Prenatal Folic Acid
Nature Made
Prenatal Folic Acid
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(2716 ratings)
Iron 27 mg
Vitamin K 90 mcg
Iodine 150 mcg
Calcium 250 mg
Score 75.0
A popular and affordable prenatal multivitamin providing core nutrients for maternal and fetal health, though it uses some less bioavailable nutrient forms and has lower calcium content compared to ideal recommendations.
Quantity: 250 Tablet(s)Servings size: 1 Tablet(s) (250 servings)
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leaderboard Score 75.0
A popular and affordable prenatal multivitamin providing core nutrients for maternal and fetal health, though it uses some less bioavailable nutrient forms and has lower calcium content compared to ideal recommendations.
insights Analysis
The Nature Made Prenatal Folic Acid product is designed to provide essential nutrients for women who are pregnant or planning to conceive. It includes key components like a significant dose of folate (likely folic acid), iron, and iodine, which are crucial for fetal development and maternal health. While it offers a comprehensive array of vitamins and minerals at an accessible price point, some of the nutrient forms used, such as magnesium oxide and zinc oxide, are not always the most bioavailable, and the calcium content is relatively low for prenatal needs.
- Contains a high dose of Folate, which is crucial for neural tube development and general prenatal health.
- Includes essential prenatal nutrients like Iron and Iodine in appropriate amounts.
- Very affordable per serving, offering good value for a comprehensive basic prenatal.
- Produced by Nature Made, a widely recognized brand often associated with quality control like USP verification.
- Uses synthetic forms of some B vitamins (e.g., Cyanocobalamin for B12) and less bioavailable mineral forms (e.g., Zinc Oxide, Magnesium Oxide).
- The calcium content (250mg) is significantly lower than the recommended daily intake for pregnant women, often requiring additional supplementation.
- Does not include Choline, an increasingly recommended nutrient for fetal brain development.
- The iron form (Ferrous Fumarate) can be a common cause of constipation, a frequent issue during pregnancy.
- Individuals with the MTHFR gene variation may prefer a prenatal with L-Methylfolate instead of folic acid, due to potential absorption issues with synthetic folic acid.
- Additional calcium supplementation is likely necessary to meet daily prenatal requirements, as this product provides only a fraction of the recommended amount.
- Monitor for potential digestive discomfort or constipation due to the form and dosage of iron included in the product.
$26.79($0.10 per serving)
 Vitacost | $ 26.79 | |
 Walmart | $ 26.98 | |
 iHerb | $ 32.71 |
bolt Effectiveness for goals
Folate is crucial for the formation of the neural tube, which develops into the baby's brain and spinal cord. Adequate intake before and during early pregnancy helps reduce the risk of serious birth defects of these structures. It also plays a vital role in cell division and DNA synthesis.
It is most effective to start taking a folate-containing supplement at least one month before conception and continue through the first trimester of pregnancy. Neural tube development occurs very early, often before a woman knows she is pregnant. Consistent intake ensures sufficient levels during this critical period.
Iron is essential for making hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to tissues throughout the body and to the baby. Increased blood volume during pregnancy requires more iron to prevent iron-deficiency anemia, which can lead to fatigue and other complications. Adequate iron supports both maternal health and fetal growth.
Calcium is vital for building the baby's bones, teeth, heart, nerves, and muscles. Vitamin D helps the body absorb and utilize calcium effectively. Together, they ensure that the baby receives sufficient calcium for development while also protecting the mother's bone density.
Iodine is critical for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, which produces hormones essential for the baby's brain and nervous system development. Insufficient iodine intake during pregnancy can negatively impact fetal growth and neurological development. It supports overall healthy fetal growth.
schedule Dosage, timing & forms
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily for all women of childbearing age. During pregnancy, this recommendation typically increases to 600 mcg DFE (Dietary Folate Equivalents). This dosage is crucial for supporting neural tube development in the fetus.
Iron absorption can be enhanced when taken on an empty stomach, but this may cause digestive upset for some individuals. Taking it with food or before bed can help mitigate side effects. Avoiding dairy products, coffee, and tea around the same time can also improve absorption.
Calcium carbonate is best absorbed when taken with food, as it requires stomach acid for optimal dissolution. It is often recommended to spread calcium intake throughout the day, taking no more than 500-600 mg at one time. This approach helps maximize absorption efficiency.
Yes, calcium can inhibit the absorption of non-heme iron, which is the type found in most supplements and plant foods, when consumed simultaneously. To minimize this interaction, some experts suggest taking iron and calcium supplements at different times of the day. This allows each mineral to be absorbed more effectively.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and other health bodies recommend a daily iodine intake of 250 mcg for pregnant and lactating women. Adequate iodine is critical for fetal brain development and the mother's thyroid hormone production. Insufficient intake can have adverse effects on neurological development.
health_and_safety Safety & interactions
The recommended daily intake of folate for pregnant individuals is 600 mcg DFE, with an upper limit of 1000 mcg of synthetic folic acid. This supplement provides 1330 mcg DFE, which translates to 800 mcg of synthetic folic acid, within established safe upper limits. Folate is crucial for fetal neural tube development.
Iron supplementation can sometimes cause digestive issues such as constipation, nausea, stomach upset, or dark stools. Taking it with food may help reduce these effects. If side effects are severe or persistent, consult a healthcare professional.
Calcium can interfere with the absorption of non-heme iron, the form typically found in supplements and plant-based foods. To maximize iron absorption, it is often recommended to take iron supplements a few hours apart from calcium-rich foods or supplements. However, many prenatal vitamins combine these nutrients.
Yes, beta-carotene is generally considered a safe form of Vitamin A during pregnancy. Unlike high doses of preformed Vitamin A (retinol), beta-carotene is converted to Vitamin A by the body only as needed, reducing the risk of toxicity. It is an important nutrient for fetal growth and vision.
Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones, which are critical for fetal brain development. The recommended daily intake for pregnant individuals is 220 mcg, and 150 mcg is a common amount in prenatals. While excessive intake can be a concern, the amount provided is generally considered safe.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
Vitamin A | 770 mcg |
Vitamin C | 85 mg |
Vitamin D3 | 25 mcg |
Vitamin E | 15 mg |
Vitamin K | 90 mcg |
Thiamine | 1.4 mg |
Riboflavin | 1.4 mg |
Niacin | 18 mg |
Vitamin B6 | 1.9 mg |
Folate | 1330 mcg DFE |
Vitamin B12 | 5.2 mcg |
Biotin | 30 mcg |
Pantothenic Acid | 6 mg |
Calcium | 250 mg |
Iron | 27 mg |
Iodine | 150 mcg |
Magnesium | 45 mg |
Zinc | 11 mg |
Categories
Iron 85.0
With 27mg of Iron (Ferrous Fumarate), this product provides a good and often necessary amount for prenatal care to prevent iron-deficiency anemia, which is common during pregnancy. It aligns well with recommended daily intakes.
Iodine 85.0
The product contains 150mcg of Iodine (Potassium Iodide), which is the recommended daily intake for pregnant women, crucial for healthy thyroid function and fetal brain development. This is a very important and well-dosed inclusion.
Vitamin K 80.0
The product includes Vitamin K1 (Phytonadione) in a standard and effective dose, which is important for blood clotting and bone health. While it doesn't specify K2, K1 is a valuable inclusion for overall health.
Goals
General Health 80.0
As a multivitamin, it covers a broad spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals, helping to fill nutritional gaps and support overall well-being during a critical period. It serves as a good foundational supplement for general health.
Heart Health 75.0
It provides key B vitamins and folate, which play roles in homocysteine metabolism and overall cardiovascular function. While a good general contribution, it doesn't offer specific heart-focused ingredients beyond a standard multi.
Similar to heart health, the B vitamins and folate contribute to maintaining cardiovascular health by supporting healthy blood and cellular processes. The comprehensive nutrient profile offers general support for the circulatory system.
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