NDSU Grad Student Launches Research Survey on Prenatal Vitamins

Nicole Neumiller, a graduate student in nutrition and exercise science at North Dakota State University, launched a research survey examining what young adults know and believe about prenatal vitamins. The project aims to identify gaps in understanding while simultaneously identifying methods to improve public education on prenatal nutrition.

Prenatal vitamins are often recommended to help women meet their elevated nutrient needs before and during pregnancy. The supplements can be beneficial in reducing the risk of nutrient deficiencies, subsequently playing a role in diminishing birth complications.

What it means

Neumiller, who also serves as the Pantry Coordinator for NDSU Goods for the Herd Food Pantry, said her interest in the topic stemmed from an undergraduate internship where she helped create an online course called Get Pregnancy Ready.

Neumiller gives insight into the importance of prenatal vitamins. “During pregnancy, nutrient needs increase significantly, and prenatal vitamins are formulated to help meet these demands when dietary intake may be insufficient. While prenatal vitamins are not a one-size-fits-all or comprehensive solution, they can play an important role in reducing the risk of adverse birth outcomes related to nutrient deficiencies.”

“After reviewing extensive research, I realized there was confusion about the appropriate amounts of vitamins and minerals to take during pregnancy,” Neumiller said. “The science of nutrition is always evolving, recommendations change based on research, and nutrition is personalized. However, there are hundreds of prenatal vitamins on the market, and many do not contain vital nutrients during this stage of life.”

While new research continually advances intake recommendations, Neumiller seeks to bridge the gap in knowledge between health care professionals and the public. By gathering data on young adults, Neumiller hopes to better understand ways to improve this demographic’s understanding of prenatal vitamins.

Research survey

Open since March 18, the survey is accessible through April 9. It consists of questions pertaining to participants’ experiences with prenatal vitamins, testing their knowledge on the subject.

The entire survey is estimated to take 10 to 15 minutes to complete, and participants must be between the ages of 18 and 35. Additionally, those who complete the survey may enter a drawing to win one of four $25 Amazon gift cards.

While the original survey was sent out through NDSU’s automated research email list, Research Listserv, Neumiller advises those who are interested — especially men and those who have been pregnant — to reach out to her through email for the link.

Academic purpose

The project is for Neumiller’s Master’s program, one of the last steps to earning her degree in exercise and nutrition science, as she will be graduating from NDSU at the end of the semester. She recognizes her advisor, Dr. Kar, for helping shape her career. “Her guidance has helped me turn my passion into action,” Neumiller stated.

Looking ahead

By identifying the knowledge gaps of prenatal nutrition, Neumiller aims to help support healthier futures for parents and children. Neumiller plans to share her findings with the NDSU community. Ultimately, she hopes the findings will help improve nutrition education both on the campus of NDSU and beyond.

To contact Neumiller about survey participation, she can be reached at nicole.l.neumiller@ndsu.edu.