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. 2020 Sep 3;12(9):2692. doi: 10.3390/nu12092692

Table 6.

Reasoning for taking supplements in pregnancy and lactation.

Reasoning for Taking Supplements Folic Acid Pregnancy
n (%)
Folic Acid Lactation
n (%)
Iodine Pregnancy
n (%)
Iodine Lactation
n (%)
Other Pregnancy
n (%)
Other Lactation
n (%)
Health professional’s advice 396 (93%) 39 (52%) 388 (92%) 144 (81%) 201 (65%) 84 (49%)
Following NZPBG 254 (60%) 14 (19%) 221 (53%) 36 (20%) 103 (33%) 20 (12%)
Advice from family member or friend 53 (12%) 6 (8%) 44 (10%) 4 (2%) 50 (16%) 20 (12%)
Advice from internet, magazine, book, or newspaper 37 (9%) 4 (5%) 27 (6%) 4 (2%) 27 (9%) 17 (10%)
Blood tests confirmed a deficiency NA NA 11 (3%) 2 (1%) 28 (9%) 5 (3%)
Other * 15 (4%) 27 (36%) 10 (2%) 26 (15%) 76 (25%) 74 (43%)

* Pregnancy: lacking in diet (vegan, vegetarian), reduce morning sickness, instead of Elevit, increases fertility, common knowledge, took in previous pregnancy, always taken, tiredness, boost nutrition, overall health and energy. * Lactation: lacking in diet (vegan, vegetarian) finishing off supplements, supporting milk supply, ensure dietary adequacy, post-partum haemorrhage, always taken, sleep, tiredness, boost nutrition, overall health and energy.