A new study from US and Danish universities reports that women who took a multivitamin supplement around conception reduced their risk of giving birth prematurely by sixteen per cent.
The study also found a link between taking multivitamin supplements and a reduced risk (seventeen per cent) of the baby being born underweight.
Simon Bandy from nutritional supplements company, Health Plus says “Women are usually advised to take folic acid before conception and during pregnancy but there is less advice about what additional supplements are beneficial for expectant mothers.
“Pregnant women have to be careful to avoid certain foods during pregnancy but at the same time, it is important that in doing so they don’t miss out on any vital nutrients. Although there is no substitute for a healthy, well-balanced diet, taking a good quality multivitamin can help to ensure that the nutritional needs of both mother and foetus are met.”
