Flintstone Vitamins As Prenatal Vitamins

Chewable Flintstone vitamins are manufactured for children and are recommended by some pediatricians. They contain essential vitamins and minerals important for healthy development in children and are flavored to improve palatability. Flintstone Complete vitamins also contain many essential nutrients for pregnant women. However, the amounts of particular nutrients found in these vitamins differ drastically from recommendations for pregnant women.

Key Nutrients

Calcium, iron and folic acid are key nutrients for pregnant women, according to the American Dietetic Association. The Food and Nutrition Board dietary reference intakes for calcium, iron and folate are 1,000 mg, 27 mg and 600 mcg, respectively, for adult pregnant women. One Flintstones Complete vitamin usually provides 100 mg of calcium, 18 mg of iron and 400 mcg of folic acid per day, while most prenatal vitamins provide about 300 mg or more of calcium, 28 mg of iron and 800 mcg of folic acid.

Other Important Nutrients

In addition to calcium, iron and folate, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists lists the following additional vitamins as important for mother and baby during pregnancy: vitamins A, C, D, B-6 and B-12. The DRIs for these vitamins are 770 mcg, 85 mg, 15 mcg, 1.9 mg and 2.6 mcg per day, respectively. One Flintstones Complete vitamin typically provides 1,200 mcg of vitamin A, 60 mg of vitamin C, 10 mcg of vitamin D, 2 mg of vitamin B-6 and 6 mcg of vitamin B-12. Taking Flintstone Complete vitamins should provide sufficient amounts of these nutrients for pregnant women if paired with a well-balanced and healthy eating plan.

Flintstone Complete vitamins contain 150 mcg of iodine, the amount recommended in a vitamin supplement by the American Thyroid Association for pregnant and nursing women. Not all prenatal vitamins contain iodine.

Benefits

Some women find it easier to tolerate certain vitamins during pregnancy, especially those who suffer from extreme morning sickness. Flintstone vitamins may be easier to tolerate for some women; however they should still be taken with food to help reduce side effects such as nausea.

Concerns

Depending on what the mother consumes in her diet, Flintstone Complete vitamins may not provide sufficient amounts of certain vitamins during pregnancy. Flintstone vitamins lack omega-3 fatty acids, essential fatty acids that play an important role in fetal development, especially cognitive development. Many obstetricians recommend pregnant women choose a prenatal vitamin that includes omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA. However, DHA capsules can be purchased separately and consumed in addition to your chosen vitamin. Consult your obstetrician before taking any prenatal or vitamin supplement during pregnancy.