Geritol for Pregnancy

Before conceiving, and during pregnancy, prenatal vitamins containing high levels of folic acid and iron, have been observed to have a positive impact on the health of the developing baby. Geritol is a multivitamin rumored to be aid in conception. So let us look into the ways in which Geritol can or cannot be used in pregnancy. 

What Is Geritol?

Geritol is a multivitamin whose formulation addresses vitamin deficiencies caused by various factors. It can be obtained in liquid form as gel caps, and it has various formulations to address specific issues.

Due to its variety in vitamins and minerals, it is said to assist with poor nutrition or low energy which sometimes can occur in pregnancy. such as poor nutrition or low energy. 

Geritol and Pregnancy

There is a claim on the internet that when one takes Geritol regularly, it increases their fertility, and causes them to be able to conceive quicker, compared to if they were not taking the supplement. 

The truth is that there is no scientific evidence in existence to support this claim. Additionally, it does not explain why it is Geritol in particular - and not any other similar over-the-counter multivitamin - that uniquely affects fertility in ways the others would not.

Further, the manufacturers of Geritol have made it clear that no evidence exists demonstrating that their product has any impact on fertility. They have also discouraged the use of their product as a substitute for prenatal vitamins recommended by a professional healthcare provider.

Multivitamins should ideally be taken under the guidance of a professional healthcare provider. For conception or pregnancy, they should take multivitamins if they have a poor quality diet, drink alcohol, or smoke cigarettes. However, multivitamins are not a substitute for prenatal vitamins.

Geritol Vitamins Vs. Prenatal Vitamins

The difference between prenatal vitamins and multivitamins is that firstly, prenatal vitamins contain higher levels of iron and folic acid, which prepare the uterus for pregnancy, as well as facilitate the healthy foundational development of a fetus. Secondly multivitamins like Geritol are may not contain the required levels of folic acid and iron necessary for pregnancy.

Folic Acid

Folic acid prevents neural tube defects. The neural tube is one of the first physical features to form on a fetus and eventually becomes the brain and spinal cord. Therefore any defect in the neural tube will have a  negative impact on crucial aspects as the fetus develops. 

As such, one should ideally start taking prenatal vitamins at least three months before trying to conceive. This supplies the body sufficiently enough  to support the healthy development of the fetus.

Iron

Iron prevents many complexities that could affect both mother and child during pregnancy.

Iron levels are low, it can lead to poor brain development in the womb and a low birthweight. Poor brain development can cause the brain’s structure to be abnormal, or even cause conditions such as autism. 

Iron helps the mother’s body to produce blood that is rich in oxygen for both the placenta and the fetus. It also prevents anemia (low levels of iron in the body), which can also lead to premature delivery.

Multivitamins usually have some amount of iron and folic acid, but the amounts in prenatal vitamins ensure that there is a sufficient supply for both the mother and child during pregnancy.

Risk of Prenatal Vitamins

In contrast, there are claims that  prenatal vitamins contain something unique that makes hair and nails grow longer or thicker, as well, they boost energy. When one is not pregnant or preparing to conceive, prolonged use leads to unexpected and unpleasant side effects. 

Too much folic acid can complicate the negative side effects linked to vitamin B12 deficiency causing fatigue, weakness, nausea, weight loss and irritability. Quite contrary to energy boosting. On the other hand, too much iron causes digestive issues, nausea and infringes on the body’s natural ability to process zinc.

Therefore if you are not pregnant and a professional healthcare provider has not recommended that you take prenatal vitamins in preparation for pregnancy, their use is unnecessary. 

Further, the vitamins and minerals the body requires are readily available in a healthy, balanced diet. One can supplement their diet with a daily multivitamin if their diet is nutritionally poor, but only with the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Bottom Line

Vitamins and minerals from food sources are crucial to a balanced diet and contribute to overall health. Prenatal vitamins benefit people trying to get pregnant or who are already pregnant and no evidence exists to justify the use of Geritol or any standard multivitamins for improving fertility or the chances of  becoming pregnant.

If you have questions about nutrition during pregnancy, contact Reproductive Partners Medical Group. Our reproductive health services are available at various locations across the country to support your family building journey.