Is it safe to take prenatal vitamins if I am not pregnant? (hair, prenatals)

[thorpe]

I am a 34 year old female who has taken multivitamins in the past. I just took my last mulitivitamin yesterday and I am going to buy some more at Whole Foods today. My question is can I take a prenatal vitamins even though I am not pregnant. I just want to get as many vitamins as possible. I have always heard that prenatal vitamins are very beneficial. I try to eat well but I know prenatals can make your hair shiney,nails grow and give you iron. Does anybody know if it is safe for me to take a prenatals if I am not pregnant?

[lola8822]

I would not take them personally as the levels of Iron and Zinc in prenatal vitamins are very high for just one person (intended for two ) Also, it has yet to be proven (medically) that they actually promote hair and nail growth....most medical scientists and researchers belive that to have more to do with actually being pregnant than the vitamins themselves. Your best bet to ensure total vitamin efficency is to eat your daily recomended servings of fruits and veggies and proteins....the pyramid is a great source for this info.....if it is not at all possible to do this a multivitamin is your next best option but I would steer clear from prenatals....unless of course your planning on becoming pregnant within the next few months

[L.K.]

Originally Posted by lola8822

I would not take them personally as the levels of Iron and Zinc in prenatal vitamins are very high for just one person (intended for two ) Also, it has yet to be proven (medically) that they actually promote hair and nail growth....most medical scientists and researchers belive that to have more to do with actually being pregnant than the vitamins themselves. Your best bet to ensure total vitamin efficency is to eat your daily recomended servings of fruits and veggies and proteins....the pyramid is a great source for this info.....if it is not at all possible to do this a multivitamin is your next best option but I would steer clear from prenatals....unless of course your planning on becoming pregnant within the next few months

I would totally agree.Great advise!

[thorpe]

Thanks for the info

[crazyworld]

That is not a good idea at all. Prenatal are made for pregnancy. You're probably better off not taking anything until you do get to the store.

[pitt_transplant]

No. Not safe at all. Taking those without being pregnant is actually toxic to your body.

Google: Iron toxicity danger

if you want to read about it.

[christabelmusonda]

am planing tto get prignatn is it okey if i start taking prenatal vitamens?

[christabelmusonda]

am planing to get pregnant next month, is it okey for me to start taking prenatal vitamins? some one help me understand.

[Paula Lynn]

I would contact your OB/GYN

[candypop]

Everyone's body is different, but the prenatal vitamin can be taken prior to becoming pregnant if you can find a prenatal vitamin that says it can be taken prior. I have found my skin and nails have been in much better shape since I have been taken my prenatal vitamins. I was pregnant, but unfortunately I lost my baby. My OB/GYN did suggest I continue to take the pills though. Also another nice multiple vitamin is the One a Day powder drink kind that for women. It did okay for my body. Check with a doctor though before starting any kind of vitamin though, since every body is different.