i feel i need extra vitamins, so i started taking prenatal pills.  Is this OK?
339729
You're probably getting more than you need since they are designed to provide nutritional support for two.  I'd be most concerned about the iron content.  Unless you've been diagnosed as anemic, you shouldn't take a lot of supplemental iron since it can tax your kidneys among other things.  If you just feel like you need to supplement your diet, why not just take a regular multivitamin/multimineral supplement?
911006
Yes I believe they make a difference.  My doctor said my iron storage was low and suggested I take a multi vitamin.  (I was feeling draggy for a long time before this.)  I noticed a difference in my energy level after about a week of vitamins.  Also I found Calcium/Magnesium pills work for women suffering from PMS.
997976
you need to speak with a Dr.before you start any medication if you are considering a pregnancy. if you are having major problems in your life, why would to want to have a baby before you resolve your issues. please note a  lot of medications cause major complication to a developing fetus if they are taken during a pregnancy. you need to contact a Dr.  for both your sakes.
608124
I wouldnt take vitamin e, without consulting your doctor.Most people think they should take vitamins cause they make then feel better, or they think its good for them.But in the long run, might be hurting you more then you might think.If you are loosing hair? Might be your thyroid? have you had it checked?If not get a checkup before you just start to take vitamins.hope this helps.
44018
There can be too much of a good thing.  You should not require any additional supplements other than your daily vitamin - especially if you have a relatively healthy diet. Extra vitamin C/E pills can acually harm you if you take too much.  \n\nYou are better off to concentrate on a healthy diet, and maintain a healthy body weight.  This will ensure you are not consuming too many calories.  Try avoiding deep fried foods or refined carbohydrates such as found in candy, deserts, and especially soft drinks.  Keep bread, rice and pasta to small portions as they contain significant amounts of sugar.\n\nSome foods may promote healthy skin if they contain antioxidants and Omega Fatty Acids.  Antioxidants can prevent inflammation, contribute to proper growth of collagen which supports the skin, and prevent accelerated aging thought to occur when antioxidant levels in the body are low.\n\nFruit is an excellent source of antioxidants in the form of polyphenols and vitamin C, which can prevent inflammation and prevent a condition known as oxidative stress.  Berries have the highest antioxidant to sugar ratio and blueberries are top of the list.  This is important because a high sugar content can "cancel out" the effects of the antioxidants. For example orange juice is very high in vitamin C (an antioxidant) and very high in sugar.  So for antioxidants you are better off with berries than you are with sweeter fruits like oranges and  pineapples.  You can still drink OJ or grapfruit juice but limit to a small "shot glass".  Apples are also a good fruit - not too sweet - and a good source of fiber.\n\nOmega fatty acids are good for your skin because they are considered to have anti-inflammatory properties. Salmon is a good source of OFAs, however there are concerns over mercury contamination -especially in salmon grown in fish farms.  So you might want to limit salmon to less than 4 times per month and supplement with walnuts which are another great source of OFAs.\n\nMany people believe that water is good for your skin and overall health, however  you do not need to drink an excessive amount.  In a 2002 American Journal of Physiology review, Heinz Valtin concludes that the average person drinks enough water by drinking only when they are thirsty.  So drink your water but there is no need to guzzle 2 Liters of water per day thats for sure.
76961
No, Vitamins are good for you, as long as you don't take too many. One multivitamin a day is fine.
911359
The term vitamin comes from vital amine, which means that yor body needs them . If youare getting a varied diet, you probably do not need to take vitamin pills. Vitamins A,D,E, and K are fat soluble. You can get an overdose with too many vitamin pills. The others are water soluble and you can not overdose. What is important is to get the right number of servings of fruits and vegetables, milk products and meat or meat substitutes to be sure you have the needed vitamins. % servings a day for tose fruits and vegetables. 4 servings of grains, 2 meat and 4 milk.
484310
Yes young and old, it's not common because with vitamin supplements it's treamtable. Iron-deficiency anemia affects your health as well. It can sap your energy and make it harder for your body to fight infection. And if you're anemic later in pregnancy, you're more likely to have problems if you lose a lot of blood when you give birth. You may feel dizzy, have a rapid heart rate, or have other symptoms that require you to stay in the hospital an extra day or two. You're also more likely to need a blood transfusion. \n\nCalcium interferes with your body's ability to absorb iron. So if you're taking calcium supplements, or an antacid that contains calcium, don't take either one while you're eating iron-rich foods or at the same time as your iron supplement. For the same reason, don't take your supplement with milk, which is rich in calcium. Drink milk between meals, instead. The same goes for tea and coffee, which contain polyphenols that interfere with the absorption of iron from supplements and plant sources. \n\nEating or drinking something rich in vitamin C at the same time you take your iron supplement or eat iron-rich plant foods can help your body absorb significantly more of the type of iron found in non-animal sources. Good vitamin C choices include a glass of orange or tomato juice, a handful of strawberries, sweet (bell) peppers, or half a grapefruit. Meat and fish (sources of heme iron, which your body absorbs much more easily) can also improve your absorption of the iron in non-meat foods. For example, putting a bit of beef in a pot of vegetable chili can help you absorb iron from the vegetables.\n\nIf your test indicates that you're anemic, your practitioner will prescribe an iron supplement of 60 to 120 mg a day or more. To make sure you absorb as much of the iron as possible, take your iron pills on an empty stomach. Wash them down with water or orange juice (the vitamin C helps with absorption) but not with milk (calcium hinders absorption).\n\nNote that these doses refer to the amount of "elemental iron," or pure iron, in a supplement. Some labels list the amount of ferrous sulfate (a kind of iron salt) instead of or in addition to the amount of elemental iron. A supplement that contains 325 mg of ferrous sulfate will give you about 60 mg of elemental iron. Others use ferrous gluconate, 300 mg of which yields about 34 mg of elemental iron.\n\nOne more important thing to note: Be vigilant about keeping any pills containing iron in childproof containers and away from children. More kids die from iron overdose each year than from any other kind of accidental drug poisoning. In fact, a single adult dose can poison a small child.
868911
Yes, most everyone is in need of additional B-Complex.  \nBenefits - Strengthens nervous system\n                 Energy production\n                 Metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, & protein\n                 Healthy skin, hair, hormones\n                 Synthesis of DNA and new cells\n                 Healthy cardiovascular system\n                 Lowers homocysteine levels in blood\n                 Folic acid reduces risk of neural tube birth defects\n\nDepleted by:  stress, medications, sugar, caffeine\n\nDeficiency can cause nervousness, irritability, depression, and dementia.\n\nThe brand I use has a patented folic acid coating for better absorption and high potency biotin.\n\nHope this is useful and feel free to contact me with questions.
219120
Your interest in supplements is a sign that you want to take charge of your health.  That is a good thing!   Eating the right quantity and quality of food should be all that you really need, so I would start with good nutrition.  However, you can supplement to help your body through an illness or if you feel that you are lacking something.  If you do take a supplement, make sure it is of the highest quality, otherwise you are just wasting your money.  Try shopping at a food cooperative, a place like like Whole Foods or a reputable health food store.  The first link offers a lot of information and guidelines to answer your question.  The second link will allow you to investigate specific supplements. \n\nhttp://ods.od.nih.gov/pubs/partnersbrochure.asp\nhttp://nccam.nih.gov/health/supplements.htm\nhttp://www.coopdirectory.org/\nhttp://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/healthinfo/index.html
1164655
I took a DPT booster, but I was 7 months pregnant when I did. Ask your doctor.
171133
YES! They are all pretty mcuh the same thing, just some will say Muti-Vitamin with Iron or with Calcium. If you need an extra boost in something you can take one of those. But a regular Multi-Vitamin is fine.
954144
Do not take any homeopathic or over the counter meds or supplements except a basic vitamin pill without checking with your doctor first!\n\nTiny amounts of substances that are fine for us can create horrific birth defects or organ damage in a 2 week old fetus.\n\nYou'd never forgive yourself if your baby was born deformed or with a health problem.
431756
NO!  Please, take them! Your body needs the build-up of folic acid (or folate) to prevent certain birth defects many months in advance. Plus, it takes quite a while for your body to register Iron amounts and you need this to help with the increased demand on your circulatory system during pregnancy and for the copious amounts of blood loss postpartum.\n\nP.S. Please, read up on breastfeeding, also. You will need to continue your vitamins during this period also (and forever after actually). I breastfed for 13 months and feel that it was the greatest gift I could give my child nutritionally.\n\nwiddershinz---to answer your Q: you can get prenate vits at Wal-Mart where the other daily vits are located.
478097
Try taking it after you have eaten. Most daily vitamins make you wanna puke, if you take them on an empty stomach. Ask any pregnant women who takes her prenatal vitamins
1005401
You don't need a prescription for vitamins. However, if you are taking prescription medications it would be wise to discuss any over-the-counter pills you may be taking, including vitamins.
689032
Yes, vitamins (and other supplements, too, actually) can make you feel sick to your stomach.  Try taking them with food and if that doesn't help, scrap the "mega" brand and go with a lower dose.  Good Luck!