A 48-year-old member asked:
Can anyone take prenatal vitamins?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Alan Pattersonanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 43 years experience
A non pregnant: Woman can take them but if you are not preg or breast feeding a good multi-vitamin would be better.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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San Antonio, TX
A 33-year-old female asked:
Best prenatal vitamins to take?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Randy Bakeranswered
Holistic Medicine 41 years experience
Ideally with 5-MTHF: Most prenatals are fairly similar but there's a subtle yet important difference. About 30% of people can't convert Folic Acid to its active form, l-5-mthf, so to be on the safe side it's best to take one with that form like prenatal nutrients (pure encapsulations) , basic prenatal (thorne) or prenatal pro (designs for health). These also have biotin, which is important, & natural e, not synthetic.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
What happens if I don't take any prenatal vitamins?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Bryan Leveyanswered
Pediatrics 28 years experience
Increased risk: Prenatal vitamins are formulated both to provide the expectant mother with what she needs herself, and to provide certain nutrients that decrease the risk of certain birth defects. Most notably, the extra folate (folic acid) decreased the risk of spinal cord defects in babies. Does this mean that if you don't take them your baby will have a spinal cord defect? No it doesn't. But the risk will be increased.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
What should be in prenatal vitamins and how often do you have to take them?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Michael Sparacinoanswered
Family Medicine 38 years experience
See below: All necessary vitamins and supplements are included. They should be taken throughout gestation (ideally before) and through the post-partum period.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Is it bad to take both biotin and prenatal vitamins?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Su Fairchildanswered
Integrative Medicine 25 years experience
No: It is safe, but prenatal vitamins tend to have Folic Acid in them, which is the inferior form of folate. Better to take l-methylfolate instead of folic acid.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old member asked:
What is the best way to take prenatal vitamins?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Stephen Scarantinoanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 27 years experience
Any way: Chewables or tablet form, as long as you can tolerate taking the vitamins, that is what is important. Prenatal vitamins are SUPPLEMENTS to a healthy, well-balanced diet. In addition, if you are planning to conceive, best to start a prenatal or multivitamin supplement (extra folic acid) 2-3 months prior to conception and throughout the first trimester. I personally prefer DHA in the prenatals.
6.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jun 17, 2014
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