Taking prenatal vitamins 6 months before pregnancy
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Benefits of Taking Prenatal Vitamins 6 Months Before Pregnancy
Introduction to Prenatal Vitamins and Preconception Health
Prenatal vitamins are essential supplements that provide necessary nutrients to support a healthy pregnancy and fetal development. Taking these vitamins before conception can have significant benefits for both the mother and the developing baby. This article explores the research on the impact of taking prenatal vitamins six months before pregnancy.
Reduced Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Prenatal Vitamins and ASD Recurrence
Research indicates that maternal intake of prenatal vitamins, particularly folic acid, during the preconception period can reduce the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. A study involving high-risk families found that children whose mothers took prenatal vitamins in the first month of pregnancy had a significantly lower prevalence of ASD compared to those whose mothers did not take these vitamins1. This suggests that starting prenatal vitamins before pregnancy can be beneficial in reducing ASD recurrence in younger siblings of children with ASD.
Improved Maternal and Infant Vitamin Status
Longitudinal Patterns of Vitamin Status
A study from the NiPPeR trial examined the effects of vitamin supplementation starting preconception and continuing through pregnancy. The results showed that women who took enhanced vitamin supplements had higher levels of essential vitamins such as riboflavin, vitamin B6, B12, and D throughout pregnancy compared to those who took standard supplements2. This improved vitamin status can contribute to better pregnancy outcomes and overall maternal health.
Impact on Infant Vitamin Levels
Supplementation with vitamins B, C, and E during pregnancy and lactation has been shown to improve the vitamin status of infants. A study in Tanzania found that infants of mothers who received multivitamin supplements had higher levels of vitamins A, B12, and E during the first six months of life5. This indicates that maternal vitamin supplementation can have lasting benefits for infant health.
Effects on Respiratory and Growth Outcomes
Respiratory Health
While some studies have explored the impact of prenatal vitamin D supplementation on respiratory outcomes, the results have been mixed. For instance, a study in Bangladesh found no significant difference in the incidence of acute respiratory infections (ARI) in infants whose mothers received high-dose vitamin D supplementation compared to those who did not4. Similarly, another study found no effect of prenatal vitamin D supplementation on the incidence of asthma and recurrent wheeze in children by age six3.
Infant Growth
Research on the impact of prenatal vitamin D supplementation on infant growth has also yielded inconclusive results. A randomized trial in Bangladesh found no significant differences in infant length-for-age z scores at one year among different supplementation groups6. This suggests that while vitamin D is crucial for overall health, its direct impact on growth metrics may be limited.
Conclusion
Taking prenatal vitamins six months before pregnancy can offer several benefits, including a reduced risk of ASD in high-risk families and improved maternal and infant vitamin status. However, the effects on respiratory health and infant growth are less clear and warrant further investigation. Overall, starting prenatal vitamins before conception is a proactive step towards ensuring a healthy pregnancy and optimal fetal development.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Association of Maternal Prenatal Vitamin Use With Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder Recurrence in Young Siblings
Maternal prenatal vitamin intake during the first month of pregnancy may reduce the risk of autism spectrum disorder recurrence in younger siblings of children with ASD in high-risk families.
Observational Study
Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedMaternal B-vitamin and vitamin D status before, during, and after pregnancy and the influence of supplementation preconception and during pregnancy: Prespecified secondary analysis of the NiPPeR double-blind randomized controlled trial
Enhanced vitamin supplementation during pregnancy can improve maternal B-vitamin and vitamin D status, potentially benefiting pregnancy outcome and offspring development.
RCT
Large Human TrialSix-Year Follow-up of a Trial of Antenatal Vitamin D for Asthma Reduction.
Prenatal vitamin D supplementation alone did not influence the 6-year incidence of asthma and recurrent wheeze in children at risk for asthma.
RCTRigorous JournalHighly CitedEffects of Maternal Vitamin D Supplementation During Pregnancy and Lactation on Infant Acute Respiratory Infections: Follow-up of a Randomized Trial in Bangladesh
Maternal vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy and lactation did not significantly reduce the risk of acute respiratory infection in infants up to 6 months of age in Bangladesh.
RCTLarge Human TrialEffect of vitamin supplementation to HIV-infected pregnant women on the micronutrient status of their infants
Vitamin supplementation to HIV-infected pregnant women during pregnancy and lactation improves infant vitamin status during the first 6 months of life.
RCTLarge Human TrialVitamin D supplementation in pregnancy and lactation to promote infant growth
Maternal vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy and lactation did not improve fetal or infant growth in a population with widespread prenatal vitamin D deficiency.
RCTLarge Human TrialRigorous JournalHighly CitedVitamin D Supplementation in Pregnancy and Lactation and Infant Growth.
Prenatal and postpartum vitamin D supplementation significantly improves infant growth at 1 year, with the highest dose of 28,000 IU being optimal for both prenatal and postpartum use.
RCTRigorous JournalHighly CitedMaternal prenatal, with or without postpartum, vitamin D3 supplementation does not improve maternal iron status at delivery or infant iron status at 6 months of age: secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial
Maternal vitamin D supplementation does not improve maternal iron status at delivery or infant iron status at 6 months of age.
RCTVitamin D supplementation during pregnancy: state of the evidence from a systematic review of randomised trials
Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy may increase birth weight and reduce the risk of small for gestational age births, but current evidence is insufficient to guide clinical or policy recommendations.
Meta-Analysis
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedB-Vitamins and Choline in Human Milk Are Not Impacted by a Preconception Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplement, but Differ Among Three Low-to-Middle Income Settings—Findings From the Women First Trial
Prenatal supplementation for at least 6 months had no impact on human milk B-vitamin concentrations at 2-weeks postpartum, with potential exceptions of vitamin B2 and B6.
RCT