What is the best prenatal vitamin? I am having trouble picking one.?

Answer 1

I have the exact same question! While I have yet to confirm which is the *best* prenatal vitamin, I am in the meantime currently taking the wal-mart onesource. Ask your doctor what they think; as I've heard of some prescription prenatals that some doctors recommend for their patients. Also look at your diet and incorporate as many fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, and other natural sources of nutrition as possible. For example, I just discovered that I was taking way too many calcium/magnesium/zinc supplements, and since I was already eating string cheese and calcium fortified orange juice, I had too much calcium in my system!Check out the Mayo Clinic Pregnancy website on nutrition: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pregnancy/PR00128
I also thought this article would be helpful to you. Here's an excerpt from this article that I think best summarizes what we need in a prenatal: "A prenatal multivitamin is specially designed to foster normal fetal development. It contains more folic acid, more iron and less vitamin A than a regular multivitamin." Hope this helps.

Vitamins key for fetuses
Broad study finds daily prenatal vitamin with folic acid can prevent cancer and certain birth defects
TORONTO GLOBE AND MAIL

February 26, 2007

Women who take a daily multivitamin before and during pregnancy sharply reduce the likelihood that their children will develop leukemia, brain tumors and other forms of childhood cancer, according to new Canadian research.

The startling finding that a cheap supplement purchased at the drugstore can prevent cancer as well as a range of birth defects adds weight to the theory that micronutrients have lifelong health benefits for the developing fetus. It also bolsters the case for having all women of childbearing age take multivitamins, particularly those rich in folic acid.

"This is almost too simple an idea for people to take seriously, but they should take it seriously," said Dr. Gideon Koren, director of the Motherisk program at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. "Proper nutrition - and that includes a daily prenatal multivitamin - can prevent a large proportion of childhood cancer."

The new research, published last week in the journal Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, found that children born to mothers who took a daily multivitamin containing folic acid had a 47 percent lower risk for neuroblastoma (the most deadly form of childhood cancer), a 39 percent lower risk for leukemia (the most common form of pediatric cancer) and a 27 percent lower risk for brain tumors.

The study is a meta-analysis, a compilation and analysis of previously published studies. Koren said research has shown, in bits and pieces, the possible benefits of prenatal multivitamins, but this paper is the first to pull together the data related to childhood cancers.

"This is the real deal," said Dr. Ronald Barr, head of the division of hematology-oncology at McMaster Children's Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario.

Barr, who was not involved in the research, said the effects of multivitamins are dramatic, but the findings should prompt parents and parents-to-be to ponder a larger message beyond taking a daily pill.

"This research should really get you thinking about the importance of good nutritional habits early in life - even before birth," Barr said. "You really can't stress too much how important this is to good health."

A prenatal multivitamin is specially designed to foster normal fetal development. It contains more folic acid, more iron and less vitamin A than a regular multivitamin.

Earlier research has shown dramatic benefits of taking prenatal multivitamins. These include sharply lower rates of neural tube defects such as spina bifida, cardiovascular defects, limb deformities, cleft palate, urinary-tract defects and hydrocephalus.

Evidence of the importance of micronutrients - and folic acid in particular - has been growing for years. Folate is found naturally in leafy green vegetables, including spinach, in citrus fruits and in dried beans.

"A large segment of our population does not eat properly. They lack essential micronutrients, and that has many health implications that we are only beginning to understand," Koren said.
Copyright 2007 Newsday Inc.

Answer 2

i would just get the ones that actually say"prenatal vitamins" I heard any vitamins are good to take as long as they are "complete vitamins". .Flinstones ones are good too

Answer 3

Well hum my doc perscribed vits. However my friends Doc told her to take a 1 Flinestone vitamin everyday. .My other friend took target brand prenate vits. Just make sure they have folic acid.

Answer 4

You can just take the flinstones vitamins. You have to take 2 of them but it works, and keeps you from being sick. I just take those or regular vitamins.

Answer 5

i take prenate elite and i have taken theses with both pregnancies and these seem to a good job. its really whatever you feel comfortable with taking. good luck

Answer 6

I had to switch to the Flinstones ones, I was taking One Source they made me sick. Also try taking them at night.

Answer 7

Usually, you doctor will recommend one.