{"id":2016,"date":"2021-06-29T11:41:25","date_gmt":"2021-06-29T18:41:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.adamaminerals.com\/?p=2016"},"modified":"2021-06-29T13:36:42","modified_gmt":"2021-06-29T20:36:42","slug":"vitamin-a-and-pregnancy-everything-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.adamaminerals.com\/?p=2016","title":{"rendered":"Vitamin A and Pregnancy: Everything You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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We store Vitamin A in our liver. For pregnant women, this vitamin is essential as it helps the baby\u2019s body parts like the liver, heart, lungs, bones, eyes, etc., to develop. Plus, it helps repair the postpartum tissue in those who\u2019re about to give birth. Other functions of vitamin A are supporting your immune system, fat metabolism, and improving your vision.<\/p>

Now, Vitamin A comes in two forms; Performed vitamin A or retinol, which our bodies directly use and can be found in eggs, milk, liver, and other animal products, and Provitamin A carotenoids such as beta carotene that must be converted into retinol and can be found in fruits and vegetables.<\/p>

What\u2019s the Correct Vitamin A Dosage for Women?<\/h2>

Well, this depends on the age and whether they\u2019re pregnant or breastfeeding. For unpregnant women who are 14 years and above, 700 mcg RAE\/day<\/a> should be enough. For those who are pregnant and are 18 years and younger, they should take 700 mcg RAE\/day<\/a>, whereas if she\u2019s 19 years and above, 770 mcg<\/a> is enough.<\/p>

Breastfeeding women need a higher dose of 1200 mcg and 1300 mcg RAE per day if she\u2019s 18 years and younger and nineteen years and older, respectively.<\/p>

RAE stands for Retinol Activity Equivalent<\/a>, which is the standard measurement of Vitamin A based on its potent and its source. One microgram (mcg) of preformed Vitamin A is equivalent to 1 mcg RAE. However, it\u2019ll take 12 mcg of beta carotene or 24 mcg of alpha-carotene to make 1mcg of RAE.<\/p>

The measurements can also be represented in International Unit (IU), especially in Vitamin A supplements. However, converting IU is a bit tricky since it depends on the type of vitamin A. For instance, 900 mcg RAE can be between 3000-36000 IU of vitamin A.<\/p>

What Amount of Vitamin A Is Too Much for a Pregnant Woman?<\/h2>

You can get vitamin A palmitate from animal products like eggs, meat, fish, etc. You are also eating fruits and vegetables that supply you with this vitamin in carotenoids form.<\/p>

When one is pregnant, they shouldn\u2019t consume too much preformed Vitamin A (palmitate vitamin A) as it may cause congenital disabilities and can be toxic to the liver. But, you can safely eat many fruits and vegetables that are high in carotenoids.<\/p>

Women aged 19 years and above shouldn\u2019t consume more than 3000 mcg RAE of preformed vitamin A even if they are breastfeeding. And those between 14-18 years, the maximum reach should be 2800 mcg RAE.<\/p>

Pregnant women should speak to their doctor first before taking any supplements or prenatal vitamins. Although prenatal vitamins can have some vitamin A in beta-carotene form, some multivitamins, over-the-counter brands, and fortified foods may contain a high amount of preformed Vitamin A.<\/p>

Also, if you are pregnant or trying to conceive, avoid an acne medication called isotretinoin, called Accutane,<\/a> and other retinol-related drugs like Retin-A<\/a>. While they can treat some skin conditions, research says that these drugs can cause congenital birth abnormalities.<\/p>

Foods and prenatal vitamins should give you enough vitamin A. Therefore, it\u2019s not advisable to take additional supplementation. However, if you are going to add any supplement, please talk to your doctor first.<\/p>

Vitamin A Deficiency Among Pregnant Women<\/h2>

Since we can quickly get vitamin A from food, a person will rarely experience vitamin A deficiency unless it\u2019s due to a medical condition. Some signs to watch out for include;<\/p>