Prenatal Vitamin Comparison

With the myriad of options available, many future mothers feel overwhelmed when choosing the prenatal vitamin that will work most effectively for their needs. It is of course highly recommended that a woman who is pregnant or may become pregnant first seek the opinion of her physician, midwife, or other medical professional when determining which prenatal vitamin is best for her and the needs of her unborn child. It is extremely important for an expectant mother to be well-informed and research all available options. She should seek the aid of prenatal vitamin comparisons in order to evaluate her options. The following information outlines the recommended dosages for several of the prenatal vitamins and minerals essential for maintaining a healthy pregnancy. In addition, information is provided on several of the leading brands of prenatal vitamins (Rainbow Light, Nature’s Way Prenatal Complete, Mother’s Choice, Solgar Prenatal Nutrients, and New Chapter Organic Perfect Prenatals) in a vitamin comparison below.

Folic acid, also called folate, has shown through medical and scientific studies to significantly decrease the risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. The majority of medical professionals recommend that prenatal vitamins contain between 800 and 1,000 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid. Rainbow Light, Nature’s Way Prenatal Complete, Mother’s Choice, Solgar Prenatal Nutrients, and New Chapter Organic Perfect Prenatals all contain 800 micrograms (mcg) of folate.

The content of iron in the most beneficial prenatal vitamins should fall between 27 and 60 milligrams (mg). The iron supplement serves the important task of oxygenating the blood of both mother and unborn child. The Rainbow Light vitamin contains only 20 milligrams (mg) of iron. Both Nature’s Way Prenatal Complete and New Chapter Organic Perfect Prenatals contain even less iron, only 18 milligrams (mg). The formula for Mother’s Choice is more in line with the recommended dosage, measuring in at 31 milligrams (mg). Solgar Prenatal Nutrients contain the most iron, 45 milligrams (mg), out of the compared formulas.

The daily recommended amount of calcium for a mother-to-be is approximately 1,000 milligrams (mg), and it will rarely be satisfied by a prenatal vitamin alone. The amount of calcium found in most prenatal vitamins usually falls somewhere between 100 and 200 milligrams (mg). The following list orders the brands from the comparison of prenatal vitamins in order from least to most calcium included in their formulas: New Chapter Organic Perfect Prenatals (75 mg), Nature’s Way Prenatal Complete (500 mg), Rainbow Light (600 mg), Mother’s Choice (615 mg), Solgar Prenatal Nutrients (1300 mg).