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I understand how special it is to bring a new member into the family; when it comes to pregnancy, health is always the main concern. Finding the best prenatal vitamins is always important during your 9 months. That is why, here at The Nutritional Source, I have dedicated time and research to formulate a list of the ten best prenatal vitamins based on their ingredients, clinical trial performance and results. Let’s take a look at the best prenatal vitamins together.
Prenatal vitamins are used to supply any nutrients you might be lacking during your pregnancy. The best over the counter prenatal vitamins help:
- Cut back on nausea
- Boost fertility
- Reduce risk of birth defects
The best prenatal vitamins help you and your new baby get through the next 9 months with a healthy pregnancy. A poor diet, like eating McDonald’s, and lack of vitamins like vitamin D, have been associated increased risk of miscarriages.
Clinical trials have also found that taking iron and folic acid before and during the pregnancy can reduce the risk for stillbirth. Both iron and folic acid (water-soluble vitamin B), can also help with hair growth.
One of the most important vitamins to look for when choosing the best prenatal vitamins is vitamin B12. The deficiency of this vitamin can cause infertility and recurrent miscarriages, according to research.
The lack of B12 may also increase risk the of birth defects and pre-term delivery.
Worldwide studies have shown that pregnant women usually have a vitamin D deficiency due to lifestyle changes. Those changes, for example, can result in less sunlight absorption. The lack of vitamin D can be detrimental to fetal growth, bone density and immune system development.
Vitamin A is another vitamin you should look for when choosing the best prenatal vitamin. Clinical trials have found there are many benefits of including vitamin A in your diet during pregnancy, such as fighting anemia, infection and maternal mortality.
Iron deficiency affects most pregnant women and young children. According to studies, most people’s diet remain iron deficient. Pregnant women should receive 100 mg of elemental iron per day.
One clinical trial has found that women taking at least 60 grams of elemental iron supplement per day are less likely to have underweight newborns and have 70% less of a risk of anemia. Make sure you speak with your doctor regarding iron supplements. Too much iron can be dangerous.
One of the most popular and well-known substances that should be taken by women planning to get pregnant is folic acid. It is an essential element to protect against fetal heart defects, according to studies. Some data has suggested the use of folic acid to improve the reproductive system.
According to research, the general recommendation of folic acid supplementation is 0.4 mg per day minimum for at least six months prior to conception. Prenatal vitamins usually contain up to 1 mg of folic acid and provides proper protection if used between three and six months.
Women who have diabetes, are considered obese, have had neural tube defects in previous pregnancies, or suffer from other special conditions should take up to 5 mg of folic acid per day as part of prenatal vitamins.
Prenatal Vitamins
With that being said, our first product on the list of the best prenatal vitamins is the New Chapter Perfect Prenatal Vitamins, which contains everything you need for a safe pregnancy.
These prenatal vitamins contain vitamins A, B12, E and folate. Folate is a vitamin required for the growth and development of your fetus. According to studies, these ingredients together decrease the risk of miscarriage, birth defects and pre-term delivery. They also promote fertility and improve fetus development.
Our second prenatal vitamin is specifically picked for vegetarian women. The Garden of Life Vegetarian Prenatal Vitamin Supplement is dairy and gluten free; it also contains no soy allergens. This product is a rich source of vitamin A, B12, E and C as well as folic acid and Iron to prevent anemia.
The Vitafusion Prenatal Vitamin contains folic acid as the main ingredient. This substance has been proven to be essential before and during pregnancy. Vitamin B12 is another compound in this prenatal vitamin.
As a plus, the Vitafusion Prenatal Vitamins contains docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is fundamental for the growth and functional development of the brain in infants, according to studies. The Vitafusion Prenatal Vitamins come in natural lemon and raspberry lemonade flavored gummies.
Our fourth pick is the Prenatal Vitamins from Zenwise. These are some of the best over the counter prenatal vitamins. They are a prenatal vitamin that also contains folic acid, calcium and iron. In its formula, you’ll find vitamins A, C, E, B12 and others.
The Nature Made Prenatal Vitamin combines 200 mg of DHA with vitamins, iron, calcium, zinc, folic acid and minerals. Most of the supplements come in tablets, however the Nature Made Prenatal Vitamin is a liquid soft gel capsule supplement.
The sixth on the list is the Rainbow Light Prenatal Vitamin; a vegan supplement for not only before and during the pregnancy, but also for the baby. It contains folic acid, vitamins B, C and D, calcium and iron.
One A Day Women’s Prenatal Vitamin has DHA and folic acid as the main ingredients. In its formula, you’ll also find other essential nutrients for a healthy pregnancy, such as iron and vitamins C, D, E and B12.
MegaFood – Baby & Me Prenatal Vitamins come in eighth on our list. This product is a vitamin B6 source, it contains folic acid and herbs to support your balance and mood during pregnancy.
The following prenatal vitamin is Best Nest Prenatal Vitamins which has vitamin B12 and folic acid as the main ingredients. Is also contains vitamins C, E, D, zinc, iron and other minerals. This product has a natural vanilla flavor.
The Best Nest Natural Prenatal vitamins is at the bottom of the list, but not for any specific reason. This product provides you with vitamins A, C, E, B12, folic acid, iron and zinc. Its formula contains probiotics, which improve your gastrointestinal functions; these prenatal vitamins are safe to take on an empty stomach.
The SmartyPants Prenatal Complete Gummy is our last pick. It contains vitamins, probiotics, folate and iron. These prenatal vitamins are also organic. These over the counter prenatal vitamins contain no genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) in their formula; it also comes in flavored gummies.
Choosing The Best Prenatal Vitamins
In the list following this paragraph, I will help you decide which is the best prenatal vitamin that’s right for you. Rainbow light prenatal vitamins smell great and are easy to take! Our other favorite is the New Chapter Vitamins because they are all natural!
Let’s jump into our list of the best prenatal vitamins.
1. New Chapter Vitamins | Perfect Prenatal Vitamins
These prenatal vitamins contain vitamins A, C, D, K, B12, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and folate. The New Chapter Perfect Prenatal has an organic prenatal blend; as a plus, it is made with brown rice, berries, peppermint and other organic ingredients. These tablets can be taken on empty stomach.
According to reviews, these prenatal vitamins do not cause nausea; it is a natural option for women who want to have a healthy pregnancy. Some users, however, considered the product expensive.
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2. Garden of Life Vegetarian Prenatal Vitamins
These prenatal vitamins are gluten and dairy free. It contains vitamins C, D, E, K, B12 and others. They also contain folate, zinc, magnesium, iron and calcium. The capsules are vegetarian and have organic ingredients such as berries, spinach and tomato.
Users have said that this product has almost every nutrient needed for a healthy pregnancy. But, some reviews have highlighted that the product doesn’t contain DHA. Users have also said this product can cause hormonal disturbances, indigestion and nausea.
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3. Vitafusion Prenatal Vitamins
These prenatal vitamins come in natural lemon and raspberry flavored gummies. In its formula, you’ll find vitamins E, C, D, and B12. Along with those vitamins, it also contains zinc, DHA and Omega 3. Omega 3 is also great for hair growth.
According to reviews, the gummies have a pleasant taste and can be used not only for pregnant women, but everyone who is looking for a vitamin supplement. Some users have complained about the staining of their teeth caused by these gummy prenatal vitamins.
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4. Prenatal Vitamins by Zenwise
These prenatal vitamins by Zenwise contain vitamins A, C, D, E, B12 as well as folic acid, iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium and zinc.
Users have reported this product is easy to swallow and can help to improve your nails and hair growth and strength. Some reviews, however, highlighted this vitamin can cause stomach aches and weight gain. To learn more about losing weight, try The Mayo Clinic Diet.
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5. Nature Made Prenatal Vitamins
Nature Made Prenatal Vitamins come in liquid soft-gel capsules and have no artificial flavoring or colors. It is also gluten-free. It contains DHA, vitamins, iron, calcium, zinc, folic acid and other minerals.
According to reviews, one of the advantages of Nature Made Prenatal Vitamins are the fact that they contain DHA, vitamins and other substances concentrated all in to one pill. Users have reported that these prenatal vitamins are easy to swallow. Some of them complained about the smell of the vitamins and stomach discomfort that these supplements caused at times.
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6. Rainbow Light Prenatal One Vitamins
The plus side to the Rainbow Light Prenatal One Vitamins are that they are vegan and gluten-free. They contain probiotics and enzymes to improve digestion and help to avoid constipation. In this supplement, you will find folic acid, vitamins B, C and D, calcium and iron. They also contain an herbal blend with raspberry, ginger and spirulina.
Users have considered the pills easy to take. They also reported the vitamins having a pleasant smell. Reviews have also reported that the pills may cause nausea and stomach pain.
7. One A Day Women’s Prenatal Vitamins
One A Day Women’s Prenatal Vitamins made it on our list of “best prenatal vitamins” because they come in liquid soft gel capsules. Not only that, but they contain folic acid and DHA as the main ingredients.
It’s also a source of calcium, iron, zinc and vitamins B,C,D and E.
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8. MegaFood – Baby & Me Prenatal Vitamins
MegaFood – Baby & Me Prenatal Vitamins are recommended for mothers and their babies as a source of nutrients. They contain raspberry, blueberry and cranberry in its formula, as well as digestive enzymes to support a healthy digestion. Vitamins C, D, E, B and A, zinc, folic acid, iron, magnesium and potassium are also among the ingredients.
While some reviews have enhanced the advantages of these prenatal vitamins, such as a boost of energy or an aid against morning sickness, others have complained about the taste and the lack of results.
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9. Best Nest Prenatal Vitamins
Best Nest Prenatal Vitamins contain ingredients such as vitamin B12, C, D and E, folic acid, iron and other minerals. It has a natural vanilla flavor.
Users have complimented the high concentration of vitamins in this product and how they help against tiredness. But, some reviews have reported them to cause anxiety, stomach discomfort and muscle pain.
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10. SmartyPants Prenatal Vitamin Gummy
SmartyPants Prenatal Vitamin Gummies contain vitamins A, C, D, E, K and B12, folate, calcium, iron, zinc and DHA. You’ll also will find omega-3 and other organic ingredients.
According to reviews, the organic ingredients are the main advantage of these prenatal vitamins. They also are an energy booster. Some users have complained about the taste of the product.
Conclusion
All of the listed “best prenatal vitamins” can help you throughout your pregnancy. Regardless of what your needs are, it’s very important to follow your doctor’s recommendations and be cautious while choosing supplements like prenatal vitamins.
Excess of some elements, such as iron, can be harmful for you and the baby. Surely, some prenatal vitamins do work better for some women than others. This is why we created a strategic article for you on the 10 best prenatal vitamins.
