Experts claim multivitamins are a waste of money for the majority of pregnant women. Researchers advise that mums-to-be should carry on taking folic acid and vitamin D, but claim other supplements are not required.

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An overview of studies, concerning women taking vitamins during pregnancy, has said that there is no evidence to support taking supplements, with the exception of folic acid and vitamin D.

A large panel of experts in the field reviewed available evidence on folic acid, vitamin D, iron, vitamins C, E, A, and multivitamins in pregnancy.

The research, which was published in the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin, said that the evidence showed that eating a balanced diet, as recommended by NHS guidelines, and taking folic acid and vitamin D, was enough to keep mums-to-be healthy.

The researchers stated:

'The only supplements recommended for all women during pregnancy are folic acid and vitamin D, which are available at relatively low cost.'

The importance of vitamins in pregnancy

Taking 400 micrograms a day of folic acid has been shown to protect against conditions such as spina bifida in the developing baby.

There is also some evidence to indicate that 10 micrograms a day of vitamin D can help boost the bone health of mother and baby.

It is also important that pregnant women avoid taking supplements with large amounts of vitamin A; too much can harm the baby.

This is why pregnant women are advised to avoid eating liver products, such as pate, which are high in vitamin A.

'Unnecessary expense'

The researchers, led by GP Dr James Cave, said:

'For most women who are planning to become pregnant, or who are pregnant, complex multivitamin and mineral preparations promoted for use during pregnancy are unlikely to be needed, and are an unnecessary expense.'

They added:

'Pregnant women may be vulnerable to messages about giving their baby the best start in life, regardless of cost, and be unaware that the only supplements recommended for all women during pregnancy are folic acid and vitamin D, which are available at relatively low cost.'

The experts involved in this study were critical of 'heavy marketing' of multivitamins in pregnancy. They argued that the science used to promote the vitamins was generally not relevant for women in the UK.

'Much of the evidence for vitamin supplementation in pregnancy comes from studies carried out in low-income countries, where women are more likely to be undernourished or malnourished than within the UK population,' they said.

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.'

'Filling dietary gaps'

However, the Health Food Manufacturers' Association, which represents the food supplements industry, said that many women of child-bearing age do not eat a nutrient-rich diet, and can benefit from supplements.

Dr Carrie Ruxton, from the industry-funded Health Supplements Information Service, said:

'The authors of this study wrongly claim that vitamin and mineral supplements must produce clinical effects before pregnant women are encouraged to take them.

'This is absolute nonsense. The role of food supplements is simply to combat dietary gaps.'

Did you take a multivitamin during pregnancy? Do you reckon they made a positive difference to your wellbeing and your baby's? Let us know your thoughts.