What is in prenatal vitamins?

What is in prenatal vitamins?

Prenatal vitamins contain a targeted blend of vitamins and minerals designed to meet the elevated nutritional demands of pregnancy. While formulations vary by brand, the core ingredients tend to be consistent across the category.

RELATED: How to choose a prenatal vitamin 

The core ingredients

• Folate (methylfolate) (400-1350 mcg): The most widely studied prenatal nutrient. Prevents neural tube defects and supports DNA synthesis. Methylfolate is the bioactive form and may be preferable for people with MTHFR gene variants that affect folate metabolism.

• Iron (18-27 mg): Supports increased blood volume during pregnancy (which rises by about 45%) and helps prevent iron deficiency anemia. Common forms include ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate, and the gentler iron bisglycinate.

• Vitamin D3 (600-4000 IU): Supports calcium absorption and fetal bone development. Many experts argue that the current RDA of 600 IU is too low and recommend 2000-4000 IU, particularly for those who are deficient.

• DHA (200-600 mg): An omega-3 fatty acid that supports fetal brain and eye development. Sometimes included in the main prenatal tablet, sometimes as a separate softgel to prevent oxidation.

• Iodine (150 mcg): Supports thyroid function, which regulates metabolism and brain development in the baby.

• Choline (0-450 mg): Supports neural tube development, brain development, and placental function. Despite strong evidence, many prenatals still contain little to no choline.

• B vitamins (B6, B12, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin): Support energy metabolism, red blood cell formation, and neurological function. B6 may also help with pregnancy-related nausea.

What's often missing

A 2022 analysis of 188 prenatal supplements found that many fall short on vitamin D, choline, and vitamin K. Only 16% of analyzed prenatals met the researchers' evidence-based recommendation for vitamin K.

RELATED: Can men take prenatal vitamins? What to know about male prenatal nutrition

A note from WeNatal on What is in prenatal vitamins

WeNatal for Her was formulated to address the gaps the research keeps pointing out. It includes choline, vitamin D3, methylfolate, and iron at doses that reflect what the evidence actually supports. Read the label, compare it to what the studies say, and you'll see the difference a research-driven prenatal can make.

RELATED: The ultimate preconception guide: What to do when you’re ready to get pregnant 

References

Adams JB, et al. (2022). Maternal Health, Neonatology and Perinatology, 8:4. DOI: 10.1186/s40748-022-00139-9