The Need for Extra Vitamins & Supplements for Women in Arizona

When it comes to nutrition, women may need extra vitamins and supplements to maintain health and wellness, especially during specific times in their life, such as pregnancy or menopause. At Dignity Health, our women’s health specialists extend knowledgeable care about optimal nutrition to women of all ages. 

If you would like to speak with a provider about nutritional counseling in Arizona, Find a Doctor today at Dignity Health.

Stages of Life Requiring Extra Vitamins & Supplements

Doctors may recommend a diet higher in certain vitamins and supplements during these times in a woman’s life:

Before Pregnancy

Your doctor may prescribe a supplement for folic acid before your pregnancy to reduce the risk of neural defects, including spina bifida and anencephaly. Your baby is most at risk during the earliest weeks of pregnancy (b)efore you may even know you are pregnant. For this reason, it’s recommended that women who may become pregnant take at least 400 micrograms of folic acid each day. Even if you take a multivitamin, it is important to take a separate folic acid supplement. Don’t just double up on multivitamins. Taking several multivitamins can cause an overdose of other vitamins.

During Pregnancy

Your obstetrician may suggest taking prenatal vitamins to ensure you and your baby receive the proper nutrition during pregnancy. Your doctor may recommend extra vitamins and supplements if you have morning sickness and are not able to eat well.

During & After Menopause

Menopausal and postmenopausal women are at a greater risk of getting osteoporosis. For this reason, doctors often recommend calcium and vitamin D supplements to help strengthen and maintain bone structure.

How to Get More Vitamins & Supplements in Your Diet

No matter what stage of life you are in, a healthy diet is one of the most valuable factors in your overall health and wellbeing. If you would like to learn more about ways to add more vitamins and supplements to your diet, speak with a provider at Dignity Health. Our women’s health experts can help you focus on what you might be missing, and refer you to a dietician for complete nutritional care to meet your specific needs. 

Women’s health specialists at Dignity Health offer personalized care to help women of all ages add vitamins and supplements to their diet through nutritional counseling in Arizona.