Hi , I am a nursing mother with 2.5 months old baby. I was told not to take multivitamins with preformed Vitamin A in it but rather take caretone type vitamin A during my pregnancy. Is this still something I need to watch for? What are the most important things I should care about when looking for a good multivitamin (prenatal multi)?

Prenatal vitamins are, in general, specifically made for the needs of both the mother and fetus.  In pregnancy, a vitamin that contains at least the recommended daily requirements of iron for pregnant women is desirable.  In some cases, iron is irritating to the stomach and the amount in the vitamin supplement may need to be reduced.  The B class of vitamins, particularly folic acid, is vital to the development of the brain and the nervous system of the fetus.  Vitamin A is acceptable in a prenatal vitamin; however, because it is a fat-soluble vitamin, an excess of it in a supplement can build up in the maternal fat and in the fetus, resulting in the possibility of toxic effects.

The taking of Vitamin A in doses above 150-200% of recommended daily allowances in anyone--including nursing mothers, is unnecessary and can increase the risk for vitamin A toxicity

Best,

C. Traxler , MD