The best vitamins for pregnant women - Ranking and expert opinions

Choosing which supplements to take during pregnancy is a big decision - after all, you want the best for your baby. There are things you must supplement like folic acid. But what about the rest?

New products are appearing all the time. The adverts tempt you. But are they really good vitamins for pregnant women? What about their safety and effectiveness? And are they needed at all?"

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With educator and Master of Pharmacy Ilona Krzak, we will help you choose the best vitamins for pregnant women. Read this post carefully and you will be able to judge for yourself whether the product someone is praising is in line with the current standards for our country.

See also:

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• Folic acid
• ADEK vitamins
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• Vitamins A + E
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• Vitamin D3
• Omega-3 fatty acids
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• DHA acid
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• Iron
• Iodine

Let's start with the guidance from the Polish Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (PTGiP) on which vitamins to supplement during pregnancy...

Best vitamins for pregnant women

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The risk of deficiencies may affect up to 64% of Polish women. Only 36% of pregnant Polish women follow a balanced diet, and just over half eat regularlyand.

The Polish Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (PTGiP) recommends that folic acid (folate), iodine, vitamin D and DHA acid should be supplemented during pregnancy. In the event of a deficiency, iron is also recommended.

The following are the 11 best vitamins for pregnant women - with folic acid, DHA, iodine and vitamin D:

• Prenasol
• Pregna Plus without iron
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• Pregna Plus
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• Femibion 1 - early pregnancy
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• Ferisan Pregna
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• MAMADHA Premium Plus
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• FALVIT Mama
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• Feminovit + DHA
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• Symvital Mama
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• OLIMP Gold-Vit Mama
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• Composita Mama DHA
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Choice criteria:

• Content of active ingredients. Must have the main ingredients recommended by the Polish Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (PTGiP), preferably in the correct doses and in the best bioavailable forms.
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• Compounds.
• Composition. We say a definite no to unnecessary colours and sweeteners. We are not afraid of long compositions, as long as they are necessary and valuable.
• Price. Cheaper and better? Yes, it can be done.

Learn about the best vitamin tablets for pregnant women:

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Best for the immune system

Natu.Care Vitamin D 2000 UI

5.0

• Vitamin D content: 50 µg
• Additional active ingredients: none
• Form: capsules
• Dosage: Adults - 2000 IU (1 capsule)
  Overweight individuals - up to 4000 IU (2 capsules)
  Elderly individuals - up to 4000 IU (2 capsules)
• Number of capsules: 90

See price

Product description

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in our health and well-being. It affects calcium and phosphate metabolism, which translates to healthy bones and teeth. It also helps regulate the immune system, and studies indicate its influence on the functioning of the nervous system.

Vitamin D, although called a “vitamin,” is actually a prohormone that our body produces on its own, primarily under the influence of sunlight. Unfortunately, our modern lifestyle contributes to deficiencies of this essential vitamin. Working in enclosed office buildings, using (necessary!) SPF creams, and covering the body with clothing all make it very difficult, if not impossible, to obtain adequate levels of vitamin D from sunlight. This is why appropriate, year-round supplementation is so crucial.

Vitamin D from Natu.Care is a well-tested vitamin D3 suspended in safflower oil, a plant known for its numerous health benefits. The convenient, easy-to-swallow capsule will make supplementation a part of your daily, healthy routine, improving your overall well-being.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Ensures proper functioning of the immune system
• Supports the maintenance of healthy bones and teeth
• Maintains proper heart, kidney, and muscle function
• Tested by an independent, certified laboratory
• Convenient and easy-to-swallow capsule
• Clean composition - free from added sugar, gluten, GMOs, lactose, and without preservatives or colorants

Cons:

• None.

Additional Information

Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should consult a doctor before using the product. This dietary supplement is intended for a healthy adult population up to the age of 75.

Editor's choice

Prenasol

5.0

• Form: capsules
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• Daily serving: 2 capsules
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• Packaging: 60 capsules
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• Sufficient for: 30 days

See price

Product description

Product recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women as a supplement to the daily diet of DHA acid, iodine, vitamin D and folate.

Pros and cons

Product recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women as a supplement to the daily diet of DHA acid, iodine, vitamin D and folate.

Additional information

Product recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women as a supplement to the daily diet of DHA acid, iodine, vitamin D and folate.

Expert opinion

Product recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women as a supplement to the daily diet of DHA acid, iodine, vitamin D and folate.

With MCT Oil

Pregna Plus without iron

4.6

• Form: capsules
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• Daily serving: 1 capsule
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• Packaging: 30 capsules
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• Sufficient for: 30 days

See price

Product description

Pregna Plus without iron is a composition of ingredientsós important for pregnant women and the developing baby. Among others, it contains folic acid, vitamin D, iodine and DHA acid.

Pros and cons

Pregna Plus without iron is a composition of ingredientsós important for pregnant women and the developing baby. Among others, it contains folic acid, vitamin D, iodine and DHA acid.

Additional information

Pregna Plus without iron is a composition of ingredientsós important for pregnant women and the developing baby. Among others, it contains folic acid, vitamin D, iodine and DHA acid.

Expert opinion

Pregna Plus

4.6

• Form: capsules
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• Daily serving: 1 capsule
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• Packaging: 30 capsules
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• Sufficient for: 30 days

See price

Product description

Pregna Plus is a specially selected set of ingredientsós needed by pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. It contains ingredients such as folic acid, zinc, iodine, iron, vitamin B6, omega-3 acids (DHA, EPA) and vitamin B12.

Pros and cons

Pregna Plus is a specially selected set of ingredientsós needed by pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. It contains ingredients such as folic acid, zinc, iodine, iron, vitamin B6, omega-3 acids (DHA, EPA) and vitamin B12.

Additional information

Pregna Plus is a specially selected set of ingredientsós needed by pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. It contains ingredients such as folic acid, zinc, iodine, iron, vitamin B6, omega-3 acids (DHA, EPA) and vitamin B12.

By week 12

Femibion 1 - early pregnancy

4.8

• Form: tablets
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• Daily serving: 1 tablet
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• Packaging: 28 tablets
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• Sufficient for: 28 days

See price

Product description

A dietary supplement for women in the first trimester of pregnancy. Contains folate, iodine, selenium, iron, choline, as well as B vitamins, vitamin E and vitamin D and C.

Pros and cons

A dietary supplement for women in the first trimester of pregnancy. Contains folate, iodine, selenium, iron, choline, as well as B vitamins, vitamin E and vitamin D and C.

Additional information

A dietary supplement for women in the first trimester of pregnancy. Contains folate, iodine, selenium, iron, choline, as well as B vitamins, vitamin E and vitamin D and C.

Ferisan Pregna

4.6

• Form: tablets
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• Daily serving: 1 tablet
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• Packaging: 30 capsules
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• Sufficient for: 30 days

See price

Product description

Supplement intended for pregnant women to supplement the diet with iron, vitamin C, folic acid and B vitamins – B6 and B2.

Pros and cons

Supplement intended for pregnant women to supplement the diet with iron, vitamin C, folic acid and B vitamins – B6 and B2.

Additional information

Supplement intended for pregnant women to supplement the diet with iron, vitamin C, folic acid and B vitamins – B6 and B2.

MAMADHA Premium Plus

4.1

• Form: capsules
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• Daily serving: 2 capsules
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• Packaging: 60 capsules
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• Sufficient for: 30 days

See price

Product description

Dietary supplement for women planning pregnancy, pregnant and breastfeeding. The ingredients include fish oil as a source of DHA and EPA, magnesium, iodine, folic acid and vitamin D.

Pros and cons

Dietary supplement for women planning pregnancy, pregnant and breastfeeding. The ingredients include fish oil as a source of DHA and EPA, magnesium, iodine, folic acid and vitamin D.

Additional information

Dietary supplement for women planning pregnancy, pregnant and breastfeeding. The ingredients include fish oil as a source of DHA and EPA, magnesium, iodine, folic acid and vitamin D.

Safe vitamin A

FALVIT Mama

4.7

• Form: tablets
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• Daily serving: 1 tablet
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• Packaging: 60 tablets
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• Sufficient for: 60 days

See price

Product description

Product intended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. It helps supplement the daily diet with, among others, folate, iodine, calcium, iron, vitamin D, zinc, vitamin E, copper or selenium.

Pros and cons

Product intended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. It helps supplement the daily diet with, among others, folate, iodine, calcium, iron, vitamin D, zinc, vitamin E, copper or selenium.

Additional information

Product intended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. It helps supplement the daily diet with, among others, folate, iodine, calcium, iron, vitamin D, zinc, vitamin E, copper or selenium.

Feminovit + DHA

4.1

• Form: capsules
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• Daily serving: 1 capsule
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• Packaging: 30 capsules
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• Sufficient for: 30 days

See price

Product description

A dietary supplement for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Contains a composition of ingredients needed during this time, including omega-3 fatty acids, folic acid, iron, iodine, vitamin D and B vitamins.

Pros and cons

A dietary supplement for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Contains a composition of ingredients needed during this time, including omega-3 fatty acids, folic acid, iron, iodine, vitamin D and B vitamins.

Symvital Mama

4.6

• Form: capsules
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• Daily serving: 2 capsules
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• Packaging: 60 capsules
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• Sufficient for: 30 days

See price

Product description

Composition of ingredientsós for women planning pregnancy, pregnant and breastfeeding. In the composition you will find DHA acid, magnesium, iron, folic acid, iodine and vitamin D.

Pros and cons

Composition of ingredientsós for women planning pregnancy, pregnant and breastfeeding. In the composition you will find DHA acid, magnesium, iron, folic acid, iodine and vitamin D.

Additional information

Composition of ingredientsós for women planning pregnancy, pregnant and breastfeeding. In the composition you will find DHA acid, magnesium, iron, folic acid, iodine and vitamin D.

Positive opinion of the IMiD

OLIMP Gold-Vit Mama

4.8

• Form: tablets
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• Daily serving: 1 tablet
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• Packaging: 30 tablets
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• Sufficient for: 30 days
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See price

Product description

A dietary supplement for women planning to have a baby, who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Contains, among others, folate, vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C, D and E, magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron and manganese.

Pros and cons

A dietary supplement for women planning to have a baby, who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Contains, among others, folate, vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C, D and E, magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron and manganese.

Additional information

A dietary supplement for women planning to have a baby, who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Contains, among others, folate, vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C, D and E, magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron and manganese.

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See also:

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• Omega-3 fatty acid deficiency: symptoms + doctor's advice
• The best vitamin D
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Why is supplementation during pregnancy so important?

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It is commonly assumed that a pregnant woman eats for two. This is not entirely true. A well laid out and balanced diet during pregnancy should be for two (or three or four when multiple pregnancies are involved). Yes, the macronutrient requirements (carbohydrates, protein, fat) increase, but on average by around 285 caloriesand. Far more important is the increase in micronutrient requirements, i.e. vitamins and minerals (including trace minerals).

Supplementation during pregnancy is necessary for several reasons:

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• prevention of nutritional deficiencies - can lead to dangerous birth defects;
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• multiple pregnancies - if you are carrying more than one baby under your heart, you need even more nutrients;
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• non-nutrition - it is often the case that mothers-to-be forget about their own well-being, do not eat regularly or reach for products that are poor in valuable nutrients. Supplementation can help eliminate the risk of malnutrition and the consequences associated with it;
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• providing the child with the right conditions for development;
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• Genetic mutations - women with a mutation in the MTHFR gene need the methylated form of folic acid. Taking usual folic acid, which is often found in pregnancy vitamins, can lead to severe complications.

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What vitamins and minerals to supplement during pregnancy? Guidelines from the Polish Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians

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The primary source of vitamins and micronutrients should be a well balanced diet for pregnant women. However, there are ingredients that are important for you and your baby that you need to take special care of, and diet alone may not be enough when the need for them increases.

The Polish Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (PTGiP), based on the latest research and civilisation changes, publishes its recommendations for supplementation in pregnant women every few yearsand. The latest recommendations are from 2020  and include 5 ingredients:

• Folic acid,
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• DHA,
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• iodine,
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• vitamin D,
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• iron,
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Folic acid in pregnancy

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Folic acid (folate) plays an important role in preventing neural tube defects, which can lead to miscarriage, infant mortality and severe disabilityand. In addition, it is important for normal infant growth, DNA formation and brain development, contributes to maternal tissue growth, helps with amino acid synthesis and supports blood production, and contributes to reducing feelings of fatigue or tiredness.

PTGiP recommends folic acid supplementation in the following doses:

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• 0.4 mg in women of childbearing age;
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• 0.4-0.8 mg in the first trimester of pregnancy;
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• 0.6-0.8 mg after the 12th week of pregnancy and during lactation;
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• in women with a positive history of neural tube defects (NTDs) 4 mg at least 4 weeks before planned pregnancy and up to the 12th week of pregnancy, then 0.6-0.8 mg until the end of pregnancy;
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• 0.8 mg at least 3 months before planned conception and throughout pregnancy and lactation in women at increased risk of folate deficiency and neural tube defects;
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This group includes women:

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• who have type I or type II diabetes;
• who have type I or type II diabetes.
• users of antiepileptic drugs, as well as metformin, cholestyramine, methotrexate, sulfadiazine;
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• users of stimulants;
- users of drugs
• suffering from hepatic or renal failure;
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• with a BMI greater than 30;
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• after bariatric surgery;
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• with diseases manifesting themselves in malabsorption (e.g. Crohn's disease, coeliac disease);
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See also:

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• Folic acid (vitamin B9) - properties and requirement
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DHA in pregnancy

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Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA is one of the omega-3 acids. An adequate amount of DHA is necessary, among other things, for the proper development of a child's nervous system and also ensures better visual acuity. In addition, studies show that it prevents postnatal depressionand.

PTGiP recommends:

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• supplementation with DHA at a dose of at least 200 mg in all pregnant women;
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• increasing DHA intake in women consuming small amounts of fish;
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• in a group of women at risk of preterm birth, the use of DHA at a dose of 1000 mg per day;
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An excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA, is fish. Sometimes mothers-to-be are afraid to eat fish for fear of potential ingestion of heavy metals, mercury or harmful microorganisms. Such risks theoretically exist, but in practice are minimal.

The National Centre for Nutrition Education does not recommend that mums-to-be eat raw meat and fishand, but as much as possible you can eat heat-treated fish - choose fresh and quality. In short - sushi no, stewed fish yes.

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See also:

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• DHA acid - sources and properties
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• Tran - action and dosage
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• Omega-3 fatty acid deficiency
• Omega-3 in tablets
• Omega acids
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Iodine in pregnancy

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Iodine is a micronutrient essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which regulate the function of many organs. Deficiency can cause hypothyroidism (in mother and child), damage to the central nervous system, mental retardation, hearing loss and deafness in the newborn. Too little iodine is a greater risk of miscarriage or premature birth.

PTGiP recommends:

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• Iodine supplementation in all pregnant women without thyroid disease at a dose of 150-200 µg;
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• for women with known disease, the dose should be adjusted according to the results of thyroid tests.
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See also:

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• Iodine - how it works, what are the symptoms of deficiency
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Vitamin D in pregnancy

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Vitamin D, among other things, regulates calcium and phosphorus concentrations, maintains bone mineral density and supports immune system function, as well as supporting muscle, bone and dental health. Adequate levels of vitamin D reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia, severe postpartum haemorrhage, gestational diabetes or low birth weight of the babyand.

PTGiP recommends:

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• during pregnancy and lactation in women with normal BMI and without burdens suggestive of vitamin D deficiency, supplementation at a dose of 1500-2000 IU per day;
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• Females with a BMI >30 consider a dose of up to 4000 IU per day.
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See also:

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• Vitamin D deficiency
• Vitamin D overdose
• Maximum dose of vitamin D
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• Vitamin D3 drops
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Iron in pregnancy

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Iron plays an important role in the production of ferritin and haemoglobin, is actively involved in tissue respiration, is responsible for the functioning of the brain and immune system, and regulates the nervous systemand.

PTGiP recommends:

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• regular monitoring of morphology and ferritin levels;
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• iron supplementation before the 16th week of pregnancy for women with known anaemia (anemia) due to iron deficiency;
• after the 16th week, iron supplementation at a dose of 30 mg per day (as long as the ferritin concentration has fallen below 60 µg/l.

And magnesium in pregnancy?

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The Polish Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians does not currently include magnesium in its recommendations.

See also:

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• Magnesium - properties and sources
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• Best magnesium - what to choose
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Finally, here's another short quote from the Recommendations, which we hope will make you not even think about taking vitamins on your own "just in case": "The presence of other micronutrients, vitamins and active substances, in supplementation, i.e. supplementation of the normal diet, is not recommended unless there is a specific medical indication to do so." So the verdict is clear - supplement what you actually need.

When to start taking vitamins during pregnancy?

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Pregnancy and the birth of a baby is a special time for which you need to prepare accordingly. A layette, cot, pram and new room are one thing. The mum-to-be should also prepare her body.

Although there are no clear-cut recommendations, many doctors advise that, before starting to prepare for the baby, detailed diagnostic tests should be carried out - especially thyroid hormone tests and determination of vitamin and mineral concentrations - and supplementation should be started under medical supervision. The test results will tell you what components are normal and what needs to be supplemented. It is best to do this about three months before the planned pregnancy, and it is worth starting folic acid supplementation even earlier, as much as six months before.

Vitamin A, D and B12 are key micronutrients for pregnant women and the foetus, so it is worth ensuring an adequate supply of these even before you start trying for a baby .

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What vitamins and minerals should not be taken during pregnancy?

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Vitamins and micronutrients are necessary for the normal course of pregnancy, the health of the mother and the development of the baby. However, it can be harmful to take them in excess, which is why supplementation should always be done under medical supervision.

Detrimental to mothers-to-be and their babies in excessive amounts may beand:

• vitamin A - can cause birth defects in the baby, hydrocephalus, premature birth and even death of the baby;
• vitamin E - can cause headaches and visual disturbances;
• zinc - although supplementation during pregnancy improves vitamin A levels in mums and babies, excessive intake can lead to toxicity;
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• vitamin C - long-term consumption of high doses of vitamin C increases levels of ascorbate (an enzyme that breaks down vitamin C), which can lead to a deficiency of this vitamin in the baby after birth.

What to look out for when choosing vitamins for pregnant women?

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Pregnancy supplements are a bottomless pit on the market. New products are developed every year, so, when choosing the one and only, make sure it is safe and the doses of the individual ingredients meet your needs.

Supplements vary in composition, quality of raw materials used, bioavailability, efficacy or manufacturing standards. Look for preparations with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards - in Polish called DPP (Good Production Practice). This certification is a guarantee of the strictest manufacturing procedures and ingredients.

Be sure to look for products with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards.

The most important criterion, however, will be your needs, which you determine together with your doctor based on your research. Remember to choose products that meet the recommendations of the PTGiP - especially in terms of the dosage levels of individual ingredients. Avoid colourings and unnecessary fillers. The composition should be clean (though not necessarily short).

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What vitamins do breastfeeding women need?

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In addition to the ingredients needed during pregnancy, namely iodine (200-500 μg), folic acid (600-800 μg), vitamin D (1500-2000 IU) and omega-3 acids (especially DHA 200-600 mg), during lactation it is still worth supplementing iron (20 mg; especially if on a vegan and vegetarian diet) and calcium (at a dose of 1000-1300 mg per day). This is the position of the Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition.

Before you start, get a check-up:

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• check iron and ferritin levels (blood tests for anemia),
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• check vitamin D and calcium levels,
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• perform thyroid tests,
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• conduct gynaecological examinations, breast ultrasound, mammography.
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On the basis of these, together with your doctor, you will choose the right dosage of a set of vitamins for pregnant women. Don't forget to repeat the examinations after some time and adjust the dosage of the supplements anew.

Pregnancy vitamins for pregnant women should be taken together with your doctor.

See also:

• Best vitamins for men
• Hair vitamins
• Nail vitamins

Summary

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