DIETARY supplements of vitamins and minerals provide no obvious clinical benefit when taken before or during pregnancy among Australian women who are well nourished, according to new research published by the Society of Hospital Pharmacists today.
The study saw scientists from the University of Adelaide's Robinson Research Institute review local and international research, concluding that the use of supplements to boost vitamins and minerals should be dependent on a woman's ability to meet recommended intakes based on diet alone.
The SHPA's Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Research (JPPR) report cites author Claire Roberts saying there were discrepancies in the make-up of four heavily marketed multivitamins and the general recommendations regarding supplementation made by the Royal Australian & NZ College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
Key nutritional deficiencies have been linked to various complications of pregnancy and birth including pre-eclampsia, foetal growth restriction, neural tube defects, skeletal deformities and low birth weight.
Roberts said supplementation of folic acid was well-founded and remained important, while calcium, zinc and selenium supplements seemed to reduce some pregnancy risk factors to varying degrees.
However supplementation with vitamin B12, vitamin D and iron is heavily dependent on individual diet and lifestyle, she said.
The JPPR also includes associated commentary from Dr Debra Kennedy flagging concern that more Australian women are avoiding carbohydrates and gluten for non-specific 'health' reasons, depriving them of dietary balance.
"It is concerning that some women take excessive amounts of certain vitamins with no real evidence of need or safety, yet with potential risk of harm," she said.
Luke Grzeskowiak, chair of SHPA's Women's and Newborn Health Specialty practice streams says the research highlighted that advice regarding supplementation during pregnancy required and individualised approach & ideally, the involvement of a pharmacist.
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