Pregnancy is a time when a woman's nutritional needs increase significantly. It's essential to ensure an adequate intake of macro and micronutrients for the health and development of both the mother and the baby. While green powders may seem like a convenient solution to meet these increased nutrient needs, it's crucial to understand that not all green powders are suitable for pregnant women.
In this article, we will explore why most green powders are not recommended during pregnancy and discuss alternative options to ensure proper nutrient intake. We'll also address the safety concerns associated with consuming green powders during pregnancy and provide guidance on the best course of action.
Why are Most Green Powders Not Recommended During Pregnancy?
Many greens powders contain adaptogenic herbs which give them their health benefits. Unfortunately a lot of these haven’t been studied to determine if they are suitable for pregnant women, especially during the first trimester when hormonal balance is crucial for the developing fetus.
In fact several of the more potent herbs, often included in greens powders have been proven to be unsuitable in animal studies (although these often don’t pass to humans). Ginseng [1] and Ashwagandha[2] being two of the most notable.
But there are a lot of other herbal extracts which are deemed unsafe during pregnancy as well. [3]
Therefore, it is always recommended to seek professional medical advice before incorporating any supplements into your pregnancy routine.
Why the lack of Testing on Pregnant Women
Generally speaking there isn’t a whole lot of testing on a lot of the beneficial herbs in general. Quite simply because there isn’t as much money to be made in doing the research. There is also the fact that in general we don’t test things on pregnant women and only record issues on national databases if problems have been found after the birth.
Vitamins and Minerals
Your doctor may also tell you to take a multivitamin during pregnancy, and we need to remember that you can have too much of a good thing. As green powders are very rich in vitamins and minerals adding these together can be too much and cause toxicity. [4]
Risk of Passing Ingredients to the Unborn Child
During pregnancy, everything a mother consumes can potentially affect the baby's growth, development, and overall health. While the ingredients in green powders are generally nutrient-rich and beneficial, there may be certain ingredients that are unfamiliar or have not been extensively studied in the context of pregnancy.
Even individuals who are not pregnant may experience side effects when consuming green powders, highlighting the importance of gradually introducing these supplements and monitoring for adverse reactions.
However, during pregnancy, any adverse effects on the mother could potentially harm the baby. Therefore, it is best to avoid the risk and refrain from consuming green powders during pregnancy.
Legal Warnings on Green Powder Products
Most green powder brands include a warning label on their products advising against consumption by pregnant women. This precautionary measure is primarily due to the lack of testing and the potential risks associated with unproven safety during pregnancy. Manufacturers want to avoid legal issues and protect themselves from potential lawsuits.
Vitamins And Minerals You Need More Of During Pregnancy
Whilst you will need a bit more of every micro nutrient, the most important ones to watch out for specifically are.
- Iron – Prevents anaemia in the mother and baby
- Folate (folic acid in supplement form) – this helps prevent neural tube defects
- Vitamin D – This supports the development of the skeleton
- Iodine – Is essential for brain development
- Vitamin B12 – Is used for nervous system
- Vitamin C – Helps improve iron absorption
Alternative Options for Pregnant Women
While most green powders are not suitable for pregnant women, there are alternative options available that cater specifically to the nutritional needs of expectant mothers. These alternatives provide the necessary vitamins and minerals required during pregnancy. Let's explore some of these options:
Pregnancy-Specific Multivitamins
Many reputable pregnancy brands produce multivitamins specially formulated for pregnant women. These multivitamins contain a comprehensive blend of essential nutrients, including folate (folic acid), iodine, iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and vitamin C. These nutrients play crucial roles in the development of the baby and the overall health of the mother.
It is important to choose a high-quality pregnancy-specific multivitamin to ensure that you are getting the right balance and dosage of nutrients. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the most suitable option for your individual needs.
Pregnancy-Safe Green Powders
While most green powders are not recommended during pregnancy, some pregnancy-specific brands produce safe and tested green powders. These green powders are formulated with the needs of pregnant women in mind, providing a variety of essential nutrients in a convenient powder form.
One example of a pregnancy-safe green powder is Synergy Natural's Spirulina Powder. This brand assures that their product is safe for both pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. It is important to note that their Spirulina Powder contains Pro-Vitamin A (Beta-carotene) instead of excessive Vitamin A, which is not advised during pregnancy.
Spirulina is one of the better green powder ingredients in general and has been tested as beneficial during pregnancy for reducing oxidative stress and shown to be safe. [5]
Another option is Morlife Green Kidz Powder, originally designed for children but suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women as well. This powder blend contains 22 superfoods, including greens, fruits, and vegetables, along with essential vitamins and minerals.
Ultimately, there are far better options for mothers after pregnancy as both of these options are a little overpriced and under dosed compared to some of the best greens powders available at the moment.
However, whether you choose a pregnancy-safe green powder or a pregnancy-specific multivitamin is a personal decision.
Are Greens Powders Safe During Pregnancy? Conclusion
While green powders may offer numerous health benefits for the general population, caution should be exercised when considering their use during pregnancy. Most green powders are not suitable for pregnant women due to the lack of testing, the risk of passing unknown ingredients to the unborn child, and the legal warnings provided by manufacturers.
Instead, pregnant women should focus on consuming pregnancy-specific multivitamins or pregnancy-safe green powders that have been formulated and tested to meet the specific nutritional needs of expectant mothers. Consultation with a healthcare professional is crucial to ensure the safest and most effective approach to meeting your nutrient requirements during pregnancy.
Remember, the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby are of utmost importance, and making informed decisions about supplementation is an essential part of prenatal care.
References
1 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24649920/
2 - https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/ashwagandha
3 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8802657/
4 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7730771/
5 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33049335/
