Use of a multivitamin in early pregnancy may reduce the risk of miscarriage by 57% suggests a new study of 4,725 women. In this prospective study, women were assessed for use of prenatal or multivitamin formulas in early pregnancy.
Even after controlling for variables like age, education and smoking, it was found that women who reported using either a prenatal vitamin supplement or a multivitamin in early pregnancy had a reduced risk of miscarriage. While this study suggests a positive effect of vitamin supplementation on miscarriage incidence, the finding may also be related to healthier behaviours in vitamin users commented the study authors.
My comment: This is an important finding as it means that we should be focusing on making sure levels of all nutrients, and not just folic acid, are high enough both before we even think about trying to conceive as well as during and after pregnancy.
One of the key indicators of higher miscarriage risk I have come across is when levels of antagonistic copper and zinc are imbalanced. Copper rises as we approach the birth. If it rises too early, we are more at risk of miscarriage. One of the reasons this could happen is because the levels of zinc are too low, allowing copper to start at a higher level earlier on and therefore rise earlier than it should.
I often advise women to have a hair test to check levels of both of these important minerals before they conceive as a safeguard against such a distressing event. I wish that more couples would see me before they begin to start a family, just so we can make sure that nutrient levels are optimal. Optimum levels often equal easier conception and pregnancy, a happier, healthier baby and Mum is less likely to have post natal depression or breast-feeding problems. I have devised and used a really successful pre-conception programme which takes four months to get Mum and Dad into tip-top health. So, if you or someone you know is thinking of starting a family, please get in touch: four months’ preparation is not long, but will pay long-term dividends!