Prenatal Vitamin Shopping

I am looking for a list of prenatal vitamins that have these elements that does not contain fish oil:

• 4,000 of vitamin A : I am unsure if I really want Vitamin A
• 250 mg DHA
• 800 and 1,000 mcg (1 mg) of folic acid
• 400 IU of vitamin D
• 200 to 300 mg of calcium
• 120 mg of vitamin C
• 1.5 mg of thiamine
• 3.4  mg of riboflavin
• 2.6 mg of pyridoxine
• 17 mg of niacinamide
• 3 mg of B1
• 20 or 25 mg of B-6
• 2.2 mcg of vitamin B-12
• 30 mg of vitamin E
• 15 mg of zinc
• 2 mg of copper
• 90 mg of iron
• 50 mg Docusate sodium – stool softner

I am curious what MetaFolin is and how important is magnesium?  I am cross referencing vitamins with my insurance coverage to make sure I have utilized all my resources in finding a prenatal vitamin that I want to take.

Thanks,
Vitamin Shopper

[Kim1989]

why dont you just go to your ob and ask for one?

[Carrie777]

I did and I have several brands all with different ingrediants and different prices.  I researched what I want and had some questions about MetaFolin and magnesium.  With insurance CitraNatal90DHA is about 43$ a month.  So, I was checking to see if anyone had any knowledge on my questions.
Thanks,
Vitamin Shopper

[Kim1989]

but why do you need specific ingredients i guess is what im wondering. doctors usually can help pick a vitamin for your specific body needs as well as your babys

[spade22]

I think you are over thinking this subject.  Unless you are specifically deprived in a particular essential vitamin/mineral, it is fine to take ANY OTC prenatal vitamin.  I used  a generic Walmart brand throughout pregnancy - 9 months worth cost less than $10.  Remember, most vitamin tablets contain 100% (or close to that) of the recommended daily amount and on top of that, you will be getting additional vitamins/minerals from dietary intake.

Metafolin is a derivatised form of folic acid (B9).  In other words, a company took folic acid, treated it with a chemical, and then market this as "metafolin".  Folic acid (or folate) is VERY important for a developing fetus whether it from the derivatised or underivatised form.  What you need to look for in a prenatal pill is a folic acid content between 600-1000 mcg - in my opinion, natural B9 (folic acid) is superior to something such as metafolin.

It is recommended that one take 350-360 mch magnesium per day while pregnant.  Here is a link on this:

http://www.babycenter.com/0_magnesium-preventing-pregnancy-complications_659.bc

[AmyW803]

Try OptiNate.  It had DHA that is purely from plant sources.  It also has metafolin.  According to www.sciele.com:

"Metabolizing ("breaking down") folic acid to its active, protective folate form is difficult for some women14
Up to 1 in 2 women may have this difficulty due to common genetic mutations, according to the British Medical Journal14


Potential risk factor for babies being born with neural tube defects (NTDs)15
That’s why Prenate DHA™, Prenate Elite®, and OptiNate® are all formulated to include both folic acid and Metafolin®.

Metafolin®—active folate for immediate use by the body
Take comfort in knowing that Metafolin® is active folate protection. Your body does not need to break it down like folic acid. Metafolin® helps provide your baby with the folate needed for proper development, and helps reduce the risk of serious birth defects. "

Good luck!

p.s.  If you happen to find another similar vitamin that does not contain the stool softener, let me know!!  I would take this vitamin if it weren't for that.

[Ricar]

My cousin took Atabex EC before, after, and lactation time. The reason why she loves this Prenatal is the pill size, very very small, and not only that, got 17 essentials vitamins, minerals and a gentle Stoll Softener.   About DHA, I don’t believe on changing the DHA instead all important vitamins and minerals that my baby and me needs.  I buy the DHA apart on the pharmacy, DHA always is a Dietary Supplement, except when get added to the prescribe Prenatal Vitamins.   Google it ATABEX EC.  Ask your doctor for a prescription.