Research questions effectiveness of pregnancy multivitamins

According to research published in the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin, pregnancy multivitamins are ineffective in boosting the health of mothers and babies.

The researchers claimed that pregnant women often feel coerced into buying expensive multivitamins to support their baby’s health, although many of the tablets do not actually translate into better outcomes for either the mother or the baby.

However, the Health Food Manufacturers’ Association has insisted that many women of child bearing age do not consume enough nutrients from diet alone and argued that food supplements could help plug the gap.

The research maintained that taking 400 micrograms of folic acid per day could protect against abnormalities in the developing foetus, as is recommended in NHS guidelines, along with a balanced diet.

It claimed: “The only supplements recommended for all women during pregnancy are folic acid and vitamin D, which are available at relatively low cost.”

Janet Fyle, from the Royal College of Midwives, said: "We would encourage women who are pregnant or are thinking of becoming pregnant to have a healthy, varied diet including fresh fruit and vegetables, alongside taking folic acid supplements.

"We would also stress that there is no need for pregnant women to 'eat for two'. This is a myth, and all that is required is a normal balanced amount of food."