[Health Column] Is Folic Acid the Only Supplement for Pregnancy Preparation? Learn More About Vitamin D, Iron, and Omega-3

 

hello, Director Lee Hyo-jin of Lee Hyo-jin Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic It is. 🩺

 

"Is it okay to take only folic acid when preparing for pregnancy?", "Should I also take Vitamin D and iron in advance?", "Is it good to start taking Omega-3 before pregnancy?"

Folic acid is the first supplement you will hear about when you start preparing for pregnancy. However, once you begin taking folic acid, other questions naturally arise. If you search for pregnancy supplements, you will find a wide variety of types and different recommended combinations, so you may be unsure where to start.

 

To start with the conclusion, Folic acid is basically recommended before pregnancy, but not all women need it equally, just like other supplements. The important thing is not to increase the number of supplements, but to examine the necessary nutrients based on your current dietary habits, nutritional status, and health condition.

 

Today, we will take a step-by-step look at the basics recommended for preparing for pregnancy, starting with folic acid, and progressing to Vitamin D, iron, Omega-3, iodine, and Vitamin B12. 🩺

 

 

1️⃣ Why should you start with folic acid when preparing for pregnancy?

Since folic acid is involved in the formation of the fetal neural tube that develops even before the fact of pregnancy is known, it is important to take it in advance starting from the time you plan to get pregnant.

 

The most basic nutrient recommended for women planning a pregnancy is folic acid Folic acid is a B vitamin nutrient necessary for cell division and DNA synthesis, and plays an important role in the normal formation of the fetal neural tube during early pregnancy.

The fetal neural tube begins to develop in the early stages of pregnancy, even before the fact of pregnancy is known. Therefore, rather than taking folic acid after confirming pregnancy Taking it in advance starting from the time you plan to get pregnant This is important.

 

🔸 Recommended dosage and timing
In general, it is recommended that women planning a pregnancy take 400μg of folic acid daily, starting at least one month before conception and taking it consistently until the early stages of pregnancy.

🔸 If higher capacity is needed
If you have a history of neural tube defect pregnancies or are taking certain medications, you should consult a healthcare professional as a higher dose may be required.

 

Then, what about supplements other than folic acid? The International Expert Consensus Study on Micronutrient Supplementation Before and After Pregnancy, published in 2025, examined the roles of various nutrients, including iron, vitamin D, iodine, and DHA, in addition to folic acid. However, the fact that these nutrients are important This does not mean that every woman needs to take each of these supplements separately.

 

💡 Expert advice
Start preparing for pregnancy with folic acid, but other nutrients The process of checking if I need it This is important. 🩺

 

 

2️⃣ Do I really need to take Vitamin D when preparing for pregnancy?

Vitamin D is not a supplement that must be taken unconditionally to increase the chances of pregnancy success; rather, it is a nutrient whose necessity is determined based on the risk of deficiency and an individual's health status.

 

One of the nutrients that people are most curious about after folic acid is Vitamin D Vitamin D plays an important role in calcium absorption and bone health, and its relationship with women's reproductive health is also being studied. In particular, there are studies that have examined the relationship between vitamin D levels and pregnancy outcomes in women who are preparing for pregnancy or undergoing infertility treatment.

 

📄 2023 Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Infertile Women

This study showed a higher clinical pregnancy rate in the vitamin D supplementation group. However, since the study subjects, treatment environments, and vitamin D supplementation methods differed, relying solely on these results is insufficient. It cannot be concluded that everyone is more likely to get pregnant if they take Vitamin D.

 

Therefore, it is advisable to understand Vitamin D as a nutrient for which the need for supplementation is determined based on the risk of deficiency and an individual's health status. If you have limited exposure to sunlight or have risk factors for Vitamin D deficiency, you can consult a doctor to undergo testing and discuss the possibility of supplementation.

 

⚠️ Points to note
Rather than arbitrarily taking high-dose vitamin D for a long period Checking the appropriate dosage This is important.

 

3️⃣ Should I take iron supplements before pregnancy even if I don't have anemia?

The key to managing iron before pregnancy is not to consume a lot in advance, but to check if you are deficient.

 

Iron is a nutrient necessary for producing hemoglobin in the blood. During pregnancy, blood volume increases and the demand for iron also increases, so Checking iron status before pregnancy This can be helpful. In particular, you need to check for iron deficiency in the following cases.

 

🔸 If you usually have heavy menstrual flow
🔸 If you have been diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia in the past
🔸 If fatigue or dizziness recurs
🔸 In cases of insufficient intake of iron-rich foods

 

📄 Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on Prenatal Nutritional Supplementation in 2025

This study reported the potential for pre-pregnancy supplementation with iron, folic acid, or complex nutrients to help reduce the risk of maternal anemia. However, the same effects were not confirmed for all women, nor does this mean that everyone should take iron supplements starting from pregnancy.

 

Taking more iron supplements than necessary can cause constipation, nausea, and abdominal discomfort. Therefore, rather than unconditionally increasing iron supplements, use them only when necessary. Check for anemia and iron stores through blood tests, ferritin tests, etc. It is recommended to decide whether to replenish.

 

 

4️⃣ Pregnancy Preparation: Should I take Omega-3 in advance for fetal development?

Omega-3 is also a nutrient that can be considered depending on dietary habits and nutritional status, rather than being an essential supplement for all women preparing for pregnancy.

 

When looking for nutritional supplements for pregnancy preparation, you will also frequently come across Omega-3. Among Omega-3 fatty acids DHA It is an important component for fetal brain and retinal development, and there are studies that have examined the relationship between omega-3 intake during pregnancy and the risk of premature birth. However, these research results Taking Omega-3 supplements before pregnancy should not be interpreted to mean that the chances of pregnancy increase.

 

🔸 Let's start by looking at the meals
If you usually consume little fish, check if you are getting enough DHA through your diet, and consider supplements if necessary.

🔸 Precautions when selecting fish
It is advisable to choose fish with low mercury content, and it is recommended to avoid fish species with high mercury content during pregnancy.

🔸 Things to check when selecting a product
Since the DHA and EPA content of Omega-3 supplements can vary from product to product, it is not recommended to choose a product based solely on its total volume.

 

5️⃣ Should I also take iodine and vitamin B12 before pregnancy?

Iodine can affect the thyroid gland whether insufficient or excessive, and vitamin B12 can become deficient due to a vegetarian diet or malabsorption.

 

In addition to folic acid, vitamin D, iron, and omega-3, there is another nutrient to examine. That is Iodine and Vitamin B12 no see.

 

🔸 How is iodine related to thyroid health?

Iodine is a nutrient essential for the production of thyroid hormones, which play a crucial role in the development of the fetal brain and nervous system. However, while an iodine deficiency is problematic, excessive intake can also affect thyroid function. Since iodine is frequently obtained from seaweed such as kelp, kombu, and laver in Korea, it is important to consider one's dietary habits and the presence of any underlying thyroid conditions. In particular If you have a thyroid condition, consult a medical professional rather than arbitrarily adding iodine-containing supplements. It is good to do so.

 

🔸 Vitamin B12, if you are a vegetarian, take a closer look.

Vitamin B12 is a nutrient essential for red blood cell production, nervous system function, and DNA synthesis. Since it is primarily found in animal products such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy, there is a risk of deficiency when maintaining a strict vegetarian diet. Additionally, it is necessary to check vitamin B12 status if you have gastrointestinal malabsorption or are taking certain medications for an extended period.

 

💡 Expert advice
The important thing is not to increase the variety of supplements, Examining which nutrients may be lacking in your regular diet It is. 🩺

 

 

6️⃣ Should my husband also take pregnancy preparation supplements?

It is also advisable for the husband to review his basic lifestyle habits first, rather than taking various supplements at once.

 

Preparing for pregnancy is not a process that women undertake alone. This is because men's health status and lifestyle habits are also related to reproductive health. Things a couple prepares together This is good.

When searching for nutritional supplements for men preparing for pregnancy, you can find various ingredients such as zinc, selenium, Coenzyme Q10, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E. Some of these nutrients have been studied in relation to sperm function or oxidative stress. However, it cannot be concluded that taking antioxidant supplements will necessarily improve sperm quality or increase pregnancy and birth rates. Research on antioxidants for male infertility yields inconsistent results and varies depending on the type and dosage of the supplement and the subjects of the study.

 

📌 Lifestyle habits that men should practice together when preparing for pregnancy

🔸 If you smoke, quit smoking
🔸 Reduce drinking and avoid excessive drinking
🔸 Maintain sufficient sleep and regular exercise
🔸 Managing a healthy weight
🔸 Practice a balanced diet and sufficient rest
🔸 Avoid environments where excessive heat is repeatedly applied to the testicles

 

Since it takes about 2 to 3 months for sperm to be produced and mature, managing your lifestyle habits before planning a pregnancy is helpful. However, lifestyle improvements alone do not resolve all male infertility issues. If you are having difficulty conceiving or have concerns about your reproductive health, a proper evaluation may be necessary.

 

💡 Expert advice
What is important for couples preparing for pregnancy is not taking a lot of nutritional supplements together, Understanding each other's health conditions and building healthy lifestyle habits together It is. 🩺

 

 

💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Is it okay to take only folic acid when preparing for pregnancy?

A. Folic acid is a nutrient that is basically recommended starting from before pregnancy. It is advisable to decide whether to add other supplements based on individual health conditions, such as dietary habits, risk of nutritional deficiencies, anemia, or thyroid disease.

 

Q2. Is it mandatory to take Vitamin D when preparing for pregnancy?

A. Not all women require high-dose vitamin D supplementation. If you are at risk of deficiency or have a medical need, you can consult with a doctor about testing and supplementation.

 

Q3. When should I start taking iron supplements before pregnancy?

A. Iron supplements are not uniformly recommended for all women before pregnancy. If menstrual bleeding is heavy or anemia is suspected, it is advisable to determine the necessary timing and dosage through blood tests.

 

Q4. Is Omega-3 necessary for pregnancy preparation?

A. While DHA is an important nutrient, Omega-3 supplements are not essential for all women before pregnancy. The need for supplementation can be determined by considering fish intake and dietary habits.

 

Q5. Should my husband also take pregnancy preparation supplements?

A. Supplementation may be necessary if specific nutrients are deficient. However, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that men's multivitamins or antioxidants increase the pregnancy success rate for all men. Lifestyle management, such as quitting smoking, moderating alcohol consumption, exercising, and getting enough sleep, is important.

 

🎯 Conclusion & Summary

As you prepare for pregnancy, you may feel the need to take care of every single one of your needs. Starting with folic acid, adding vitamin D, and looking into iron and omega-3s, you may find yourself accumulating a large variety of supplements before you know it. However, Not all women preparing for pregnancy need the same nutritional supplements.

While folic acid is a nutrient generally recommended starting from pregnancy, the necessity of vitamins such as vitamin D, iron, omega-3, iodine, and vitamin B12 may vary depending on an individual's nutritional status, dietary habits, and health condition. Additionally, when taking multiple supplements together... Checking to ensure that identical components are not duplicated It is also important.

 

Lee Hyo-jin Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic places great importance on medical care that involves discussing together what aspects should be examined during the process of preparing for pregnancy, rather than simply focusing on what more to eat. The start of pregnancy preparation is not about taking a lot of nutritional supplements, but, Understanding my body and making the necessary preparations step by step We hope that everyone preparing for a healthy pregnancy will start making preparations tailored to them based on accurate information, rather than worrying unnecessarily. 🩺

 

Lee Hyo-jin OB/GYN

Chief Director Lee Hyo-jin

Graduated from Konkuk University School of Medicine

Fellow and Clinical Professor of Gynecological Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hanyang University

Former Director of Yunho Hospital

Former Director of Jangse Women's Hospital

Former Director of Dream Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic

Regular member of the Korean Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Regular member of the Korean Society of Contraception and Reproductive Health

Regular member of the Korean Menopause Society

Regular member of the Korean Society of Sexual Medicine

Current Chief Director of Lee Hyo-jin Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic

 

The medical content of this column is based on the following papers and clinical guidelines.
· International expert consensus on micronutrient supplement use during the early life course. 2025.PubMed PMID: 39833730
· Role of preconception nutrition supplements in maternal anemia and intrauterine growth: a systematic review and meta-analysis. 2025.
· Influence of Vitamin D supplementation on reproductive outcomes of infertile patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. 2023.
※ This article provides health information based on medical research and general pre-pregnancy health guidelines. The necessary tests and the types and dosages of supplements may vary depending on individual medical conditions, medication use, and nutritional status.

 

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