If you are on the journey of pregnancy, or planning to embark on it soon, you have probably been bombarded with a myriad of advice on what to eat, what to avoid, and most importantly, what supplements to take. You have likely heard about the importance of iron during your pregnancy. It is one of the key nutrients you need to keep both you and baby healthy! Today we are going to delve into a convenient and tasty way to ensure you are getting enough of this vital mineral – Iron Gummies for Pregnancy! The chewable gummies supplements are easy to take, gentle on the stomach, and are often combined with other essential nutrients. These little lifesavers are a pregnant woman’s best friend, especially during early pregnancy when you may be dealing with nausea and morning sickness. So stick around, and let’s chew over the benefits of iron gummies during pregnancy!
This article does not give medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider on any questions or concerns you may have.
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Table of Contents
Is Iron Important During Pregnancy?
Iron plays an important role in the human body during our daily lives and an especially important in maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Iron is responsible for making hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. During pregnancy, your body not only needs to produce enough hemoglobin for you but also for your growing baby. This makes iron an essential nutrient during pregnancy. Iron also plays a role in maintaining your energy levels during everyday life.
The recommended daily allowance of iron during pregnancy is 27 mg, which is almost double the amount needed by non-pregnant women. This increase in iron is necessary to support the extra blood volume and ensure proper oxygen supply to both mother and baby.
If you are iron deficient during pregnancy, it can lead to anemia. Anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, and even preterm labor or preterm birth. This means that your body is not producing enough red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include fatigue, weakness, and difficulty concentrating. It is easy to see why getting enough iron during pregnancy is crucial for both you and your baby’s health.
On the other hand, having too much iron can also be harmful, leading to iron toxicity. This is why it is important to monitor your iron levels and only take the recommended daily allowance. Don not use iron supplementation that is too high of a dose before checking with your healthcare provider. Signs of too much iron include abdominal pain, vomiting, and organ damage. Be sure to continue to eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids to help regulate your iron levels.
Iron Sources
Our main source of iron intake is from food sources as part of a normal healthy diet. Making sure your nutritional needs are met is the best way to protect your developing baby. Foods that are high in iron include lean red meat, poultry, seafood, beans, dark green leafy vegetables, and fortified cereals. Eating a variety of foods can help you meet your daily value or iron.
If you follow a vegan diet, be sure to eat plenty of iron-rich plant-based options, such as legumes, tofu, quinoa, and dark green leafy vegetables. Combining these plant-based sources with Vitamin C rich foods can also help with iron absorption.
Sometimes it can be challenging to get enough iron from food alone. Additionally, pregnant women may experience food cravings or aversions that make it even more difficult to consume an adequate amount of iron-rich foods.
Prenatal vitamins or iron supplements are often recommended to ensure that pregnant women get the recommended dose of iron. However, some women may struggle with swallowing pills or have a hard time tolerating the side effects of traditional iron supplements. This is where a prenatal gummy vitamin comes in as a convenient and tasty alternative.
Allergic reactions to iron supplements are rare, but if you do have an allergic reaction, it is usually in the form of a skin rash or hives. If this happens, discontinue use and consult with your healthcare provider on next steps.
Benefits of Iron Gummies for Pregnancy
Iron can come in different forms, including ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, and ferric citrate. Heme iron, found in animal-based foods, is more easily absorbed by the body than non-heme iron, found in plant-based sources. Iron supplements typically contain ferrous fumarate or ferrous sulfate, which are forms of non-heme iron.
While all forms are effective in increasing iron levels, some may cause more stomach discomfort than others. This is why many pregnant women opt for the gentler option of iron gummies. Here are a few other benefits of using prenatal vitamin gummies:
1) Easy to Take: Unlike traditional iron supplements, which can be large and difficult to swallow, iron gummies are small, chewable, and easy to take. This makes them a great option for pregnant women who may already have trouble swallowing pills due to morning sickness or other pregnancy-related symptoms. They are an easy way to help raise low iron levels.
2) Gentle on the Stomach: Iron supplements can sometimes cause stomach discomfort, constipation, and nausea. However, iron gummies are gentle on the stomach, making them a more tolerable option for pregnant women.
3) Delicious and Convenient: Iron gummies can definitely be the most delicious way to make sure your iron needs are met. These gummy vitamins often come in yummy flavors like strawberry or cherry, making them an enjoyable way to get your daily dose of iron. They also do not require any water to take, so they are perfect for those who are on-the-go.
4) Combined with Other Vital Nutrients: Many iron gummies for pregnancy also include other essential vitamins like folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin B-12. These nutrients work together to support your energy levels, immune system, and the overall health of you and your baby during pregnancy.
What to Look For In an Iron Prenatal Supplement
There are many different supplement brands out there and you want to make sure you are picking one that is safe for pregnant women. When shopping for iron gummies, here are a few things to look out for:
1) Look for a Third-Party Certification: Choose dietary supplements that have been third-party tested by organizations like USP or NSF. This ensures that the product meets certain safety and quality standards.
2) Check the Label: Make sure to read the label and check the dosage of iron and the other active ingredients in each gummy. It is recommended that expectant moms choose a supplement with around 27 mg of iron per serving.
3) Avoid Excess Sugars: Some iron gummies may have added sugars to make them more appealing, but it is best to avoid those and opt for ones with natural sweeteners instead. It is best to also avoid artificial sweetener.
4) Avoid Artificial Ingredients: It is important to avoid supplements with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Look for all-natural ingredients to ensure you are taking a safe and healthy supplement. Many of the top gummies brands will try to avoid using these artificial ingredients.
5) Consider Your Other Nutrient Needs: As mentioned earlier, some iron gummies also include other essential vitamins and minerals. Consider your overall nutrient intake and choose a supplement that complements your diet. Supplements are not a substitution for a balanced diet.
Best Iron Gummies for Pregnancy
Pink Stork Prenatal Iron Supplement
The Pink Stork brand is one of the best iron supplements because it is designed specifically for pregnant women. It comes in a tasty grape flavor and contains 20 mg of the most common form of iron. It also contains added Vitamin C. They do not contain any GMO ingredients and are gluten and dairy free. This brand is an excellent option for any pregnant woman needing to add some extra iron into their diet.
MaryRuth Organics Iron Supplement Gummies
The MaryRuth iron supplement is a grape flavored sugar-free option. It contains 18 mg of iron per serving to help you establish healthy iron levels. They are vegan, dairy free and gluten free with no artificial flavors.
Lunakai Prenatal Vitamins for Women with Iron & Folic Acid
These prenatal multivitamin gummies contain iron 2 mg of iron per serving. Though the amount is not as high as other iron specific supplements, it can still help maintain your levels throughout your pregnancy. If your iron levels are really struggling, you will likely want a higher dose of iron that what this offers. They have a delicious berry flavor and contain all the essential vitamins you need during your pregnancy.
Lifeable Iron Gummies with Vitamin C
The Lifeable brand contains 20 mg of iron per serving. It is an excellent choice to help boost your iron levels and support brain and blood cell health. They are vegetarian and come in a grape flavor.
Nature Made Iron Gummies
The Nature Made option is an affordable brand with 18 mg of iron per serving. There are no articifical flavors or colors. They come in a raspberry flavor. They do contain added sugar, so if you are watching your sugar intake, you may want to choose a different brand.
Iron is an essential nutrient for pregnant women, and getting enough of it is crucial for both mother and baby’s health. Iron gummies offer a convenient, tasty, and gentle way to ensure you are meeting your daily iron needs. When choosing an iron gummy supplement, make sure to read the label and look for all-natural ingredients. It is best to try to avoid added sugars and artificial ingredients, and consider your overall nutrient intake. With the right prenatal iron supplement, you can support a healthy pregnancy and give your body the nutrients it needs to thrive.
Consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement while pregnant. They can help guide you in selecting the best option for you and monitor your iron levels throughout your pregnancy to ensure a safe and healthy outcome. Remember, supplements are not a replacement for a balanced and nutritious diet, so make sure to also focus on eating well during this special time. Here’s to a happy and healthy pregnancy!
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