vitamin E). Vitamins C and A will also not hurt the expectant mother. The easiest way is to drink a complex multivitamin-mineral preparation addressed to those who want to become parents, which will be recommended by a doctor.

Vitamin E (α-tocopherol acetate) is shown to regulate the functioning of the reproductive system of both parents, preventing congenital anomalies and the threat of miscarriage.

Vitamins with folic acid when planning pregnancy are prescribed to almost everyone who consults a doctor during this important period. They prevent deficiency of this most important substance for the body, especially against the background of an unbalanced diet.

Vitamins Vitrum Prenatal and Vitrum Prenatal Forte are intended for expectant parents to meet the body's need for vitamins and minerals.

Vitamins D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol) directly affect the skin, muscles, heart, blood vessels, immune barrier, and also the reproductive organs.

Elevit is indicated in case of deficiency of any vitamin and mineral components during the period of preparation for conception.

B vitamins are used to prevent their deficiency, which negatively affects the reproductive function of both parents, as well as the further development of the fetus in the womb.

Femibion vitamins are available in two variants: I – intended for married couples planning to become parents and expectant mothers up to the 12th week of pregnancy, II – after the twelfth week. In our case, Femibion I is needed.

Vitamins Aevit containing therapeutic doses are indicated for people who need long-term intake of high doses of retinol and tocopherol (after severe infectious diseases, with serious chronic pathologies), as well as for those who, due to dietary restrictions, have reduced the intake of the required amount of these vitamins with food products or for some reason have reduced absorption of these substances in the digestive tract.

Vitamins Alphabet, in particular the “Mom’s Health” variant, is intended to compensate for vitamin and mineral deficiencies in women planning to conceive and in pregnant women.

Angiovit vitamins contain a combination of B vitamins (B6, B9, B12) and, strictly speaking, are intended for use in cases of serious vascular pathologies and hyperhomocysteinemia, which is considered to be the cause of various obstetric complications: from infertility to congenital pathologies.

Complivit vitamins are indicated for preventive and therapeutic purposes in cases of hypovitaminosis and mineral deficiency.

[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ], [ 4 ], [ 5 ], [ 6 ]

Release form

All existing vitamins are divided into water-, fat-soluble and vitamin-like substances. They can be taken orally or administered by injection. Water-soluble vitamins are available in capsules, powders, tablets, and injection solutions. Fat-soluble vitamins are available in capsules, tablets, dragees, oil and alcohol solutions, and oil extracts. Vitamin-like substances are available in the form of plant extracts.

In case of avitaminosis, hypovitaminosis, iron deficiency, to guarantee a healthy conception of a child, there are a number of vitamins that are prescribed even before pregnancy. The names of the main vitamins when planning pregnancy for women are as follows:

• A;
• groups B (B1, B2, B3, B6, B7, B9, B12);
• WITH;
• D3;
• E.

B vitamins and vitamin C are water-soluble, and vitamins A, D3, and E are fat-soluble.

Vitamin E for women when planning pregnancy

As can be seen from the previous list, vitamin E for women planning pregnancy is also on the list of drugs recommended for use. It is a protector of cell membranes in the body, which determines its antioxidant properties, participates in the synthesis of bone proteins, smooth muscles, myocardium, placenta, and liver enzymes. The ability to influence the reproductive process was noticed in 1920. A white fertile laboratory rat stopped reproducing after being kept on a milk diet for a long time, which led to vitamin E deficiency. In 1922, it was found that excluding the fat-soluble component from the diet led to the death of the rat fetus. In 1936, drugs based on grain sprout oils were developed, and in 1938, vitamin E was obtained by synthesis. It is found in food products: in vegetable oils (corn, soybean, olive), lard, beef liver and meat, butter, green peas, beans, nuts. Herbs such as nettle, alfalfa, rose hips, dandelion are also rich in this vitamin. In pharmacies, vitamin E is sold in the form of capsules and oil solution. It differs in the dosage of tocopherol, a biologically active substance. Measured in international units (IU). The daily dose of an adult woman is 8 IU, a pregnant woman - 10 IU, a nursing woman - 12 IU. Contraindication to taking vitamin E is hypersensitivity to the drug. Hypertensive patients and patients with diabetes and varicose veins should be careful. Side effects can be diarrhea and allergies. It should be stored in a dark place, since sunlight can destroy the vitamin. It is a component of many vitamin and mineral complexes.

Vitamin complex for women planning pregnancy

In order to avoid congenital defects of the child and to strengthen the health of the expectant mother, vitamin complexes have been developed that are necessary for women planning pregnancy. All components in them are balanced and selected in such a way as to satisfy the daily need for vital elements that play an important role in removing toxins, improving protein, carbohydrate, lipid metabolism, strengthening the nervous system, cardiovascular, enhancing reproductive function, and increasing immunity. The complexes may include vitamins A, C, D3, E, group B and minerals: calcium, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, iron and others in various combinations.

The names of vitamins for pregnancy planning are familiar to many from commercials, and multivitamin-mineral complexes are also well-known.

Doctors often recommend vitamin E when planning a pregnancy. With a deficiency of this vitamin, the process of fertilization becomes impossible, since the reproductive system, both female and male, ceases to function normally; it is necessary for the normal intrauterine development of the baby and prevents the occurrence of hemolytic jaundice in the infant.

Folic acid (vitamin B9) is necessary for expectant parents to normalize the process of hematopoiesis and prevent the effects of external and internal teratogenic factors.

Vitamin D should also be taken into account when planning a pregnancy, it is not only necessary to prevent the development of rickets in the baby, its deficiency in parents can prevent the conception of this very baby. Basically, cholecalciferol has a positive effect on the reproductive organs, its deficiency can disrupt the process of implantation of the embryo in the uterine lining. However, its excess can also negatively affect the future baby, causing developmental defects, both physical and mental. It is advisable to maintain the level of this vitamin with the help of a balanced diet, and exposure to sunlight only on the face and hands for no more than two hours a week is enough to normalize this indicator.

Vitamins of group B play an important role in pregnancy planning. One of them, B9 or folic acid, has already been mentioned above. Vitamins B1–B6 should not be in shortage either, however, it is quite possible to “eat” them. B1 is contained in cereals and grains, whole grain flour, nuts (hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts), in many non-deficient and inexpensive vegetables, for example, in beets and cabbage, carrots and onions. Vitamin B2 should not be in shortage either, it is contained in many vegetables, so even strict vegetarians are not at risk of its deficiency. Vitamin B3 or PP, as it was called earlier, is also present in all standard food products – from chicken and its eggs to mushrooms, nuts and beans, the same can be said about vitamins B5 and B6.

By the way, vitamin B12 may be deficient in strict vegetarians, since our body obtains it from animal products and produces a little itself. Vitamin B12 is very important when planning a pregnancy, and its deficiency causes pernicious anemia.

Vitrum vitamins for pregnancy planning (Vitrum Prenatal, Vitrum Prenatal forte) provide the body with its daily requirement for vitamins and minerals, prevent deficiency of any substance. The same can be said about vitamin-mineral complex preparations with a similar composition, such as Elevit vitamins for pregnancy planning, which compensate for the expectant parents' daily requirement for vitamins and minerals, their deficiency due to an unbalanced diet; Complivit vitamins for pregnancy planning, which have a low dosage of vitamins and minerals, which, according to the manufacturer, cannot lead to an overdose, and separate granulation technologies are used in the production of the preparation, which prevents negative interactions of incompatible vitamins. These complexes include the entire spectrum of B vitamins, vitamins A, E, C, phosphorus and calcium, copper, zinc and iron. They differ slightly from each other by one or two minerals, for example, Complivit and Vitrum Prenatal do not contain iodine.

Femibion I vitamins for pregnancy planning consist of ten vitamins, which the body most often experiences a deficiency in, and it is desirable to compensate for this deficiency during the period of preparation for conception. Unlike the previous complex products, this drug does not include retinol, vitamins D and K, since, according to the manufacturers, the human body, as a rule, does not experience a deficiency in them. In addition to vitamin B9, this complex contains metfolin (levomifolic acid), which is absorbed in the body of people with vitamin B9 intolerance. These vitamins can be recommended when planning conception not only for the expectant mother, but also for the father.

Alphabet vitamins are available in 16 variations. In our case, the following may be of interest: the basic composition of these vitamins, which is practically no different from the previous complexes, vitamins for men and the Mommy's Health complex, which are available in three types of tablets: Iron+, Antioxidants+, Calcium-D3+. When creating this vitamin and mineral complex, all possibilities of reducing the risk of side effects to zero were taken into account. For example, vitamins B1 and B12, C and B12 are placed in different tablets, vitamin B3 is in the form of nicotinamide, and the source of retinol is its natural form - ß-carotene.

When planning pregnancy, Aevit vitamins can be taken only according to strict indications, since they contain therapeutic doses of vitamins A and E.

The same applies to Angiovit vitamins. When planning a pregnancy, they are not taken without a preliminary examination and serious reasons for taking them.

[ 7 ], [ 8 ], [ 9 ]

Pharmacodynamics

Pharmacodynamics of vitamins is determined by the degree of the substance's effect on the body, its localization and the effect it produces. The role of each of them is given below:

• vitamin A – affects the synthesis of mucopolysaccharides, proteins, lipids;
• vitamin B1 – participates in hematopoiesis, improves the functioning of the nervous system, normalizes heart function;
• Vitamin B2 – eliminates the effects of toxins on the body, used in the formation of blood cells and antibodies;
• vitamin B3 (PP) – nicotinamide, has a beneficial effect on the production of hormones by the adrenal glands, is involved in metabolic processes;
• Vitamin B6 – necessary for metabolism, for the healthy functioning of the central nervous system, for the formation of bone structure, teeth, and gums of the future child;
• vitamin B7 – biotin, takes part in metabolic processes, ensures stability of sugar levels;
• Vitamins with folic acid are one of the main stimulants of hematopoiesis; its deficiency disrupts the process of red blood cell formation. Taking folic acid reduces the risk of congenital developmental defects from the influence of external and internal unfavorable factors. Folic acid deficiency negatively affects the rate of cell division of the fertilized egg, the formation of the nervous system of the future baby; it is necessary for the growth and development of all its systems and organs.
• vitamin B12 – promotes oxygen exchange in cells, participates in blood production;
• Vitamin C – affects the elasticity of blood vessel walls, strengthens bone tissue, helps in the absorption of calcium and iron;
• Vitamin D3 – needed to prevent rickets, affects the regulation of calcium-phosphorus metabolism.

Almost all B vitamins are involved in hematopoiesis and the development of the fetal nervous system. Vitamin B1 tones the muscular system of the digestive organs and heart, participates in the metabolism and absorption of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, water and salts, does not accumulate in tissues and organs and does not have a toxic effect on them, it must be replenished daily. Vitamin B2 promotes the absorption of iron and, in combination with B1, maintains the required level of this element in the blood, preventing the development of iron deficiency anemia. It is necessary for the normal formation of the brain and organs of vision, regulates cellular respiration. Vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) is placed next to vitamin C, evaluating its ability to increase the body's resistance to various diseases. This vitamin is not afraid of high temperatures, it is not destroyed in either acidic or alkaline environments. Vitamin B5 activates all processes of cellular metabolism, as well as the synthesis of hormones in the adrenal glands, improves blood microcirculation, promotes the elimination of toxins and the absorption of nutrients. Its role in the functioning of the brain and nervous system is irreplaceable. Vitamin B6 is necessary for the metabolism of proteins and amino acids, for the normal functioning of the enzymatic systems of the body, the absorption of vitamin B12, without which the maturation of red blood cells is impossible, blood clotting and the normal process of hematopoiesis are disrupted.

Vitamins Vitrum Prenatal and the enhanced version – Vitrum Prenatal Forte contain a full range of essential vitamins and microelements to meet the daily requirement for them and prevent deficiency conditions, in particular, iron deficiency anemia. Pharmacodynamics correspond to the composition of a multivitamin-mineral preparation, which contains all the necessary B vitamins, vitamins A, E, C, D, calcium, zinc, iron, nicotinamide. The forte version contains an even more diverse complex of 22 substances, covering all areas of human body functioning. Taking these complexes, you can not think about the adequacy of nutrition (whether this is good, everyone decides for themselves).

Elevit Pronatal - similar in composition and pharmacological properties to Vitrum Prenatal Forte, contains 12 vitamins and 7 minerals necessary for the organisms of the parents of the future baby, prevents the risk of deficiency of any necessary component. Normalizes the processes of hematopoiesis, metabolism, oxidation-reduction reactions in the body, maintains normal reproductive function.

Similar to the above, there is a complex preparation called Complivit, which contains 19 vitamins and minerals, as well as Femibion I, which differs from the previous ones by the absence of vitamins A, D and K.

Vitamins Alphabet are interesting not only for their composition, but also for the fact that their creators took into account all the interactions of various components. They are produced in three different tablets, and incompatible vitamins and minerals are not combined in one tablet. When creating this vitamin and mineral preparation, it was possible to avoid the influence of antagonist ingredients on each other, which makes the absorption of substances more complete.

The Aevit complex includes two active ingredients - α-tocopherol acetate and retinol palmitate. Its mechanism of action corresponds to these components. It is a stimulator of the body's defenses, which also has pronounced antioxidant properties. The ingredients of the complex are participants in the proliferation of epithelial cells, muscles and bone tissue, restoration and renewal, metabolism of proteins and fats. They help normalize the quality of sex cells and activate reproductive function. Vitamins A and E normalize trophic processes in tissues, increase the elasticity and strength of blood vessels, and improve blood microcirculation in capillaries.

Angiovit is a complex of three B vitamins (B6, B9, B12). This composition stimulates the enzymatic activity of methionine remethylation and transsulfation catalysts, which accelerates the decomposition of methionine into metabolites, including reducing the serum concentration of the toxic amino acid homocysteine, the excess of which provokes a deficiency of vitamins B6, B9, B12 in the body. This pathology is considered in modern medicine as an increased likelihood of various obstetric complications: habitual miscarriages, implantation defects of the ovum as a cause of infertility, late toxicosis, intrauterine fetal death, etc. This complex compensates for the lack of vitamins and eliminates hyperhomocysteinemia.

[ 10 ], [ 11 ], [ 12 ], [ 13 ], [ 14 ]

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics of the main vitamins recommended when planning pregnancy are given below:

• A (retinol) – is quickly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, saturates the liver and reaches its maximum concentration in the blood after 4 hours;
• B1 (thiamine) – is not synthesized in humans, it is ingested with food and absorbed from the intestines;
• B2 (riboflavin) – is absorbed in the intestines, undergoes metabolic processes in the liver, blood, and intestinal walls. It is excreted from the body by the kidneys, coloring the urine yellow;
• B6 (pyridoxine) - when it enters the body, through complex transformations it enters the small intestine and is absorbed. Its highest concentration is in the liver, myocardium and kidneys. The products released as a result of these processes are excreted in the urine;
• B7 (biotin) – enters the body unchanged from the upper sections of the small intestine. It is excreted through emptying the bladder and defecation;
• B9 (folic acid) – is absorbed in the stomach and duodenum, subsequently intensively binding to plasma proteins. Excreted by the kidneys;
• B12 (cyanocobalamin) – synthesized by microorganisms, not absorbed by the large intestine. After going through a complex path of transformations, it begins to be absorbed in the oral cavity, then in the small intestine. Of the total amount of vitamin found in food and entering the gastrointestinal tract, only 20-25% is absorbed;
• C (ascorbic acid) - absorption occurs mainly in the small intestine, the maximum concentration is 4 hours after ingestion. When taking 200 mg, 70% of the vitamin is absorbed, with an increase in the dose - the ability to penetrate the body decreases to 50-20%. It is excreted by the kidneys and feces. Smoking and alcohol destroy vitamin C, reducing its reserves;
• D3 (cholecalciferol) – is absorbed in the small intestine. All transformation processes occur in the liver, kidneys, and skin. In natural conditions, it is formed under the skin from ultraviolet rays and accumulates in fatty tissues. The half-life is 19 days. The unabsorbed portion is excreted in the feces;
• E (tocopherol) - through the upper sections of the small intestine enters the lymphatic system, then into the blood. After a week, 80% is excreted with bile into the intestine, the rest - with urine;
• PP (nicotinic acid) – absorption occurs in the stomach and upper small intestine, excreted in the urine.

The pharmacokinetics of multivitamin and polymineral complexes has not been fully studied due to the multicomponent composition of these preparations. However, it can be said that water-soluble vitamins (ascorbic acid, group B) and minerals are well absorbed by tissues in the required daily intake rates. Excesses not absorbed by tissues are excreted naturally, mainly with urine, occasionally with bile and feces.

[ 15 ], [ 16 ], [ 17 ], [ 18 ]

Dosing and administration

The method of administration and dosage of vitamins when planning pregnancy for women should correspond to the recommendations for preventive purposes: take orally 10-15 minutes after meals, with a sufficient amount of water.

The daily doses of essential vitamins recommended when planning pregnancy are as follows:

• A - 3.3 thousand IU. The vitamin accumulates in the body, so you can get pregnant no earlier than six months after finishing taking it;
• B1 – 2-5 mg;
• B2 – 1.6 mg;
• B6 – 2-3 mg;
• B7 – 30-100 mcg;
• B9 – 200-400 mcg;
• B12 – 30 mcg;
• C – 50-100 mg;
• D3 - 3125-5000 ME;
• PP - 0.015-0.025 g.

Vitamins of group B, Aevit and Angiovit are prescribed by a doctor, based on the needs of the bodies of future parents;

[ 21 ], [ 22 ], [ 23 ], [ 24 ], [ 25 ]

Contraindications

The body can be sensitized to any vitamin or group of vitamins and minerals, in which case the vitamin preparation or complex containing it is contraindicated for use.

Contraindications to the use of any of the vitamins are hypersensitivity and hypervitaminosis. Also, each of them has its own characteristics of the effect on the body, which can cause harm and must be taken into account when taking:

• Vitamin A is contraindicated in liver cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, kidney disease; it is not prescribed to people with severe forms of coronary heart disease, toxic goiter, excess vitamin E and children 0-12 years old;

B vitamins have almost no contraindications, except for hypersensitivity reactions, are not used for erythremia, erythrocytosis, thromboembolism, neoplasms and angina pectoris, there is some data on the teratogenic effect of high doses of vitamins of this group, therefore, in the official instructions for vitamin B12, pregnancy is included in the contraindications.

• vitamin B6 – for ischemic heart disease, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer;
• B9 – for pernicious anemia;
• B12 – for neoplasms, thrombosis;
• C – for diabetes, kidney stones, metabolic disorders and a number of other diseases;
• D3 – for certain diagnoses of kidneys and liver, heart, tuberculosis; contraindicated for people with excess calcium and this vitamin, urolithiasis against their background.

Vitrum Prenatal is not prescribed to patients with excess calcium, magnesium, selenium, vitamins A, D and E, erythrocytes, disorders of Cu and/or Fe metabolism; sensitization to fructose and/or lactose; with severe liver and kidney dysfunction, urolithiasis and nephrolithiasis, glomerulonephritis; gout; Vaquez-Osler disease; active pulmonary tuberculosis; tendency to form blood clots; toxic goiter; chronic heart disease; ulcers localized in the upper gastroduodenal zone.

Elevit Pronatal is not recommended for people with excess vitamin A or D3, renal or hepatic insufficiency or a combination of both, or calcium or iron metabolism disorders.

Alphabet is contraindicated for people with hypervitaminosis, hypermineralization, toxic goiter. The same applies, in principle, to all vitamin preparations, although other manufacturers of multivitamin-mineral complexes indicated only hypersensitivity to components (Complivit, Femibion I, Angiovit).

Aevit is not prescribed to people with toxic goiter, acute and chronic renal pathologies and diseases of the circulatory system, especially with a high probability of thromboembolism, acute and chronic ischemic heart disease.

All these warnings are a signal that you should not take vitamins without consulting a doctor.

[ 19 ], [ 20 ]

Side effects of prenatal vitamins

Common side effects of all vitamins include the possibility of allergic reactions with manifestations in the form of itching, skin rash, swelling of the mucous membrane and skin. With subcutaneous administration of some vitamins, painful sensations are possible. Some vitamins can cause:

• numbness in the limbs (PP and B6);
• sharp decrease in pressure (PP);
• bronchospasm (B9);
• tachycardia (B12);
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, metabolic disorders, damage to tooth enamel (C);
• constipation, headache, increased blood pressure (D3).

Overdose

Overdose of vitamins leads to the development of hypervitaminosis, allergies, nausea, diarrhea. Thus, excessive intake of vitamin A can cause drowsiness, double vision, peeling lips, dry mouth; vitamin B1 - reduce blood pressure, raise body temperature; B2 - lead to swelling; B6 - to anemia, impaired coordination of movement, numbness of the limbs; B 12 - to disruption of the heart, increased blood clotting.

Basically, overdose manifests itself as allergic urticaria, headache and dyspepsia: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

The recommended doses of vitamins when planning pregnancy usually do not cause undesirable effects, but with long-term use of high doses, in addition to those already indicated, the following may be observed:

• 400-800 mg/day of tocopherol can cause visual disturbances, abdominal muscle spasms, dizziness, weakness; more than 800 mg/day - blood clotting disorder, hemorrhage, vitamin K deficiency; metabolic disorders in the thyroid gland; thrombophlebitis, thromboembolism; increased serum concentration of thyroglobulin and cholesterol, creatine kinase activity, concentration of female and male sex hormones in urine;
• overdose of folic acid has not been reported;
• vitamin D3: the need to drink, accompanied by dry mucous membranes of the mouth and throat, urination disorders, loss of appetite, metallic taste on the tongue, hyperfatigue, reluctance to move, dehydration; a little later, pain in the bones, muscles, visual disturbances, weight loss and mental changes may appear;
• Overdoses of B vitamins have not been described, vitamins B2 and B3, taken in high doses and without control, can cause fatty liver;
• Long-term use of high doses of Aevit can cause a relapse of chronic inflammation of the pancreas and cholelithiasis, hypervitaminosis of retinol, manifested by disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system (behavioral abnormalities - increased excitability or indifference, insomnia, drowsiness, numbness of the extremities), arthralgia, hair loss, akinesia, dry skin of the palmar-plantar localization, hepato- and splenomegaly.

[ 26 ], [ 27 ], [ 28 ]

Interactions with other drugs

When taking different vitamins and medications at the same time, it is necessary to remember about the reaction from interaction with each other:

• A - is poorly absorbed without vitamin E, and if taken simultaneously with alcohol, it can cause more harm to the liver than from taking alcohol alone. The combination of vitamin with natural compounds that have its activity (retinols) is generally poisonous; It is not prescribed in combination with drugs containing iron and silver, having an alkaline environment, indirect anticoagulants. It enhances the effect of hormonal and non-hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs, antiepileptic drugs, reduces the toxicity of SG, vitamins A and D. Vitamin K antagonist.
• B1 – alcohol reduces the rate of its absorption, and taking it together with antibiotics and nicotinic acid destroys the latter;
• B2 – promotes the absorption of vitamin B6, it is compatible with hypotensive drugs, and tranquilizers block the rate of its absorption. Vitamin B2 is synergistically combined with B1, B9, B6;
• B3 – it is necessary to separate the intake time from antibiotics, aspirin, and blood pressure-lowering drugs, and diabetics should take into account its ability to increase blood sugar levels;
• B6 - incompatible with B1 and B12. Enhances the effect of diuretics and interacts well with cardiac herbal preparations;
• B7 – prevents the absorption of alcohol, nicotine, anticonvulsants and antibiotics into the bloodstream. Magnesium and zinc, on the contrary, help absorption;
• B9 – interacts well with B12 and C. Efficiency decreases when taken simultaneously with aspirin, corticosteroid hormones, anti-inflammatory drugs, and is not prescribed simultaneously with certain antibiotics and anti-tuberculosis drugs, as well as hormonal contraceptives (which is not relevant in our case);
• B12 – incompatible with other vitamins of this group, with aspirin, heavy metal salts;
• C – taking large doses of aspirin leads to its loss by the body; restores oxidized vitamin E;
• D3 – in high doses enhances the effect of cardiac drugs, which can cause arrhythmia. Simultaneous administration with diuretics can lead to the development of hypercalcemia, is not prescribed simultaneously with other vitamin-mineral complexes containing it, some diuretics, cardiac glycosides, calcium and phosphorus preparations, benzodiazepines and barbiturates.;
• E – interaction with selenium enhances its effect. Magnesium, zinc and copper ions inhibit the effect of the vitamin.

Vitrum Prenatal, Alphabet, Complivit are not compatible with sulfonamides, some antibiotics, other vitamin and mineral preparations, especially those containing vitamin A (given the teratogenicity of this vitamin).

Elevit is not prescribed simultaneously with other vitamins, minerals and complex multivitamin-mineral preparations; tetracycline antibiotics are taken at least two hours after or before taking Elevit.

Fembion is not a medicinal product and its interaction with other drugs has not been reported.

Aevit: combination with other products that contain retinol, its precursors and synthetic analogues is unacceptable. Combination with estrogens increases the risk of developing excess vitamin A. Salts and esters of nitric acid, cholestyramine in combination with this drug reduce the absorption of retinol palmitate. Simultaneous use with glucocorticosteroids inhibits the anti-inflammatory effect of the latter.

Angiovit:

• with simultaneous replacement therapy with estrogens, taking anticonvulsants and/or painkillers, the body's need for vitamin B9 increases;
• antacids, cholestyramine, sulfonamides reduce the absorption of vitamin B9;
• some antibiotics, cytostatics, diuretics and antimalarial drugs reduce the effectiveness of vitamin B9;
• Vitamin B6 in combination with diuretics increases their effectiveness; with levodopa – reduces its effectiveness;
• the effectiveness of vitamin B6 is reduced by some antibiotics and estrogen-containing contraceptives;
• Vitamin B6 synergistically combines with cardiac glycosides, L-glutamic acid and asparkam (increases myocardial resistance to oxygen deficiency);
• absorption of vitamin B12 is reduced in combination
  with salicylates, aminoglycosides, colchicine, potassium preparations and antiepileptic drugs;
• Angiovit is not prescribed with
  drugs that increase blood clotting.

[ 29 ], [ 30 ], [ 31 ], [ 32 ]

Storage conditions

This information is usually indicated on the packaging. As a rule, vitamin and mineral supplements are stored at a positive temperature of up to 25 °C for no more than three years.

The expectant mother certainly needs a number of vitamins and minerals to bear a healthy child and not to experience a deficiency. However, vitamin preparations, especially those containing therapeutic doses of one or more vitamins, should never be prescribed to oneself. It is necessary to consult a doctor and be examined for the level of vitamins in the blood, both for men and women.

Excess vitamins and minerals, especially those taken from medications rather than food, can have the same detrimental effect on future pregnancy as their deficiency. If you know what substances you lack, then inexpensive vitamins will be effective when planning a pregnancy. For example, vitamin E or folic acid are very inexpensive and available to everyone. About ten years ago, this combination was declared a panacea for all pregnancy complications and fetal pathologies; they were prescribed to everyone without exception when planning a pregnancy. They can really be beneficial, however, without diminishing their importance, the enthusiasm has somewhat died down at the present time.

[ 33 ], [ 34 ], [ 35 ]

Shelf life

Shelf life: 3 years.

[ 36 ], [ 37 ]

The best vitamins for women when planning pregnancy

When planning a pregnancy, to prevent disorders of the central nervous system of the fetus, women in all countries are prescribed folic acid (B9). Having studied all the information about other vitamins, their beneficial properties, interaction with each other, negative impact in case of overdose, it becomes obvious that the best vitamins when planning a pregnancy for women are vitamin and mineral complexes that have passed tests, each component of which is in the necessary and balanced doses. Here are the most popular of them:

• Vitrum prenatal;
• elevit prenatal;
• alphabet for pregnant women;
• Multitabs Perinatal.

In developed countries, where the nutrition is better and expectant mothers have access to various fruits and vegetables all year round, taking vitamins at the pregnancy planning stage is not considered necessary. In our country, in order to avoid hypovitaminosis, it is recommended to saturate your body with useful substances in order to lay a strong "foundation" for a future new life.

The rating of vitamins for pregnancy planning for each person can only be their own, individual, determined based on the needs of the body based on examinations and medical recommendations.

If there are no obvious signs of deficiency, doctors usually recommend modern multivitamin-mineral complexes that include a wide range of substances. They contain lower doses of vitamins and minerals and, according to their manufacturers, should not lead to hypervitaminosis. However, before taking such products, it is advisable to consult an adequate specialist, and even better, take a blood test for vitamin content.

Reviews

Analyzing the reviews of women who prepared for motherhood in advance, we can come to the conclusion that most of them received recommendations from specialists and preferred folic acid (vitamin B9) and vitamin E. A smaller part took vitamin complexes. In both cases, the pregnancy was successful and healthy children were born.