Boosting Immune Function

Although the research isn’t completely conclusive, many scientists are starting to look closely at the possible link between vitamin D and immune function. One study’s findings indicated that low levels of vitamin D may contribute to increased risk of contracting the coronavirus or developing a severe case of COVID-19.² There is no direct evidence, since it is still such a new disease; however, the early research indicates that taking a vitamin D supplement could be beneficial in fighting this and other flu-like diseases.²

Promotes Healthy Cell and Bone Growth

Vitamin D has long been known to promote healthy bone and cell growth. However, scientists are also studying the effects of vitamin D on other parts of the body, including organ tissue. Many of the body’s tissues have receptors for vitamin D, which suggests it may offer important benefits beyond bone health.³

Without enough vitamin D, our bodies cannot effectively absorb calcium, a necessary ingredient for building healthy, strong bones. Women who are pregnant should discuss vitamin D supplements and the recommended levels to ensure their babies are getting the necessary amount to promote skeletal development.

May Lower Risk of Certain Pregnancy Complications

Vitamin D is associated with lowering the risk of two common yet potentially dangerous pregnancy complications: gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.⁴ Gestational diabetes is diabetes that is diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes causes high blood sugar and can adversely affect your pregnancy and your baby’s health. For women with gestational diabetes, blood sugar levels typically return to normal after giving birth; however, women who have had gestational diabetes are at a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes later on.⁵

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system (usually the liver or kidneys.) Preeclampsia typically begins after about 20 weeks of pregnancy for women whose blood pressure had been normal. If left untreated, preeclampsia can be a very serious, life-threatening condition.⁶

Getting the recommended amount of vitamin D during pregnancy, along with maintaining a healthy lifestyle, may help expecting mothers to avoid these conditions. However, always consult your doctor before beginning a new vitamin or supplement regimen.

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is sponsored by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

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Cold and flu season is upon us. For years, vitamin C has been touted for helping to prevent the common cold. Many people swear by it and load up on orange juice and vitamin C supplements to help boost their immune systems at the first sign of a sniffle or cough.

Vitamin C is a critical nutrient that works as an antioxidant to combat free radicals and protect our cells.¹ It plays a role in healing wounds and boosting the immune system.¹ So, it’s no surprise that women look for prenatal vitamins with high levels of vitamin C.

Many researchers have studied the impact of vitamin C on cold prevention. But there has not been any conclusive evidence that vitamin C alone helps prevent the common cold. One study evaluated the impact of taking 200 mg or more of vitamin C daily on cold prevention. While there was evidence that it may shorten the cold duration, there was not a correlation to cold prevention.²

So the jury is still out on whether vitamin C has any impact on fighting the common cold. But vitamin C has an important role in overall good nutrition. It works with other vitamins and minerals to support everyday bodily processes.

Prenatal Vitamins with Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an iron absorption promoter.¹ During pregnancy a women’s blood volume increases dramatically. So it’s even more important for the body to absorb as much iron as possible from food, drinks and dietary supplement sources. Vitamin C helps make this possible.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that pregnant and lactating women consume 60 mg of vitamin C daily.³ A prenatal vitamin is a quick and easy way to obtain the recommended amount of daily vitamin C. Because of its role in immune health and iron absorption, vitamin C is a key ingredient in all Prenate^® vitamins. You can click here to view a comparison of vitamin C levels in each Prenate^® product. Designed for the needs of both moms and babies, Prenate^® Vitamin Family supplements help fill nutritional gaps. Talk to your doctor about which prenatal vitamin with vitamin C is right for you.

The post Vitamin C in Your Prenatal Vitamins appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

Our bodies contain relatively large amounts of magnesium, with about 50% found in our bones.¹

Although a relatively ignored nutrient, researchers are now discovering that magnesium plays a large role in hundreds of processes in the body, and is much more important than was first thought.

What are the Benefits of Magnesium?

Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body.² Most notably it is involved in energy production, cell growth and repair, regulating blood pressure, bone health and the functioning of the heart, nerves, and muscles.² 

In many instances magnesium is essential for the absorption of other vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and vitamin D. Without magnesium, other critical nutrients could not perform their functions. Magnesium works with calcium and vitamin D to form and maintain bones and teeth. Calcium and magnesium also work together to strengthen muscle function.   

ATP, an enzyme that is the main source of energy in cells, has a similar relationship with magnesium. ATP must be bound to magnesium to be biologically active.

How Much Magnesium Do You Need?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that pregnant or lactating women obtain 450 mg of magnesium each day.³

Which Foods Contain Magnesium?

In general, foods that contain dietary fiber contain magnesium. Green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are all good sources. While evaluating magnesium levels in the body is difficult, the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements reports that most Americans do not consume the recommended daily intake of magnesium. ²

Prenatal Vitamins with Magnesium

The Prenate^® Vitamin Family offers nutritional support for mothers and their babies for every step of pregnancy and after delivery. Ask your doctor if a Prenate^® Vitamin is right for you. For your convenience we’ve provided links to the prenatal vitamins with magnesium that the Prenate^® Vitamin Family offers:

• Prenate Mini^®
• Prenate^® Enhance
• Prenate^® Restore
• Prenate^® Chewable
• Prenate DHA^®
• Prenate Elite^®
• Prenate Essential^®

The post Vitamin Spotlight: Magnesium appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

Biotin, also referred to as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is an important micronutrient. It is a water-soluble B-vitamin, which means that is does not remain in the body long.² Because of its water-solubility, any excess is excreted from the body naturally.² Interestingly, bacteria in the large intestine are able to synthesize biotin, although the health benefits of biotin from the intestinal microbes is not known.¹

What are the Benefits of Biotin?

Biotin helps convert food (carbohydrates, fats and proteins) into fuel for our bodies. Research is ongoing, but some evidence suggests that biotin plays a role in reducing thin, splitting or brittle toe and fingernails and hair.² 

Aside from assisting with metabolizing foods into fuel and energy for our bodies, biotin plays a unique role for pregnant women and is important for embryonic growth.² 

How Much Biotin Do You Need?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that pregnant or lactating women obtain 300 mcg of biotin each day.³ Because our bodies have the ability to recycle the biotin that’s already been used, biotin deficiencies are less common. However, the increased nutritional demands of a growing baby can cause lower levels of biotin in pregnant women.

Which Foods Contain Biotin?

Biotin is found naturally in a wide variety of food. However, only a few foods contain high levels of biotin, including peanuts, egg yolks, swiss chard and a few other leafy green vegetables.²

Prenatal Vitamins with Biotin

The Prenate^® Vitamin Family offers nutritional support for mothers and their babies for every step of pregnancy and after delivery. Ask your doctor if a Prenate^® Vitamin is right for you. For your convenience we’ve provided links to the prenatal vitamins with biotin that the Prenate^® Vitamin Family offers:

• Prenate^® Pixie
• Prenate Mini^®
• Prenate^® Enhance
• Prenate^® Restore
• Prenate^® Chewable
• Prenate Elite^®
• Prenate Essential^®

The post Vitamin Spotlight: Biotin appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

Vitamin B6 is a necessary nutrient everyone needs on a daily basis. It is found in many of the foods we normally eat, and it is crucial for our bodies to function well. Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin, which means it dissolves in water. Our bodies do not store excess amounts of water-soluble vitamins and they typically leave our systems quickly. Vitamin B6 must be ingested or supplemented daily for our bodies to get the right amount that we need.

How Much Vitamin B6 Do I Need?

The U.S. National Institutes of Health recommends different daily amounts of vitamin B6 depending on a person’s age and gender or if a woman is pregnant or breastfeeding.¹ Expecting mothers need an increase of vitamin B6 in their diets to support themselves and their babies’ growing bodies. During pregnancy women should increase their vitamin B6 intake to 1.9 mg a day up to 1.0 mg during lactation.²

What are the Benefits of Vitamin B6?

Vitamin B6 responsible for making antibodies, which aid our bodies in fighting diseases.¹ It also helps maintain normal nerve function. Vitamin B6 makes hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in our red blood cells to our tissues. As a result, a vitamin B6 deficiency can lead to anemia. The vitamin is also crucial in breaking down proteins, fats and carbohydrates for our body to use. Therefore, the more proteins, fats, and carbohydrates your body takes in, the more vitamin B6 you need. Vitamin B6 is also helpful in keeping glucose or blood sugar levels in normal ranges.

For women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, vitamin B6 is necessary to keep their bodies healthy and is crucial in a baby’s brain and nervous system development.² Vitamin B6 when combined with other important nutrients (such as Ginger) may help to ease some of the symptoms related to common morning sickness.

How Do I Ensure I Am Getting Enough Vitamin B6?

Vitamin B6 is found in many different kinds of foods. Beans, lean meats, nuts and fish are good sources of vitamin B6.¹ There are also many different breads and cereals that are fortified with B6. With fortified foods, specific vitamins and minerals are added to them. It can be especially difficult for pregnant women to retain sufficient Vitamin B6 levels that their bodies need. This is why nutritional supplementation with prenatal vitamins that contain Vitamin B6 is so important.

Prenatal Vitamins with Vitamin B6

A good way to ensure that you (and your baby) get the sufficient amount of Vitamin B6 is by asking your healthcare provider which of the Prenate^® Vitamin Family of products may be right for you. Prenate^® Vitamin Family products have been formulated to meet the nutritional needs of women in during the prior to conception, throughout their pregnancy and post-partum period for both lactating and non-lactating mothers. Talk to your healthcare provider about which Prenate^® Vitamin Family product may be best for you and your baby. Click here to learn more about Avion’s Prenate^® Vitamin Family products that all contain Vitamin B6 and where you may download special savings coupons.

The post Vitamin Spotlight: How Vitamin B6 Affects the Body & Pregnancy appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

Vitamin E is a term used for a group of fat-soluble vitamins that have anti-oxidant capabilities. It is found in many foods and it is important to many body functions. In this month’s Vitamin Spotlight we’ll explore some of the benefits and recommendations for Vitamin E consumption.

How Much Vitamin E Do I Need?

The U.S. National Institutes of Health recommends a different amount of Vitamin E per day depending on age and stage of lifecycle.¹

What are the Benefits of Vitamin E?

Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and helps fight free-radicals. Antioxidants work by binding to free oxygen in the blood thereby promoting healthier DNA synthesis and cellular division. Antioxidants therefore may help contribute to overall bodily health and status.

People can be exposed to free radicals multiple times a day from cigarette smoking, air pollution, and even the sun. Vitamin E, as source of antioxidants, may helps protect our cells from these sorts of damaging exposure.²

Other benefits of Vitamin E including supporting immune health, aiding in the creation of red blood cells, and may assist in more efficient Vitamin K metabolization. Supplementing your body with Vitamin E (400 IU) combined with other antioxidants – i.e. Zinc (80 mg), Beta-Carotene (15mg), and Vitamin C (500 mg) – may help support healthier vision.³

How Do I Ensure I Am Getting Enough Vitamin E?

Vitamin E is found in many different kinds of foods and added to some fortified foods. Nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables are good sources of vitamin E.¹ Listed below are some of the foods that contain Vitamin E, with approximate amounts a pregnant woman might want to consider in coordination with their nutritionist or doctors in reaching the daily recommended intake: ¹

• Wheat Germ Oil – 1 Tablespoon
• Sunflower Seeds – 2.5 Ounces
• Almonds, Dry Roasted – 3 Ounces
• Peanut Butter – 10 Tablespoons
• Kiwi – 15 Kiwis
• Mango – 10 Cups
• Raw Spinach – 20 Cups
• Broccoli – 6.25 Cups

Prenatal Vitamins with Vitamin E

Many people have a hard time consuming the amount of vitamin E they need through food alone. A good way to ensure that you and your baby are getting sufficient amounts of Vitamin E is by supplementing with a prenatal vitamin from the Prenate^® Vitamin Family. The Prenate^® family of vitamins are formulated to meet the nutritional needs for of every step of the pregnancy cycle – from preconception through pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor about which Prenate^® may be right for you. Click on the product name below to learn more about our Prenate^® vitamins with vitamin E or to download special savings coupons:

• Prenate Pixie^® – A small, easy-to-swallow softgel with complete prenatal nutrition support, including 350 mg of DHA
• Prenate Mini^® – A small, easy-to-swallow softgel with complete prenatal nutrition support, including 350 mg of DHA
• Prenate^® Enhance – Advanced prenatal softgel vitamin with 400 mg DHA – the highest level among leading Rx brands − plus highly absorbable forms of folate, 1,000 IU vitamin D3, Formical^® calcium, and more
• Prenate^® Restore – A softgel vitamin specially designed for the needs of breastfeeding mothers and babies that includes probiotics and DHA to help restore and support GI and immune health
• Prenate DHA^® – A prenatal vitamin containing 10 vitamins and minerals including 300 mg DHA, 1 mg folate, calcium, vitamin D3 and iron
• Prenate Elite^® – A prenatal vitamin containing 17 vitamins and minerals including 1 mg folate, calcium, vitamin D3 and iron
• Prenate Essential^® – A prenatal vitamin containing 13 vitamins and minerals including 300 mg DHA, 40 mg of EPA, 1 mg folate, calcium, vitamin D3 and iron

The post Vitamin Spotlight: Benefits of Prenatal Vitamins Containing Vitamin E appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

You may think of vitamin C as the key to good health. But ascorbic acid (known as vitamin C) plays a critical role in everyday bodily processes, especially for women and teens who are pregnant or breastfeeding. In this month’s Vitamin Spotlight, we’ll examine the benefits of vitamin C as well as discuss the daily requirements.

How Much Vitamin C Do I Need?

According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the daily recommended amount of vitamin C depends on age and sex and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding. For pregnant women this is about 85 mg per day. Breastfeeding mothers need around 120 mg each day.¹ It is also to be considered, that if you are a smoker (which is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding) that you increase your vitamin C intake by an additional 35 mg per day.

What are the Benefits of Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is one of the critical nutrients that works as an antioxidant in the body to combat free radicals and protect our cells.¹ Free radicals surround us in our environment as pollution, cigarette smoke, and UV light, but they are also produced when we breakdown the food we consume into energy to use. This is where vitamin C is may be crucial, as it plays a role in healing wounds, boosting our immune system, and helping our bodies absorb iron efficiently.  

How Do I Ensure I’m Getting Enough Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is a nutrient found in many different foods – most often fruits and vegetables.  Citrus fruits and their juices, such as oranges, grapefruits and lemons, contain extremely high levels of vitamin C.¹ Red and green peppers along with kiwis also contain a lot of the vitamin too. Many other foods including but not limited to, strawberries, cantaloupe, baked potatoes and tomatoes, also have a healthy dose of vitamin C in them. Consuming fruits and vegetables raw allows you to intake the most nutrients possible from them. Some nutrients still remain after storage or cooking, but the vitamin C content is significantly reduced.

Below are some foods that contain vitamin C and the amount you’d need each day to reach the daily recommended intake:²

    8 ounces of orange juice

8 ounces of orange juice contains 124 mg of vitamin C

2 kiwis

1 kiwi contains 70 mg of vitamin C

1 – 1 ½ cups of sliced strawberries

½ cup of sliced strawberries contains 49 mg of vitamin C

3 – 4 ½ cup of cantaloupe

½ cup of cantaloupe contains 29 mg of vitamin C

Prenatal Vitamins with Vitamin C

Sometimes the healthy level of vitamin C can be hard to reach with just your diet. A supplement can be helpful in achieving the healthy amount of vitamin C you need. One good way to ensure that you and your baby are getting enough vitamin C is by supplementing with a vitamin from the Prenate^® Vitamin Family. These prenatal vitamins are specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of women who are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant. Ask your doctor which Prenate^® vitamin is right for you. Click on the product name below to learn more about the benefits of the prenatal vitamins with vitamin C or to download special savings coupons:

• Prenate^® Pixie – A small, easy-to-swallow softgel with complete prenatal nutrition support, including 350 mg of DHA
• Prenate Mini^® – A Robust Rx prenatal vitamin with 11 concentrated nutrients including DHA in a tiny softgel
• Prenate^® Enhance – Advanced prenatal softgel vitamin with 400 mg DHA – the highest level among leading Rx brands − plus highly absorbable forms of folate, 1,000 IU vitamin D3, Formical^® calcium, and more
• Prenate^® Restore – A softgel vitamin specially designed for the needs of breastfeeding mothers and babies that includes probiotics and DHA to help restore and support GI and immune health
• Prenate^® Chewable – Dutch chocolate flavor chewable prenatal vitamin including high levels of calcium, vitamin D3, 1 mg folate and no vitamin aftertaste

The post Vitamin Spotlight: Benefits of Prenatal Vitamins with Vitamin C appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

Vitamin D is a nutrient we all need every day. Children, teens, adults and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding need vitamin D. It’s so vital many foods are actually fortified with vitamin D. In this month’s Vitamin Spotlight we’ll examine the benefits of vitamin D as well as discuss the daily requirements.

How Much Vitamin D Do I Need?

According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the daily recommended values depend on age, sex and if you are pregnant or lactating. The chart below details the values for each category.¹ For women who are pregnant or breastfeeding 600 IU (15 mcg) of vitamin D is recommended daily. ¹ Vitamin D deficiency is common during pregnancy, epically among moms with limited sun exposure, high use of sunscreen, darker skin and vegetarians.^2-4 The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests an even greater intake above 600 IU may be beneficial. ^2-4

What Are the Benefits of Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a critical nutrient for before conception and throughout pregnancy. One of the primary functions of vitamin D is its role in maintaining and building bone mineralization. For pregnant women this benefit is yielded to mom and baby. However, vitamin D is not just about building and maintaining healthy bones. During pregnancy ample vitamin D supplies may help reduce the risk of Pre-eclampsia and Gestational Diabetes. ⁵

How Do I Ensure I’m Getting Enough Vitamin D?

A well balanced diet is a great way to ensure you’re meeting your daily vitamin D intake. Some foods, like swordfish, tuna and mackerel, contain high amount of vitamin D naturally. However, most vitamin D is consumed in foods that are vitamin D fortified. Below are some foods fortified with vitamin D and the amount you’d need each day to reach the daily recommended intake.

4-5 cups of milk

1 cup of milk contains 124 IU of vitamin D

45 ounces of yogurt

6 ounces of yogurt contains 80 IU of vitamin D

100 ounces of swiss cheese

1 ounce of swiss cheese contains 6 IU of vitamin D

Prenatal Vitamins with Vitamin D

While eating a balanced diet is always recommended, healthy eating is not always enough. Typically women do not consume enough vitamin D in their regular diets. One good way to ensure that you and your baby are getting enough vitamin D is by supplementing with a vitamin from the Prenate^® Vitamin Family. These prenatal vitamins are specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of women who are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant. Ask your doctor which Prenate^® vitamin is right for you. Click on the product name below to learn more about the benefits of the prenatal vitamins with vitamin D or to download special savings coupons:

• Prenate^® Pixie – A small, easy-to-swallow softgel with complete prenatal nutrition support, including 350 mg of DHA
• Prenate Mini^® – A Robust Rx prenatal vitamin with 11 concentrated nutrients including DHA in a tiny softgel
• Prenate^® Enhance – Advanced prenatal softgel vitamin with 400 mg DHA – the highest level among leading Rx brands − plus highly absorbable forms of folate, 1,000 IU vitamin D3, Formical® calcium, and more
• Prenate^® Restore – A softgel vitamin specially designed for the needs of breastfeeding mothers and babies that includes probiotics and DHA to help restore and support GI and immune health 
• Prenate^® Chewable – Dutch chocolate flavor chewable prenatal vitamin including high levels of calcium, vitamin D3, 1 mg folate and no vitamin aftertaste
• Prenate DHA^® – A prenatal vitamin containing 10 vitamins and minerals including 300 mg DHA, 1 mg folate, calcium, vitamin D3 and iron
• Prenate Elite^® – A prenatal vitamin containing 17 vitamins and minerals including 1 mg folate, calcium, vitamin D3 and iron
• Prenate Essential^® – A prenatal vitamin containing 13 vitamins and minerals including 300 mg DHA, 40 mg of EPA, 1 mg folate, calcium, vitamin D3 and iron

The post Vitamin Spotlight: Benefits of Prenatal Vitamins with Vitamin D appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

For women who are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, folic acid is extremely important for baby’s growth and proper development. It helps a baby’s brain and spinal cord form properly to reduce the risk of some serious birth defects. If you are thinking you may want a baby in the future, it’s very important to understand the role that folic acid plays in pregnancy.

How Much Folic Acid Do I Need?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, women who are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnancy should consume 400 mcg of folic acid each day. They recommend that women ensure they are getting a minimum of 400 mcg at least one month prior to conception to help prevent major birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine.¹

What Are the Benefits of Folic Acid?

Folic acid is a critical nutrient for before conception and throughout pregnancy. It is so important to our bodies and to a baby’s development that folic acid is often added to foods. Folic acid is important in helping our bodies make new cells – a process that occurs every day for everyone. It helps a baby’s brain and spinal cord form properly to prevent birth defects. For pregnant women or women who are thinking about becoming pregnant, folic acid may reduce the risk for major birth defects of the brain and spine, such as spina bifida or anencephaly.²

How Do I Ensure I’m Getting Enough Folic Acid?

A well balanced diet is a great way to ensure you’re meeting your daily folic acid intake. Below are some foods high in folic acid and the amount you’d need each day to reach the daily recommended intake:

½ cup – 2 cups of fortified cereals daily

½ cup of fortified cereals contain 100-400 mg of folic acid

2 cups of spinach daily

½ cup of spinach contains 100 mcg of folic acid

4 cups of chopped broccoli daily

½ cup of chopped broccoli contains 50 mcg of folic acid

19 spears of asparagus daily

4 spears of asparagus contains 85 mcg of folic acid

While eating a balanced diet is always recommended, healthy eating is not enough. Typically women do not consume enough folic acid in their regular diets. One good way to ensure that you and your baby are getting enough folic acid is by supplementing with prenatal vitamins with folic acid from the Prenate^® Vitamin Family. These prenatal vitamins are specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of women who are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant. Ask your doctor which Prenate^® vitamin is right for you. Click on the product name below to learn more about the benefits of the prenatal vitamins with folic acid or to download special savings coupons:

• Prenate Mini^® – A small, easy-to-swallow softgel with complete prenatal nutrition support, including 350 mg of DHA.

• Prenate^® Enhance – Advanced prenatal softgel vitamin with 400 mg DHA – the highest level among leading Rx brands − plus highly absorbable forms of folate, 1,000 IU vitamin D3, Formical® calcium, and more.
• Prenate^® Restore – A softgel vitamin specially designed for the needs of breastfeeding mothers and babies that includes probiotics and DHA to help restore and support GI and immune health.
• Prenate^® Chewable – Dutch chocolate flavor chewable prenatal vitamin including high levels of calcium, vitamin D3, 1 mg folate and no vitamin aftertaste.
• Prenate DHA^® – A prenatal vitamin containing 10 vitamins and minerals including 300 mg DHA, 1 mg folate, calcium, vitamin D3 and iron.
• Prenate Elite^® – A prenatal vitamin containing 17 vitamins and minerals including 1 mg folate, calcium, vitamin D3 and iron.
• Prenate Essential^® – A prenatal vitamin containing 13 vitamins and minerals including 300 mg DHA, 40 mg of EPA, 1 mg folate, calcium, vitamin D3 and iron.

The post Vitamin Spotlight: Benefits of Prenatal Vitamins with Folic Acid appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

Many grow up hearing that we need calcium to make our bones strong. The milk industry has forever engrained their catchy taglines into our brains to help drive home the importance of calcium (and vitamin D). But many may not know exactly how much calcium they need or what benefits they get from calcium. For children, teens, adults and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding there are many benefits to having enough calcium. But how much is enough?

How Much Calcium Do I Need?

According to the National Academy of Sciences women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consume 1,000 mg (milligrams) of calcium each day.¹ For pregnant teens, the recommended intake is even higher: 1,300 mg of calcium a day. ¹

What Are the Benefits of Calcium?

Calcium has many benefits not related to pregnancy including maintaining bone strength, proper muscle contraction and healthy teeth. Calcium also helps the heart, nerve, muscles and other body systems work properly.²

For women who are pregnant calcium supplementation appears to be beneficial for women at high risk of gestational hypertension.³ Calcium supplementation during pregnancy may lead to a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and preeclampsia.⁴

How Do I Ensure I’m Getting Enough Calcium?

A well balanced diet is a great way to ensure you’re meeting your daily calcium intake. Below are some foods high in calcium and the amount you’d need each day to reach the daily recommended intake:

3 ½ 8 oz glasses of skim milk daily

• 8 oz Glass of Skim Milk contains 302 mg of calcium

11 cups of chopped broccoli daily

• 1 cup of chopped broccoli contains 94 mg of calcium

5 oz of provolone cheese daily

• 1 oz of provolone cheese contains 200 mg of calcium

While eating a balanced diet is always recommended, one good way to ensure that you and your baby are getting enough calcium is by supplementing with a vitamin from the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, which are specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of women who are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant. Click on the product name below to learn more about the benefits of the prenatal vitamins or to download special savings coupons:

• Prenate^® Enhance – Advanced prenatal softgel vitamin with 400 mg DHA – the highest level among leading Rx brands − plus highly absorbable forms of folate, 1,000 IU vitamin D3, Formical^® calcium, and more
• Prenate^® Restore – A softgel vitamin specially designed for the needs of breastfeeding mothers and babies that includes probiotics and DHA to help restore and support GI and immune health.
• Prenate^® Chewable – Dutch chocolate flavor chewable prenatal vitamin including high levels of calcium, vitamin D3, 1 mg folate and no vitamin aftertaste
• Prenate Mini^®  – A small, easy-to-swallow softgel with complete prenatal nutrition support, including 350 mg of DHA
• Prenate DHA^® – A prenatal vitamin containing 10 vitamins and minerals including 300 mg DHA, 1 mg folate, calcium, vitamin D3 and iron
• Prenate Elite^® – A prenatal vitamin containing 17 vitamins and minerals including 1 mg folate, calcium, vitamin D3 and iron
• Prenate Essential^® – A prenatal vitamin containing 13 vitamins and minerals including 300 mg DHA, 40 mg of EPA, 1 mg folate, calcium, vitamin D3 and iron

The post Vitamin Spotlight: Benefits of Prenatal Vitamins with Calcium appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.