Nutrition for Healthier Babies

Proper nutrition is vital during pregnancy to ensure the health of the mother and the fetus.^1,2

Doctors recommend taking prenatal vitamins to ensure that essential nutrient needs are met.^3,4

But many commercially available formulas lack optimal support for the baby’s brain and eye development.

A comprehensive prenatal formula that contains DHA,⁵ choline,⁶ and the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin⁷ can help promote a healthy pregnancy. This includes the proper development of a baby’s brain, eyes, and other tissues.

Deficiencies Are Common

The U.S. diet is often deficient in vitamins and other vital nutrients.^1,8 During pregnancy, low blood levels of these nutrients increase the risk of complications.¹

A large population study based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) found that 41% of American women aged 19 to 50 had one or more vitamin deficiency or anemia. That number was an astonishing 47% in pregnant or breastfeeding women.⁸

In a study of Western European women wishing to get pregnant, about half had inadequate folate intake, 67% were vitamin D deficient, and over half had suboptimal intake of omega-3 fatty acids.⁹

That means many women are not getting adequate nutrition for optimal fetal development and a healthy pregnancy. The health-associated risks to pregnant women and newborns may be reduced by proper use of prenatal supplementation.¹

Prenatal Support

Physicians generally advise women to start taking prenatal vitamins, particularly folic acid, before trying to get pregnant. That’s because most fetal organs begin to form before many women even know that they’re expecting.^4,10-12

During pregnancy, the vitamins are transferred to the fetus through the placenta and later through breast milk in breastfed infants.⁷ These not only help with a healthy pregnancy but also improve maternal health and reduce the risk of complications in pregnancy.¹³

Nutritional demands of pregnancy differ from those of a regular diet, and not all multivitamins contain the adequate amounts of nutrients needed before, during, and after pregnancy.^1,4 For example, vitamin D levels can decrease significantly during pregnancy due to increased nutrient demand, with potentially serious consequences.^1,14

An analysis of two studies in pregnant women in South Carolina found that those with a vitamin D blood level of 40 ng/ml or higher had a 57% lower risk of preterm birth than women with levels below 20 ng/ml.¹⁵

This same pattern is true for many crucial nutrients.^1,16

Problems With Prenatal Vitamins

Prenatal vitamins can provide the missing nutrients to reduce the risk of pregnancy complications and fetal developmental problems.^1,13

But not all vitamins are the same.

A 2022 review paper assessed over 200 articles to propose optimal levels of prenatal nutrients for American women. Researchers compared these recommendations with levels in over 180 commonly available prenatal vitamins.¹

Many prenatal formulas contain only a subset of essential vitamins, and their levels are often below those needed to prevent complications.¹

Some of the nutrients that are most often lacking in prenatal vitamins are choline, DHA, and certain carotenoids.

To reduce the likelihood of pregnancy risks and birth defects, a healthy diet should be augmented with prenatal vitamins containing these nutrients along with increased levels of folate, vitamins A, C, D, the B vitamins, and many others.

Women should continue taking prenatal vitamins as long as they are breastfeeding, since they are passing nutrients to the baby through breast milk.

Choline and DHA for Healthy Brains

Many women who are pregnant or of child-bearing age are often deficient in two nutrients essential for brain and nervous system development: choline¹⁷ and DHA.^17,18

Choline is a precursor needed to make acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that supports attention, learning, and memory.^19,20

Preclinical studies show that choline intake may decrease the risk of defects of the neural tube,^1,19 a structure that develops into the brain and spinal cord and may lower the chances of developing autism and Down syndrome.¹ It is also involved in the development of the hippocampus, which is a part of the brain involved in learning and memory.^19,20

Several studies found that increased intake and levels of maternal choline in humans are associated with improved childhood visual memory²⁰ and cognitive scores.^17,19,20

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil, is a critical component of the brain and retina and influences their functions.^1,13,18
Prenatal supplementation with omega-3 helps support visual and cognitive function in infants.¹³

Reviews of clinical studies show that DHA may help reduce the risk of preterm birth^1,13,21 and preeclampsia (a pregnancy complication often marked by high blood pressure and kidney damage),¹ treat gestational diabetes,^1,18,21 and prevent postpartum depression.^1,18

Folate Supports Nervous System Development

Folate, also known as folic acid, is essential for DNA synthesis and the proper development of the brain and spinal cord.^1,19

Folate supplementation should begin before conception. Its intake has been clinically shown to decrease the risk of maternal folate-deficiency anemia and fetal neural tube disorders such as spina bifida, which can cause disability and shorten life expectancy.^13,22

Having optimal folate levels also reduces the rate of other birth defects, such as anencephaly (a fatal disorder) and of preterm birth.¹

One meta-analysis found that regardless of ethnicity, maternal use of folic acid during pregnancy could significantly reduce the risk of childhood autism as compared to the women who did not use folic acid during pregnancy.²³

Carotenoids for Eye and Cognitive Health

Carotenoids are health-promoting pigments found in various plants.^7,24,25 One of the best known is beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A that is essential for normal function of the eyes.^26,27

In multiple studies, higher levels of carotenoids are associated with a lower risk of preeclampsia.¹

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids that have vital roles in the development of the eyes and brain.^7,28

Studies in children and adults have found a correlation between levels of lutein and zeaxanthin and visual and cognitive performance.^7,24,28

In one study of 1,580 mother-child pairs, higher maternal intake of lutein and zeaxanthin during pregnancy was associated with improved verbal intelligence and behavior-regulation ability in mid-childhood.²⁹

A prenatal formula containing these carotenoids and optimal levels of other nutrients can help ensure a healthy pregnancy and minimize risks of fetal developmental problems.

Summary

Women planning to get pregnant, expecting a baby, or breastfeeding are often deficient in critical nutrients that help support healthy fetal development and decrease risk for maternal health problems.

Standard prenatal vitamins can alleviate some deficiencies but are often low in nutrients that support eye and brain development.

Choosing a comprehensive prenatal formula with optimal levels of choline, DHA, folate, and carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin can support maternal and fetal health throughout pregnancy.

Pregnant women, as well as those planning to conceive, should discuss prenatal supplements with their healthcare provider to ensure they are getting the necessary nutrients for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy child.

If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension Wellness Specialist at 1-866-864-3027.

References

1. Adams JB, Kirby JK, Sorensen JC, et al. Evidence based recommendations for an optimal prenatal supplement for women in the US: vitamins and related nutrients. Matern Health Neonatol Perinatol. 2022 Jul 11;8(1):4.
2. Marshall NE, Abrams B, Barbour LA, et al. The importance of nutrition in pregnancy and lactation: lifelong consequences. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2022 May;226(5):607-32.
3. Available at: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNMDH/bulletins/37879a6. Accessed January 20, 2025.
4. Caro R, Fast J. Pregnancy Myths and Practical Tips. Am Fam Physician. 2020 Oct 1;102(7):420-6.
5. Lauritzen L, Brambilla P, Mazzocchi A, et al. DHA Effects in Brain Development and Function. Nutrients. 2016 Jan 4;8(1).
6. Jaiswal A, Dewani D, Reddy LS, et al. Choline Supplementation in Pregnancy: Current Evidence and Implications. Cureus. 2023 Nov;15(11):e48538.
7. Zielinska MA, Wesolowska A, Pawlus B, et al. Health Effects of Carotenoids during Pregnancy and Lactation. Nutrients. 2017
   Aug 4;9(8).
8. Bird J, Murphy R, Ciappio E, et al. Risk of Deficiency in Multiple Concurrent Micronutrients in Children and Adults in the United States. Nutrients. 2017 Jun 24;9(7).
9. Looman M, van den Berg C, Geelen A, et al. Supplement Use and Dietary Sources of Folate, Vitamin D, and n-3 Fatty Acids during Preconception: The GLIMP2 Study. Nutrients. 2018 Jul 25;10(8).
10. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/normal-pregnancy/stages-of-fetal-development. Accessed, January 20, 2025.
11. Force USPST, Barry MJ, Nicholson WK, et al. Folic Acid Supplementation to Prevent Neural Tube Defects: US Preventive Services Task Force Reaffirmation Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2023 Aug 1;330(5):454-9.
12. Available at: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/good-health-before-pregnancy-prepregnancy-care. Accessed January 20, 2025.
13. Wanjari MB, Late SV, Sharma R, et al. A critical evaluation of prenatal supplements: Are they meeting the mark? J Family Med Prim Care. 2023 Dec;12(12):3048-54.
14. Lo TH, Wu TY, Li PC, et al. Effect of Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy on maternal and perinatal outcomes. Tzu Chi Med J. 2019 Oct-Dec;31(4):201-6.
15. Wagner CL, Baggerly C, McDonnell S, et al. Post-hoc analysis of vitamin D status and reduced risk of preterm birth in two vitamin D pregnancy cohorts compared with South Carolina March of Dimes 2009-2011 rates. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2016 Jan;155(Pt B):245-51.
16. Richard K, Holland O, Landers K, et al. Review: Effects of maternal micronutrient supplementation on placental function. Placenta. 2017 Jun;54:38-44.
17. Mun JG, Legette LL, Ikonte CJ, et al. Choline and DHA in Maternal and Infant Nutrition: Synergistic Implications in Brain and Eye Health. Nutrients. 2019 May 21;11(5).
18. Coletta JM, Bell SJ, Roman AS. Omega-3 Fatty acids and pregnancy. Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2010 Fall;3(4):163-71.
19. Irvine N, England-Mason G, Field CJ, et al. Prenatal Folate and Choline Levels and Brain and Cognitive Development in Children: A Critical Narrative Review. Nutrients. 2022 Jan 15;14(2).
20. McKee SE, Reyes TM. Effect of supplementation with methyl-donor nutrients on neurodevelopment and cognition: considerations for future research. Nutr Rev. 2018 Jul 1;76(7):497-511.
21. Cetin I, Carlson SE, Burden C, et al. Omega-3 fatty acid supply in pregnancy for risk reduction of preterm and early preterm birth. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM. 2024 Feb;6(2):101251.
22. Pitkin RM. Folate and neural tube defects. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Jan;85(1):285S-8S.
23. Wang M, Li K, Zhao D, et al. The association between maternal use of folic acid supplements during pregnancy and risk of autism spectrum disorders in children: a meta-analysis. Mol Autism. 2017;8:51.
24. Walk AM, Khan NA, Barnett SM, et al. From neuro-pigments to neural efficiency: The relationship between retinal carotenoids and behavioral and neuroelectric indices of cognitive control in childhood. Int J Psychophysiol. 2017 Aug;118:1-8.
25. Hanson C, Lyden E, Furtado J, et al. Serum Lycopene Concentrations and Associations with Clinical Outcomes in a Cohort of Maternal-Infant Dyads. Nutrients. 2018 Feb 13;10(2).
26. Sajovic J, Meglic A, Glavac D, et al. The Role of Vitamin A in Retinal Diseases. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Jan 18;23(3).
27. Johra FT, Bepari AK, Bristy AT, et al. A Mechanistic Review of beta-Carotene, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin in Eye Health and Disease. Antioxidants (Basel). 2020 Oct 26;9(11).
28. Barnett SM, Khan NA, Walk AM, et al. Macular pigment optical density is positively associated with academic performance among preadolescent children. Nutr Neurosci. 2018 Nov;21(9):632-40.
29. Mahmassani HA, Switkowski KM, Scott TM, et al. Maternal Intake of Lutein and Zeaxanthin during Pregnancy Is Positively Associated with Offspring Verbal Intelligence and Behavior Regulation in Mid-Childhood in the Project Viva Cohort. J Nutr. 2021 Mar 11;151(3):615-27.