Weight Gain or Energy Enhancement Supplements: A Potential Risk to Pregnant Women and Their Fetus?
Revised Article:
Pregnancy can be a rollercoaster ride, with its highs and lows, including that pesky weight gain and exhaustion. But for some women, the thought of packing on extra 25 to 35 pounds or experiencing "baby brain" might lead them to seek refuge in herbal supplements. These supposed miraculous potions claim to counteract some less-than-glamorous pregnancy symptoms.
One common ingredient in such magical elixirs is vinpocetine. You might know it by other names such as periwinkle extract, Vinca minor, or similar variations. This ingredient is found in a variety of weight loss, energy-boosting, and memory-enhancing products.
However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) recent warnings should give pause to all expectant mothers and anyone planning to conceive. The FDA advises against the use of vinpocetine, as it may potentially cause miscarriage and result in reduced fetal weight[1].
Obstetrician-Gynecologist Dr. Erin McKelvy emphasizes the gravity of this warning, questioning whether any herbal health product or supplement is truly safe for pregnant women. "Supplements don't undergo the same rigorous regulation as prescription drugs," Dr. McKelvy explains. "And many supplements come in proprietary blends, which means the exact amount of an ingredient can vary wildly[2]."
The danger of proprietary blends is that the amount of the active ingredient in a product can range from 1% to five times the recommended dose. With such uncertainty, negative side effects are a possibility, even for those who aren't pregnant.
"When buying a car or a house, people usually conduct thorough research," Dr. McKelvy says. "So when it comes to pregnancy, women should be prepared and informed. Consult your doctor for pre-pregnancy counseling, discuss your medications, and consider the safety of any supplements or herbal health products."
If you're considering becoming pregnant and find it hard to let go of a supplement, it's still crucial to consult your doctor. They can review the product and suggest safe, approved medications and alternatives[3].
Dr. McKelvy advises, "There are other solutions out there to help combat weight gain and energy loss during pregnancy. We don't want expectant mothers to unnecessarily worry about potential harm caused by their food or drink choices."
[1] - https://www.fda.gov/food/ingredientspackaginglabeling/dietarysupplements/ucm392783.htm[2] - https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/herbal-supplements/faq-20058448#:~:text=Most%20herbal%20supplements%20aren't,have%20identified%20the%20Active%20ingredients.[3] - https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/15202-pregnancy-and-medications-the-risks-of-taking-prescription-drugs-and-supplements-during-pregnancy[4] - https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1146/vinpocetine[5] - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5594914/
- Expectant mothers and those planning to conceive should be cautious about using herbal supplements marketed for counteracting pregnancy symptoms, particularly those containing vinpocetine, as per the US Food and Drug Administration, given its potential to cause miscarriage and reduced fetal weight.
- Pregnant women considering the use of health-and-wellness supplements or therapies-and-treatments should consult their doctor beforehand, as many of these products have not undergone the same rigorous regulation as prescription drugs, and the exact dosage of ingredients may vary significantly.
- A registered Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Dr. Erin McKelvy, strongly advises that pregnant women focus on finding safe, approved medications and alternatives to address weight gain and energy loss during pregnancy, rather than relying on potentially harmful supplements or questionable food choices.
