Though most people associate prenatal vitamins with pregnancy, it’s actually best to start taking them before you conceive to set you and your baby up for a healthy pregnancy. Since you’ll be taking these vitamins daily for at least nine months, choose a prenatal vitamin that’s easy to take such as chewable gummies.
Whether you have trouble swallowing pills or just like the flavor of gummies, prenatal gummy vitamins come packed with all the essential nutrients, such as folic acid, that traditional prenatal pills do. The very best gummies are organic and made from whole foods, like the Garden of Life MyKind Organics Prenatal Gummy Vitamins.
What to know before you buy a prenatal gummy vitamin
Prenatal gummies are essentially multivitamins but with different nutrient quantities as those requirements change when you’re pregnant. Here are some of the most important vitamins and minerals to look for in a prenatal vitamin.
Folic acid
Folic acid is a B vitamin that’s top of the list of essential nutrients for pregnant women. Taking it during and even before pregnancy reduces the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida. A lack of folic acid may also lead to congenital heart defects. When buying a prenatal gummy, look for folic acid or folate in quantities of 400 to 600 mcg.
Iron
While menstruating people have higher requirements than other populations for iron, pregnant women require even more of this mineral. Since most of the iron you’re intaking through food will go to your baby’s development—specifically to build their cells and deliver oxygen—taking a prenatal gummy with iron will keep you from getting anemic during your pregnancy. Look for a prenatal gummy containing 27 mg of iron.
Calcium
Calcium is a mineral that supports your bone health and the bone health of your baby. Pregnant women need to consume at least 1,000 mg of calcium daily. Most prenatal vitamins can’t pack in that amount of calcium—offering more like 200 to 300 mg—so you may need to add a calcium supplement to your regimen or increase the amount of dairy and leafy greens you eat.
DHA
Docosahexaenoic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid that some prenatal vitamins include. During pregnancy, it’s recommended to take 800 mg of DHA per day to support your baby’s brain development. This is another supplement you can take separately in the form of an omega-3 supplement if your gummy doesn’t provide enough of this important nutrient.
Vitamin D
Pregnant women need 400 to 600 IU of vitamin D every day. It’s important for your baby’s eyesight and also plays a role, along with calcium, in strong bones. Not everyone gets enough of the “sunshine vitamin” through sun exposure alone, so most prenatal gummies include vitamin D.
Vitamin B12
An important B vitamin for pregnant women is B12, which also supports healthy bone development. It may prevent birth defects as well. Vitamin B12 deficiencies are linked to neural tube defects.
Vitamin B6
If you suffer from morning sickness, a B6 vitamin can help curb queasiness. Many prenatal vitamins include B6 to decrease morning sickness in amounts of 2 mg or higher. B vitamins are water-soluble, which means they pass through urine and aren’t stored in fat, so they won’t build up in your body if you take too much.
Vitamin A
Taking too much vitamin A, however, can be toxic. While the vitamin is important for the formation of your baby’s immune system, bones and teeth, be sure that you’re not taking a prenatal vitamin with a dosage higher than 4,000 IU of vitamin A because too much can cause birth defects. It’s also safer to take a prenatal gummy that contains beta carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, than one with preformed vitamin A.
Vitamin C
Consuming around 85 mg of vitamin C daily helps support your baby’s immune system as well as aids in iron consumption. Don’t exceed 2,000 mg of vitamin C as that can be dangerous for your fetus.
Iodine
Iodine is included in some prenatal gummies to support thyroid and brain development in your baby. Look for 150 mcg of iodine when purchasing a prenatal vitamin.
Zinc and copper
Zinc is a well-known mineral that boosts the immune system and is included in most prenatal vitamins (anywhere from 1.5 to 15 mg). It’s good to take a low amount of copper (2 mg) along with zinc because zinc can reduce the amount of copper your body can properly absorb. Copper also aids in the development of healthy bones, nerves and the immune system.
Prenatal gummy vitamin features
Flavor
One of the perks of taking a prenatal gummy over a pill is the great taste. The majority of prenatal gummies come in berry or fruit flavors. Avoid artificial flavors or sweeteners and opt instead for gummies that are sweetened with real fruit for a healthier supplement.
Allergen-free
If you have allergies to certain foods—like gluten, soy, dairy, tree nuts or shellfish—read the label of your prenatal gummy carefully. Many brands offer formulas free of common allergens.
Organic
Some pricier prenatal gummies offer organic formulas, which means the fruits and vegetables included were not treated with chemical pesticides or herbicides. This is the healthiest option if you can afford it.
Vegan
Select prenatal gummies offer vegan formulas, which means they contain no animal products such as pig gelatin. Taking a prenatal vitamin is extra important for expecting mothers who are on a plant-based diet to fill in nutritional gaps from restricting certain foods.
Prenatal gummy vitamin cost
Prenatal gummy vitamins range in price from $11-$31 for a 30-day supply.
Prenatal gummy vitamin FAQ
When should I take a prenatal gummy vitamin?
A. Most expecting mothers take prenatal vitamins in the morning with breakfast. However, if you’re dealing with morning sickness, you can take your vitamin at night before bed.
Are there any side effects from prenatal gummy vitamins?
A. Nausea and constipation are the most common side effects of taking prenatal vitamins. Constipation can be due to the iron content, which can be mitigated by increasing your fluid and fiber intake. If you’re experiencing nausea, take the vitamin with food or before bed.
Which prenatal gummy vitamin should I get?
Best of the best prenatal gummy vitamin
Garden of Life MyKind Organics Prenatal Gummy Vitamins: available at iHerb and Amazon
Our take: An organic and vegan prenatal gummy that’s packed with whole-food nutrients that are easy for your body to absorb.
What we like: Health-conscious consumers appreciate that this multivitamin doesn’t contain synthetic folic acid but real folate. The formula is completely plant-based and organic. The taste isn’t too sweet as these vitamins are free of added sugar.
What we dislike: These gummies don’t contain iron or DHA, so you’ll have to supplement separately for those nutrients.
Best bang for your buck prenatal gummy vitamin
Vitafusion Prenatal Gummy Vitamins: available at Amazon
Our take: A low-cost prenatal gummy that you can continue to take as you breastfeed.
What we like: This affordable gummy is free of artificial flavors, coloring and high-fructose corn syrup. They contain 100 percent of your daily folic acid needs and some DHA. They don’t contain iron, which makes them easy on the GI tract. Some women with morning sickness can still stomach these gummies.
What we dislike: The gummies contain a high amount of vitamin A, and you may want to check with your doctor before taking them.
Honorable mention prenatal gummy vitamin
SmartyPants Prenatal Formula Daily Gummy Multivitamin: available at iHerb and Amazon
Our take: A highly popular prenatal gummy with a comprehensive formula that includes DHA, choline and other important nutrients that other brands leave out.
What we like: A top choice for people with food allergies, this multivitamin is free of eight common allergens. It contains ingredients like vitamin K to support calcium absorption and forms of B vitamins that are better absorbed by the body. The strawberry-banana flavor tastes great.
What we dislike: These gummies contain added sugar.
Ana Sanchezis a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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