A recent study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition revealed concerning levels of lead and arsenic in various prenatal vitamins, while many others lacked essential nutrients such as choline and iodine, prompting worries about the safety of these supplements for pregnant women.
Researchers from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus evaluated approximately 47 prenatal vitamins, including 32 that are sold over-the-counter and 15 that require a prescription, for their levels of choline and iodine as well as the presence of arsenic, lead, and cadmium.
This poses a considerable risk for expectant mothers, as seven products contained arsenic levels surpassing the purity standards established by the US Pharmacopeia, two products had excessive amounts of lead, and 13 exceeded cadmium limits.
Exposure to lead, cadmium, and arsenic during pregnancy can significantly impact both the mother and the developing fetus. Lead exposure may harm the nervous system, resulting in developmental delays and learning difficulties in children.
Cadmium can harm kidneys and bones, and prolonged exposure raises the chances of preterm births. Arsenic exposure is associated with a heightened risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, and developmental challenges, while these toxins can also hinder fetal growth.
"The presence of contaminants, particularly cadmium, was … troubling," remarked Laura Borgelt, the lead author of the study. The research team also discovered that certain key nutrients were absent in the products and that they did not correspond to the information provided on the labels.
During pregnancy, it is recommended that women consume around 450 milligrams of choline per day, a vital nutrient for brain development, cognitive abilities, and the prevention of birth defects, with a requirement of 550 mg during lactation.
The researchers found that only 12 out of the 47 products, or roughly 26%, included choline and just five of those contained the amount of choline claimed on the label.
Additionally, iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones, which are necessary for proper fetal growth and development. The advised iodine intake for pregnant women is 220 micrograms per day and 290 mcg/day for those who are lactating.
However, only four of the 25 products that indicated iodine content had the amount stated in the lable.
Folic acid is beneficial in preventing serious birth defects known as neural tube defects (NTDs) and in supporting the development of the baby's skull. Iron is also crucial during pregnancy because it is required to produce more red blood cells to support the growing fetus.
Iron deficiency can adversely affect both the mother and baby's health and can increase the risk of low birth weight and early delivery.
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