Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Hi Terry, “I am about 8 weeks pregnant and have always used supplements to stay healthy. But since I am pregnant, what supplements are safe to take?” —Lynn R., Phoenix, AZ A. Dear Lynn, Congratulations on your pregnancy! I have several suggestions for you. First, a good quality prenatal multivitamin is a must. Second, 50% of all pregnant women are iron deficient, so I would recommend you take additional iron, in the form of heme iron (from liver extract). Heme iron is the most absorbable form of iron and is also the form that is least likely to cause problems with nausea and constipation. Additionally, I strongly urge you to increase your intake of vitamin D. A recent study of vitamin D levels in pregnant women found that 94% of African-American, 66% of Hispanic, and 50% of Caucasian women have low vitamin D levels. These researchers suggested a supplementation level of 4,000 IU daily. And finally, omega 3 fatty acids are crucial to helping your baby’s brain develop, so look for a good omega-3 product that contains these healthy essential fatty acids bound to phospholipids for best absorption. I prefer one sourced from salmon using a process called “vectorization” that uses only a cold water and enzyme flush to remove the omega 3s and phospholipids. Unlike fish oil, no heat, pressure, or solvents are used. This yields a rich extract that is up to 50 times better absorbed than omega 3s in fish oil. Another reason I like this process for omega 3s is that the end result is extraordinarily pure, compared to all the problems sometimes encountered with PCBs and metals in fish oils. Therefore, they are safer for both you and your baby. I’d also suggest carrying this protocol through during the time you breastfeed, as you will need optimal nutrition to maintain two people instead of just one. Healthy regards! Terry . . . Naturally