When it comes to supplements, many people assume that what’s on the label matches what’s inside the bottle. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. A recent study of 47 prenatal vitamin brands revealed shocking discrepancies in nutrient content—along with concerning levels of toxic heavy metals.
This study serves as an important reminder that not all supplements are created equal. And when it comes to supporting your body—whether through pregnancy, nervous system regulation, or overall health—quality matters.
Let’s dive into the findings and discuss how nutrition directly impacts your nervous system’s ability to stay balanced and resilient.
What’s Really in Your Prenatal Vitamins?
Prenatal vitamins are designed to provide essential nutrients for pregnancy, but this study exposed major gaps in quality and safety. Researchers tested the supplements for two key nutrients—choline and iodine—as well as for toxic heavy metal contamination.
Here’s what they found:
❌ Only 5 products contained the amount of choline listed on the label.
❌ Only 4 products contained the amount of iodine listed on the label.
❌ 7 products exceeded the safety limit for arsenic, 2 for lead, and 13 for cadmium.
These findings are alarming because choline and iodine are crucial for fetal brain development, while arsenic, lead, and cadmium are toxic substances that should never be in prenatal supplements.
Unlike prescription medications, dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA. This means it’s up to consumers to research and choose brands that prioritize purity, potency, and transparency.
Your Diet & Nervous System Regulation
A well-functioning nervous system is essential for managing stress, emotions, and overall health. While meditation and deep breathing are great tools, your diet plays a crucial role in keeping your nervous system balanced.
Nutrients that support nervous system regulation:
✅ Protein – Provides the building blocks for neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which influence mood and relaxation.
✅ Healthy fats – Help nerve cells communicate and maintain stability. Omega-3s, found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, are especially beneficial.
Foods that can overstimulate the nervous system:
❌ Sugar – Causes blood sugar spikes and crashes, leading to irritability and anxiety.
❌ Alcohol – Disrupts neurotransmitter function, affecting sleep and mood.
❌ Caffeine – Can keep the nervous system in a constant state of alertness, making relaxation difficult.
The bottom line? If you want a resilient, well-regulated nervous system, nutrition has to be part of the equation.
What Does a Regulated Nervous System Look Like?
A regulated nervous system doesn’t mean you feel calm 100% of the time. It means your body can respond appropriately to stress—and recover afterward.
When your nervous system is balanced, you can:
✨ Experience emotions without being overwhelmed by them.
✨ Recognize stress and return to a state of calm.
✨ Allow yourself to rest without feeling guilty.
Beyond mental and emotional health, a well-regulated nervous system can also improve gut health, skin, hormones, metabolism, and overall healing.
In functional medicine, we focus on identifying and addressing the root causes of imbalance. And for many people, nervous system dysregulation is a hidden obstacle to optimal health.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one key takeaway from this, it’s that quality matters—whether we’re talking about supplements or the food we put in our bodies.
✔️ Choose high-quality supplements from trusted brands that prioritize testing and transparency.
✔️ Support your nervous system with the right nutrients—not just mindfulness techniques.
✔️ Recognize that balance is possible, and small changes can lead to big improvements in health.
If you’re looking for personalized guidance in optimizing your supplements, diet, or nervous system regulation, I’d love to help. Let’s work together to build a foundation for long-term wellness and resilience. 💛
