08 Dec 2023 — International researchers suggest that over-the-counter supplements can reduce vitamin insufficiencies in women during preconception, pregnancy and lactation. They also caution that at the start of their trial, over 90% of participants had marginal or low concentrations of one or more nutrients — folate, riboflavin, vitamin B12 and vitamin D — while many developed markers of vitamin B6 deficiency in late pregnancy.
In the clinical trial, researchers assessed blood plasma levels of women at preconception, in early and late pregnancy and post-delivery. Half of the 1,729 participants received standard vitamin supplements, while the other half consumed an enhanced vitamin supplement.