The focus is on the safety and significance of vitamin A during pregnancy, dispelling misconceptions and highlighting its benefits. The potential birth effects of isotretinoin, a synthetic form of vitamin A, are discussed. The importance of meeting the recommended daily intake of vitamin A during pregnancy is stressed, with advice on achieving this through a mix of preformed vitamin A and betacarotene-rich foods. The need for a balanced diet, not solely relying on plant foods, is underscored.
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Is Vitamin A Dangerous During Pregnancy?
Transcript
Myth or fact is vitamin A dangerous during pregnancy? Should you avoid it completely? Vitamin A is an important nutrient in pregnancy for mom and baby. It’s essential for the development of fetal organs, skeleton and immune system, as well as mom’s eyesight and overall wellbeing. But vitamin A in pregnancy has gotten a bad rap with some people suggesting you should avoid it completely Y excess vitamin A intake in the form of isotretinoin. A synthetic form of vitamin A has been shown to cause birth defects. Isotretinoin is a prescription medication for severe acne that’s very different from natural vitamin A in food or supplements. Oral retinoid medications should not be taken by pregnant women or those who might become pregnant. This does not mean that expectant moms need to avoid vitamin A altogether. Far from it. The recommended daily intake of Vitamin A is roughly 800 IUs during pregnancy. Dietary intake of vitamin A below that level is associated with an increased risk of birth defects from vitamin A deficiency, although less common exceeding 10,000 international units of vitamin A per day during pregnancy could potentially result in birth defects. Although this hasn’t been reported, expectant moms can meet their needs for vitamin A by eating foods that contain preformed vitamin A as well as eating foods rich in betacarotene. But beware of just relying on plant foods for your vitamin A intake ’cause you could end up missing out. If you wanna know more about that and which foods contain Vitamin A. Check out my other videos on vitamin A.