Day 49 of the 60 Day Ultimate Optimization Challenge

Welcome to Day #49 of the 60-Day Ultimate Optimization Challenge!

We’ve spoken all about supplements and medications—their benefits and their uses. But, what if you’re pregnant, or vegan? It makes the job of finding the right supplement or medication even harder! With so much information on the internet and in magazines, it can get very confusing and overwhelming. 

I’m here to help! Today, I want to address these special considerations. 

If you’re pregnant: The need for more nutrients, specifically macronutrients (carbs, proteins, and fats), increases. In addition to required prenatal vitamins, herbal supplements help with micronutrients, but consume with caution. There isn't much research on obscure herbal supplements and pregnancy but approved ones include folate, iron, vitamin D, magnesium, ginger, fish oil, probiotics, and choline. Remember that prenatal vitamins contain many of these in one capsule, so talk to your OB about your supplement plan.

If you’re vegan: There are many vegan supplements, but definitely add the following if you are vegan: Vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega-3, iron, calcium, zinc, iodine. If you can't meet recommended dietary needs via food alone, talk to your healthcare provider about deficiencies and consider taking supplements.

Your homework for today is to: Add these supplements to your diet if you're pregnant or vegan.