Tandem prenatal vitamins are formulated to provide nutritional supplementation for expectant and nursing mothers. There are two versions of Tandem vitamins, Tandem DHA and Tandem OB. The vitamins are available by prescription only, though your obstetrician may be able to provide you with sample packs for evaluation before purchase.
Tandem DHA
Tandem DHA vitamins contain the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, which are important for the developing baby's brain and nervous system. The supplement contains 215.12 mg of DHA and 53.46 mg of EPA. Also included is 15 mg of ferrous fumarate and 15 mg of a polysaccharide iron complex, both forms of elemental iron. Iron is particularly important during pregnancy because blood volume increases by 50 percent and pregnant women can easily become anemic if enough iron isn't consumed or properly supplemented. Other vitamins included in Tandem DHA are 20 mg of vitamin C and 1 mg of folic acid. Folic acid is important for neurological development and can help prevent several birth defects.
Tandem OB
Tandem OB vitamins contain more vitamins and minerals than Tandem DHA. Your doctor may prescribe both of them at the same time for this reason. Tandem OB includes 162 mg of ferrous fumarate and 115.2 mg of the polysaccharide iron complex for elemental iron. Vitamins included in the product are 200 mg of vitamin C, 10 mg of vitamin B1, 6 mg of vitamin B2, 5 mg of vitamin B6, 15 mcg of vitamin B12, 1 mg of folic acid and 30 mg of niacin. Nancy Hudson, a registered dietitian with BabyCenter, explains that during pregnancy, women should consume at least 85 mg of vitamin C each day, but no more than 2,000 mg per day. Excessive vitamin C may be linked to an increased risk of miscarriage. Minerals included in Tandem OB are 10 mg of calcium, 18.2 mg of zinc, 6.9 mg of magnesium, 1.3 mg of manganese and 0.8 mg of copper.
Inactive Ingredients
Both Tandem DHA and Tandem OB contain inactive ingredients such as colors and binders. Tandem DHA contains gelatin, glycerol monostearate, tocopherols and titanium dioxide. Artificial coloring in Tandem DHA includes blue 1, red 3, red 40 and blue 2. Other inactive ingredients in Tandem DHA are ethylcellulose, ammonium hydroxide, oleic acid, sodium alginate, medium chain triglycerides and stearic acid. Tandem OB is colored with blue 2 and red 40. It also includes silica dioxide, gelatin, titanium dioxide, microcrystalline cellulose and magnesium stearate. Magnesium stearate is an ingredient added to vitamins to help the ingredients maintain a uniform consistency inside of the capsule. It also helps to keep the product from sticking to the inside of the encapsulation machine.
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