When Did Prenatal Vitamins Become All The Rage?
Did you know that 98% of women take supplements during pregnancy, with prenatal vitamins being the most common choice? If you’re pregnant or want to get pregnant in the near future, you might be wondering if you need to take a prenatal vitamin, too.
Related Reading: CDC Continue to Recommend Folic Acid Over Folate
The Evolution of Prenatal Vitamins
Previous generations of women didn’t take prenatal vitamins—in fact, there’s a good chance that your grandmother or even your mother didn’t take them. So when did prenatal vitamins become popular, and why are they so essential now?
Prenatal vitamins were first developed in the 1970s and took off in the 1980s. Our food system was much different before the introduction of prenatal supplements, so while they were optional in the past, now they are essential for both your and your baby’s health. Here’s what’s changed and why it matters.
We know more now than we did then
We’re always learning new things about the human body. In the 1970s, scientists discovered that folic acid was necessary for a healthy pregnancy. This was just the beginning of prenatal nutrition science, and since then, we’ve gotten more insight into the needs of pregnant women and developing babies.
For example, we’ve learned about the importance of nutrients like omega-3s, choline, and iodine for fertility and healthy pregnancies. This knowledge has helped us develop more effective supplements and go far beyond what was available in the ‘70s and ‘80s.
Related Reading: Difference between prenatal and postnatal vitamins
When Were Prenatal Vitamins Introduced and Why?
So, exactly when were prenatal vitamins invented? It’s unclear exactly when the first official prenatal vitamin hit the market. Based on the emerging data about folic acid in the 1970s, supplement companies started putting folic acid in their products and marketing them to pregnant women.
Over the next decade, research continued to explore the link between folic acid and fetal development, and prenatal vitamins became more mainstream as a result. Folic acid and folate support the development of the baby’s spinal cord and brain.
In the early 1990s, the US Public Health Service recommended that all women should consume 400 micrograms of folic acid daily to prevent neural tube defects, which are severe birth defects
The quality of soil was better then and food was more nutrient dense
Farming practices have evolved over the last several decades, affecting the soil quality and the nutritional makeup of our food.
To keep up with demand, agricultural producers use fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals to keep pests away from crops and increase their yields. However, these chemicals have resulted in much less nutrient density in our foods. Multiple research studies have found that the nutritional density of produce has declined by 25 to 50% since the mid-20th century.
This means that you could eat the same foods in the same quantities that your grandparents did, but you wouldn’t get as many nutrients. Taking prenatal vitamins helps close this nutrient gap.
Our grandparents ate closer to harvest
Another side effect of modern farming practices is the seasonality of our food. In our grandparents’ time, fresh, seasonal produce was more accessible, often grown at home or purchased locally and eaten at peak nutrient density. Processed foods were also less common, leading to healthier diets overall.
Today, most grocery store produce travels long distances and is picked before fully ripening, which reduces its nutrient content. While fresh fruits and vegetables are still a great choice, they don’t match the nutrient density of past diets.
To boost your nutrition, try eating seasonal, locally grown produce when possible. When that’s not an option, prenatal vitamins can help fill in the gaps and ensure you get essential nutrients.
Our grandparents ate nose to tail
Previous generations often ate more of the animal, including nutrient-rich organ meats and bone broth. This nose-to-tail approach provided collagen, gelatin, choline, healthy fats, and other nutrients essential for a healthy pregnancy.
Today, fewer people follow a full-animal diet, making prenatal vitamins a convenient and efficient way to get the nutrients your body needs.
Our grandparents weren’t exposed to the same toxins
Many household products today contain toxins, such as oxalates, that can interfere with nutrient absorption. In past generations, people were more likely to make their own cleaning products or cosmetics, avoiding exposure to these chemicals—many of which didn’t even exist yet.
You can reduce your exposure by choosing natural, non-toxic cleaning and beauty products and avoiding untreated drinking water if local water quality is a concern. These simple steps can help minimize toxins in your daily life.
Our grandparents ate more dirt
Our grandparents were more likely to eat produce that contained small amounts of soil that contained gut-healthy probiotics. A healthy gut microbiome is particularly important during pregnancy, supporting a healthy immune system. Since we don’t get these probiotics naturally today, taking pre- or probiotic supplements can help. You can also get probiotics in your diet by eating fermented foods.
Related Reading: Do New Moms Still Need Prenatal Supplements?
Should You Take Prenatal Vitamins When Not Pregnant?
Given all the benefits of prenatal vitamins, you might be wondering: can you take prenatal vitamins without being pregnant? The short answer is yes! Prenatal vitamins can still benefit your health, even if you aren’t pregnant. While they aren’t essential, prenatal vitamins can help you get the nutrients you need, particularly if you are planning on conceiving in the near future.
Navigating Prenatal Health Today
Agricultural and dietary practices have changed significantly over the last century. While people in the past didn’t take prenatal vitamins, there are plenty of benefits to taking them today.
If you’re currently pregnant, actively trying to conceive, or planning to start a family in the near future, prenatal vitamins can give you the nutrients you need. Consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice about prenatal nutrition and adding supplements to your diet.
Commonly Asked Prenatal Questions
What happens if you don’t take prenatal vitamins while pregnant?
If you don’t take prenatal vitamins during your pregnancy, you may miss out on vital nutrients that are more challenging to get via diet alone, like folate and choline. This could put your baby at an increased risk of birth defects.
Are prenatal vitamins really necessary?
Prenatal vitamins are highly recommended for those who are pregnant or trying to conceive. While it is still possible to have a healthy pregnancy without them, you must be extremely diligent about getting enough nutrients in your diet, which can be tricky.
When should you stop taking prenatals?
Many experts recommend continuing to take prenatal vitamins throughout pregnancy and during the postpartum period, especially if you are breastfeeding. However, you should consult with your healthcare provider for more personalized dietary guidance.
Why are prenatal vitamins not FDA-approved?
Prenatal vitamins are not FDA-approved because they are considered dietary supplements rather than drugs or food. The FDA doesn't regulate dietary supplements.
What happens if you take prenatal vitamins while not pregnant?
Generally, taking prenatal vitamins while not pregnant is not dangerous or harmful. In fact, many people take prenatal vitamins as they’re trying to conceive. There are some possible side effects of taking prenatal vitamins when not pregnant, such as gastrointestinal issues, but they are very mild.
Do prenatal vitamins make you gain weight if you are not pregnant?
No, there’s no evidence indicating that prenatal vitamins cause weight gain.
Do prenatal vitamins change your hormones?
Some prenatal vitamins have nutrients that can indirectly affect your hormones. For example, vitamins B and D are helpful for hormone balance and regulating your menstrual cycle.
Do prenatal vitamins increase fertility?
Some prenatal vitamins contain ingredients to help with fertility. Certain vitamins and minerals can help regulate your hormones, which results in a more consistent menstrual cycle and can make it easier to get pregnant.
