Clipping Board » Dangerous Medicinal Tonics ─ Nutrients should be moderate in the body—excessive supplementation only becomes a burden.
【By Han Zhengyan and Gao Liling, Comprehensive Report】
Latest international research indicates that pregnant women who consume vitamin E during early pregnancy may increase the risk of congenital heart defects in their babies.
**Avoid Additional Supplementation**
Domestic doctors note that vitamin E is an antioxidant. As long as pregnant women maintain a balanced diet and avoid extra supplementation, there should be no concerns about excessive intake.
According to a report yesterday by the UK's *Daily Mail*, Dutch researchers analyzed the dietary habits of 591 pregnant women. They found that those who consumed more than 14.9 mg of vitamin E daily during the first two months of pregnancy were nine times more likely to give birth to babies with heart defects compared to those who consumed 12.6 mg daily. The study advises pregnant women or those planning pregnancy to avoid additional vitamin E supplementation beyond their regular diet. The findings have been published in the *British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology*.
Dr. Xu Zhenjie, director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Taipei Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, explained that vitamin E is an antioxidant and should only be supplemented when particularly fatigued. Pregnant women are especially advised against excessive intake, as it may harm both maternal and fetal health. Regarding whether it increases the risk of fetal heart defects, he believes larger-scale studies are needed for verification.
**Nutritional Considerations for Pregnant Women**
- No need for additional vitamin E supplementation before or during pregnancy. Foods containing vitamin E, such as vegetable oils and nuts, can still be consumed normally without restriction.
- Maintain a normal, balanced diet with no special dietary restrictions.
- Women planning pregnancy should increase folic acid intake three months prior to conception to prevent neural tube defects in the baby. Foods rich in folic acid include brown rice and barley.
- After 20 weeks of pregnancy, women require more red blood cell production and are advised to consume iron-rich foods such as beef, pork liver, and spinach.
Source: Dr. Xu Zhenjie
Source: *Apple Daily*, April 7, Page A9
Original link: http:/ / www. babyhome. com. tw/ m……sID=2339815& bid=8& r=0& page=1
Vitamin E in Pregnancy Linked to Heart Defects in Babies
Latest international research indicates that pregnant women who consume vitamin E during early pregnancy may increase the risk of congenital heart defects in their babies.
**Avoid Additional Supplementation**
Domestic doctors note that vitamin E is an antioxidant. As long as pregnant women maintain a balanced diet and avoid extra supplementation, there should be no concerns about excessive intake.
According to a report yesterday by the UK's *Daily Mail*, Dutch researchers analyzed the dietary habits of 591 pregnant women. They found that those who consumed more than 14.9 mg of vitamin E daily during the first two months of pregnancy were nine times more likely to give birth to babies with heart defects compared to those who consumed 12.6 mg daily. The study advises pregnant women or those planning pregnancy to avoid additional vitamin E supplementation beyond their regular diet. The findings have been published in the *British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology*.
Dr. Xu Zhenjie, director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Taipei Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, explained that vitamin E is an antioxidant and should only be supplemented when particularly fatigued. Pregnant women are especially advised against excessive intake, as it may harm both maternal and fetal health. Regarding whether it increases the risk of fetal heart defects, he believes larger-scale studies are needed for verification.
**Nutritional Considerations for Pregnant Women**
- No need for additional vitamin E supplementation before or during pregnancy. Foods containing vitamin E, such as vegetable oils and nuts, can still be consumed normally without restriction.
- Maintain a normal, balanced diet with no special dietary restrictions.
- Women planning pregnancy should increase folic acid intake three months prior to conception to prevent neural tube defects in the baby. Foods rich in folic acid include brown rice and barley.
- After 20 weeks of pregnancy, women require more red blood cell production and are advised to consume iron-rich foods such as beef, pork liver, and spinach.
Source: Dr. Xu Zhenjie
Source: *Apple Daily*, April 7, Page A9
Original link: http:/ / www. babyhome. com. tw/ m……sID=2339815& bid=8& r=0& page=1