Prenatal Multi
Nature Made
Prenatal Multi
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(2721 ratings)
Iron 27 mg
Vitamin K 90 mcg
Iodine 150 mcg
Calcium 250 mg
Score 68.0
A basic, affordable prenatal vitamin covering essential nutrients like folate, iron, and iodine. Lacks optimal forms of some ingredients and key nutrients like choline, making it less comprehensive than higher-tier alternatives.
Quantity: 90 Tablet(s)Servings size: 1 Tablet(s) (90 servings)
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leaderboard Score 68.0
A basic, affordable prenatal vitamin covering essential nutrients like folate, iron, and iodine. Lacks optimal forms of some ingredients and key nutrients like choline, making it less comprehensive than higher-tier alternatives.
insights Analysis
The Nature Made Prenatal Multi offers a foundational blend of nutrients for expectant mothers. It includes critical components such as 1330mcg DFE of Folate, 27mg of Iron (as ferrous fumarate), 150mcg of Iodine, and 25mcg (1000 IU) of Vitamin D3, which are all vital for maternal and fetal health. The Vitamin A is provided as Beta-Carotene, a safer form for pregnancy. However, the product uses forms like magnesium oxide, zinc oxide, and cyanocobalamin (B12), which are generally considered less absorbable or bioavailable compared to alternatives found in more premium prenatal supplements. The calcium content at 250mg is also notably low, necessitating additional calcium supplementation to meet the high demands of pregnancy. Crucially, it omits choline, a nutrient highly recommended by leading health organizations for its role in fetal brain and spinal cord development, and does not include Omega-3 fatty acids like DHA, which are typically separate but are a common addition in comprehensive prenatal regimens.
- Contains essential prenatal nutrients including a good amount of folate and iron.
- Uses beta-carotene for Vitamin A, which is a safer form during pregnancy.
- Affordable and widely accessible, making it a convenient option for many.
- Includes adequate iodine for thyroid health and fetal development.
- Many minerals (Magnesium, Zinc, Iron) are in less bioavailable forms (oxides, fumarate), which may reduce absorption and increase digestive discomfort for some.
- Vitamin B12 is in the cyanocobalamin form, which is less preferred than methylcobalamin for those with MTHFR gene variations or for optimal bioavailability.
- Does not include choline, a critical nutrient for fetal brain and neural tube development.
- Low calcium dosage (250mg) requires additional supplementation to meet daily prenatal requirements.
- While containing iron, ferrous fumarate can sometimes cause constipation or stomach upset in sensitive individuals. Consider alternative forms if experiencing these side effects.
- The calcium content is insufficient to meet the full daily calcium needs for pregnant women, requiring dietary intake or separate supplementation.
- Consult with a healthcare professional before use, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking other medications.
$13.30($0.14 per serving)
 iHerb | $ 13.30 | |
 Vitacost | $ 13.79 | |
 Walmart | $ 21.14 |
bolt Effectiveness for goals
Folate is crucial for the healthy development of the neural tube in the fetus, which forms the brain and spinal cord. Adequate intake before and during early pregnancy can help reduce the risk of certain birth defects. It also supports red blood cell formation and cell division.
Iron is vital for producing hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood to both the mother and the developing fetus. During pregnancy, the mother's blood volume significantly increases, requiring more iron to prevent iron-deficiency anemia. It also supports fetal growth and development.
Vitamin D is important for calcium absorption, supporting healthy bone development in the fetus and maintaining the mother's bone health. It also plays a role in immune function and cell division. Sufficient levels are linked to positive pregnancy outcomes.
Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones, which are critical for fetal brain and nervous system development. Adequate iodine intake during pregnancy helps ensure healthy cognitive function in the child. Maternal thyroid hormones also regulate the mother's metabolism.
Yes, calcium can inhibit the absorption of non-heme iron (the type found in supplements and plant-based foods) if taken at the same time. To optimize absorption, some experts suggest taking iron-rich supplements separately from high-calcium meals or supplements, if not already formulated to mitigate this.
schedule Dosage, timing & forms
Many experts suggest taking a prenatal multivitamin with a meal to enhance absorption and minimize potential stomach upset. Some individuals prefer taking it in the morning, while others find the evening more convenient. Consistency in taking the supplement is generally considered more important than the exact time of day.
Yes, calcium can inhibit the absorption of non-heme iron (the type found in plant-based foods and supplements). To optimize absorption of very high doses of iron, some suggest taking iron-rich supplements separately from high-calcium foods or supplements. However, in a multi-ingredient supplement, the effect might be less significant, and the overall benefit still outweighs this interaction for many.
Vitamin C significantly enhances the absorption of non-heme iron by converting it into a more absorbable form. This is why many prenatal multivitamins combine iron with Vitamin C. Taking them together can help maximize the amount of iron the body utilizes.
Folate is the naturally occurring form of Vitamin B9, while folic acid is its synthetic form. While both are important for preventing neural tube defects, some individuals have genetic variations that affect their ability to metabolize folic acid efficiently. Therefore, some formulations may include folate or a readily usable form of folic acid to ensure effective utilization.
Yes, taking a multivitamin with food can significantly reduce common side effects like nausea or constipation, especially those associated with iron. Food acts as a buffer, making the supplement easier on the stomach. It can also improve the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
health_and_safety Safety & interactions
Calcium can potentially affect the absorption of non-heme iron, the type typically found in supplements. Some experts suggest taking iron-containing supplements at a different time from calcium-rich foods or supplements to optimize absorption. However, many prenatal formulations combine these nutrients, reflecting their importance during pregnancy.
High doses of folate, like the 1330mcg DFE often found in prenatals, are generally considered safe and beneficial for preventing neural tube defects. However, high folate intake can potentially mask the symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency. It is important to ensure adequate vitamin B12 intake when taking folate supplements.
Many prenatal supplements include Vitamin A as beta-carotene, which is a precursor that the body converts into active Vitamin A as needed. This form is generally considered safe during pregnancy because the body regulates its conversion, thereby reducing the risk of toxicity. High doses of preformed Vitamin A are associated with potential risks.
Certain vitamins and minerals in a multivitamin can interact with prescription medications. For instance, Vitamin K can interfere with blood thinners, and iron can reduce the absorption of some antibiotics or thyroid hormones. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare provider about potential interactions before taking any supplement alongside medications.
Iron supplements, especially at the doses in prenatals, commonly cause gastrointestinal side effects like constipation, nausea, or stomach upset. Taking the supplement with food, but avoiding calcium-rich items, or taking it at bedtime may help alleviate these symptoms. If side effects are persistent or severe, consult a healthcare provider.
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
Iodine 90.0
The inclusion of 150mcg of iodine (as potassium iodide) is excellent, as this is the widely recommended daily intake for pregnant women. Iodine is crucial for maternal thyroid function and plays a vital role in fetal brain and nervous system development.
Vitamin K 70.0
The product provides 90mcg of Vitamin K1 (Phytonadione), which is a standard and important dose for blood clotting and bone health. However, it does not include Vitamin K2, a form increasingly recognized for its distinct benefits in calcium regulation and arterial health, which is present in more advanced prenatal formulations.
Iron 65.0
The product delivers 27mg of iron as ferrous fumarate, which meets the standard recommendation for pregnant women to prevent iron-deficiency anemia. However, ferrous fumarate can be associated with digestive discomfort and constipation in some individuals, with chelated forms (like bisglycinate) often preferred for better tolerance.
Goals
General Health 70.0
As a multivitamin, it covers a broad range of essential nutrients, forming a solid foundation for general health maintenance. It ensures adequate intake of many critical vitamins and minerals, which is beneficial for overall well-being during pregnancy.
Fitness 68.0
The presence of B vitamins and iron is important for energy metabolism and oxygen transport, which are crucial for physical activity and overall fitness levels. However, the forms of some B vitamins and minerals are not the most active, which could limit their maximum impact on cellular energy production.
Energy 68.0
Key B vitamins (involved in energy production) and iron (essential for red blood cell formation and oxygen transport) are included, which are vital for combating fatigue common in pregnancy. Nevertheless, the less bioavailable forms of some components may not provide the most efficient energy support compared to products with active forms.
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