An article by consumer group, Choice, that questions whether pregnancy multivitamin supplements are a gimmick, is irresponsible, an expert says.
The article cast doubt over whether multivitamin supplements were necessary for pregnant women.
"If your diet is generally healthy, with plenty of fruit, vegetables, nuts, pulses and dairy products (or calcium-fortified alternatives), you’re unlikely to benefit from a pregnancy supplement," the authors said.
However, they conceded that many pregnant women did not adhere to a healthy diet, in which case extra nutrients in pregnancy supplements might be useful.
Choice found that all the pregnancy and breastfeeding formulations they analysed contained the recommended intake of folic acid, and iodine.
"Many contained unnecessary vitamins and minerals or pointlessly low...
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