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Alternative Prenatal Vitamins

May 12, 2011 | By Scott Johnson
Alternative Prenatal Vitamins
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Prenatal vitamins can be an indispensable way of ensuring that you get the necessary nutrients during your pregnancy. Look for one that contains sufficient quantities of folic acid, iron and calcium. Some prenatal supplements are only available through a prescription from your doctor; however, many high-quality supplements are available over-the-counter. Before taking any dietary supplement, especially one containing herbal nutrients, consult your doctor.

Nature's Way Completia Prenatal Multivitamin

Completia Prenatal Multivitamin from Nature's Way supplies minerals in the proper ratio for optimal iron absorption, but levels of calcium, magnesium, chromium and selenium are lower than the Recommended Daily Allowance, or RDA. It contains at least 100 percent of the RDA for each vitamin, including 800 mcg of folic acid. A significant advantage of this formula is its DHA, peppermint, dandelion, nettle and red raspberry content. These are nutrients that help support proper development of your baby's brain, eyes and nervous system, and help reduce nausea, tone the uterus, nourish and strengthen the kidneys, as well as improve milk production. The Completia tablet is coated with peppermint, which provides a pleasant scent.

Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Prenatal

Garden of Life offers a raw, vegetarian, dairy- and gluten-free formula called Vitamin Code Raw Prenatal. It is a capsule, instead of a tablet, and uses no binders or fillers. Eight hundred micrograms of folate is provided in raw-food form. All vitamins are supplied at 100 percent of the RDAs or more, but very few minerals reach the same level. A plethora of raw organic fruits, vegetables and sprouts are included and supply a wide variety of vital nutrients. The formula contains ginger, which is intended to support digestion and ease morning sickness and nausea. Vitamin Code Raw Prenatal contains the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus, which has demonstrated the ability to improve fetal immune function, according to a 2008 study published in "Clinical and Experimental Allergy."

New Chapter Perfect Prenatal

Perfect Prenatal produced by New Chapter is a whole-food supplement, meaning the nutrients it contains are derived from food sources, rather than synthesized. Vitamins are delivered in amounts equivalent to at least the RDA, but quantities of the minerals calcium and magnesium are insignificant. Dandelion, peppermint and lemon balm are some of the most important herbs in the formula. Lemon balm is a calming herb that helps diminish anxiety and insomnia. A blend of organic fruits and grains combined with several strains of probiotics -- including Lactobacillus rhamnosus -- round out this well-put-together formula.

Rainbow Light Complete Prenatal System

Rainbow Light's Complete Prenatal System contains higher levels of folic acid, calcium and magnesium than the other formulas. Each vitamin, with the exception of vitamin A, is furnished at or above the RDAs. A green superfood blend that includes spirulina, alfalfa and chlorella helps provide high levels of easily digestible antioxidants, minerals and amino acids. Red raspberry leaf and ginger combine with chamomile as the herbal contents. Another plus to Rainbow Light's formula is the lemon bioflavonoid complex. Bioflavonoids have been associated with preventing miscarriages, according to the "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine."

Warnings

Always consult with a qualified health-care practitioner before taking any dietary supplement. Some of the herbs contained in these formulas interact with prescription medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about potential interactions.

References

Article reviewed by Pamela Goldstein Last updated on: May 12, 2011

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