is a multivitamin good enough for a prenatal folic ?

Answer 1

Women's multivitamins contain folic acid.

If you're taking generic daily vitamins that don't specifically say "for women", look on the label and check to see that it has at least 400 mg of folic acid. That is the minimum amount a pregnant woman should be getting every day to prevent birth defects. More would be better.

If your vitamins are specifically for women, most brands already have 400 mg of folic acid, because research has shown for a long time that all women should take it in their childbearing years. For example, Centrum Chewable (Women's) Daily Multivitamin has 400 mg of folic acid. That is enough (more than enough, since you naturally absorb some from folate-rich foods).

Answer 2

Go to your local drugstore and check the levels of folic acid in a prenatal against the level in your multi. I can't remember the amount needed but my guess is no, the levels in a multi will not suffice. Also, the prenatal will have the right levels of the other nutrients your baby needs.

Do the best thing for your baby and buy the prenatal. Better to be sure than sorry.
Good luck!

Answer 3

While any vitamin is probably good to take before and while you are pregnant (and breastfeeding), I wouldn't recommend taking one without the folic acid. You need folic acid so the baby isn't at risk for spina bifida. During my pregnancy, the prenatal vitamin made me sick from all the iron so I took a flinstone vitamin and a folic acid supplement for a while until I started taking the prenatal vitamin before I went to bed.

Answer 4

You should be getting a total of 400mcg a day of folic acid and no more than 800mcg. I just started an organization on folic acid awareness and have tons of sources. Most are handouts from the CDC and you can also find that on any basic folic acid website. My site is not up and running yet, but my myspace for it is. I have enclosed that link for you

Answer 5

hi!
1-folic acid is very important during early pregnancy when major organ systems are developing especially brain and spinal cord.ideally it should be taken before conception (.4mg/400mcg) and during pregnancy(.8mg/800mcg to as max 4mg/4000mcg).
2-if u know about RDA of all vitamins and minerals required during pregnancy u can use any supplement containing that amount.
3-best option is use 3 tablets of 1mg folic acid+one prenatal vitamin supplement.
-one most important thing that i forgot to tell u,i am medical doctor by profession.

Answer 6

No the prenantle have the right balance regual multi vitamin can have too much of some vitamin /mineral and not enough of others.