- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- grandparents today articles
- grandparents today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
The Times of Your Life
Recommended Supplements for Every Stage
By Kelly Burgess
None of these recommendations has changed, according to Lynn Laboranti, a registered dietician and continuing education specialist for Nature Made. "Women definitely need supplements for various stages of their life, and these needs change with each stage," says Laboranti. "Part of the reason is hormonal, part is physical and part is just the basic physiology of a woman's body."
What Do I Need?
The following are general supplement guidelines for the various stages of a woman's life. Laboranti notes that all of these recommendations are in addition to a daily multivitamin for all women. Also, it's important to see a doctor before starting to take any supplement to get his or her recommendation for amounts based on your personal medical history. Teens:
A woman's peak bone mass comes at age 18. Extra calcium is important for strong bones, with a vitamin D supplement to help absorption. In addition, because the incidence of iron deficiency is very high in women in the United States, Laboranti recommends an iron supplement as well. 20s and 30s:
A folic acid suppement in addition to all of the above should be taken. Pregnant women should follow their doctor's recommendation on prenatal vitamins and supplements.