Best Prenatal Multivitamins in 2021
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Comparison of 106 Multivitamins Specifically Designed for Pregnant Women
The demands put on the bodies of pregnant women are truly astonishing. During this time, future mothers need not only to meet their own nutritional needs, but also those of their unborn child. While expecting moms need from 15 to 30 percent more calories per day, their need for certain vitamins and minerals increases by as much as 50 percent.1
In fact, the daily recommended intake (DRI) of 14 out of the 21 essential micronutrients are higher for women expecting a child.2 Since it is nearly impossible for pregnant women to meet their nutritional needs from diet alone, they need to take supplements that contain the vitamins and minerals essential for their health, as well as the health of their child.
Effectiveness Scores of Prenatal Multivitamins
The table below provides a summary of the Effectiveness Scores of some of the best prenatal multivitamin brands available on the market. Any product with a score that exceeds 8.0 is considered to be "excellent". For best results, using a prenatal vitamin supplement with a score of 8.0 or above is strongly advised.
| Rank | Multivitamin | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Whole Food Prenatal by NATURELO |
9.5 |
| 2 | Baby & Me 2 by MegaFood | 9.1 |
| 3 | Perfect Prenatal by New Chapter | 8.9 |
| 4 | Vitamin Code RAW Prenatal by Garden of Life | 8.8 |
| 5 | Wellness Essentials Pregnancy by Metagenics | 8.6 |
| 6 | Prenatal Pack by Douglas Laboratories | 8.5 |
| 7 | Complete Prenatal System by Rainbow Light | 8.4 |
| 8 | Maxi Pre-Natal Multi Vitamins by Country Life | 8.2 |
| 9 | Mother's Choice Prenatal Multiple by Source Naturals | 8.0 |
| 10 | Multi Prenatal by Nutritional Frontier | 7.9 |
| 11 | Ultimate Prenatal by Davinci Lab | 7.8 |
| 12 | Prenatal One + DHA Packs by Rainbow Light | 7.7 |
| 13 | Vitamins Prenatal Plus by True Fit | 7.7 |
| 14 | Mother To Be Prenatal by Pure Essence Labs | 7.6 |
| 15 | Prenatal Petite by Rainbow Light | 7.5 |
| 16 | PreNatal Plus by Vitabase | 7.5 |
| 17 | Baby-Me-Now by Solaray | 7.4 |
| 18 | Pre-Natal Packs by Biotics Research | 7.4 |
| 19 | Liquid Multi Vitamin-Mineral by Trace Minerals Research | 7.3 |
| 20 | Preg-Natal + DHA Packets by Jarrow Formulas | 7.2 |
| 21 | Prenatal Plus by FoodFactsTri | 7.1 |
| 22 | Baby & Me, Herb Free by MegaFood | 7.1 |
| 23 | Prenatal One Multivitamin by Rainbow Light | 7.0 |
| 24 | Prenatal Nutrients by Solgar | 7.0 |
| 25 | Optimal Prenatal by Seeking Health | 7.0 |
| 26 | Baby & Me Trimester I & II by Innate Response Formulas | 6.9 |
| 27 | Women's Prenatal Program by GNC | 6.9 |
| 28 | Prenatal by Douglas Laboratories | 6.8 |
| 29 | Pre-Natal Formula by Physiologics | 6.7 |
| 30 | Pre-Natal Complex by Puritan's Pride | 6.6 |
| 31 | Prenatal Nutrients by Pure Encapsulations | 6.6 |
| 32 | PreNatal Plus DHA Complete by Buried Treasure | 6.5 |
| 33 | Ultra Natal (Prenatal Vitamin) by Biogenesis Nutraceuticals | 6.4 |
| 34 | Completia Prenatal Multivitamin by Nature's Way | 6.4 |
| 35 | Prenatal Forte by Integrative Therapeutics | 6.3 |
| 36 | Aved-Prenatal Multi by Anabolic Laboratories | 6.3 |
| 37 | Prenatal Formula by Thompson (Nutraceutical) | 6.2 |
| 38 | Prenatal Complete Multivitamin Formula by Nature's Way | 6.1 |
| 39 | Oxylent Prenatal Multivitamin Drink by Vitalah | 6.1 |
| 40 | Pre Natal Complex by Good n Natural | 6.0 |
| 41 | Prental Multivitamin + DHA/Lutein by Similac | 5.9 |
| 42 | PreNatal Multi-Nutrients by Vital Nutrients | 5.9 |
| 43 | Simply One Prenatal by Super Nutrition | 5.8 |
| 44 | Vitamins Prenatal Vitamins by Deva Vegan | 5.7 |
| 45 | Ultra Prenatal by Nature's Plus | 5.7 |
| 46 | Prenatal Multi Vit-A-Min Raw Whole-Food by Emerald Labs (Ultra Labs) | 5.6 |
| 47 | Prenatal Multivitamin by BrainStrong | 5.6 |
| 48 | Fem Prenatal by Metagenics | 5.5 |
| 49 | Prenatal Vitamins by Easy2Swallow Vitamins | 5.4 |
| 50 | Ultra Mega Green Prenatal by GNC | 5.3 |
| 51 | Prenatal Multiple Vit/Min by Nature's Life | 5.3 |
| 52 | Women's Prenatal Formula with DHA by GNC | 5.2 |
| 53 | Certified Organic Prenatal Multivitamin by Rainbow Light | 5.2 |
| 54 | Prenatal Multi-Plus by Pure Life | 5.1 |
| 55 | Basic Prenatal by Thorne Research | 5.1 |
| 56 | Breastfeeding Essentials by My Brest Friend | 5.0 |
| 57 | Advanced Prenatal Formula by Kal (Nutraceutical) | 5.0 |
| 58 | Source Of Life Prenatal by Nature's Plus | 4.9 |
| 59 | MAXXI-Natal by Karuna | 4.9 |
| 60 | PreNatal Multiple with DHA by Carlson | 4.8 |
| 61 | Prenatal + DHA by NOW Foods | 4.8 |
| 62 | Prenatal Synbiotic Nutrients by NewMark | 4.8 |
| 63 | Prenatal Pro by Design For Health | 4.7 |
| 64 | Pre-Natal by Priority One | 4.6 |
| 65 | One 'n' Only PreNatal Multiple by Pure Essence Labs | 4.5 |
| 66 | Vita Mom Prenatal Formula by Kal (Nutraceutical) | 4.5 |
| 67 | Health One Prenatal by Maxi Health | 4.4 |
| 68 | Prenatal Woman's Dietary Supplement by Nature's Plus | 4.4 |
| 69 | Pre-Natal Care by Twinlab | 4.3 |
| 70 | Prenatal Liquid Multi by Nature's Plus | 4.2 |
| 71 | Multivitamin Prenatal by Delta Labs | 4.2 |
| 72 | Specialist Complete Multivitamin: Prenatal by Centrum Specialist | 4.1 |
| 73 | PreNatal Blend 2 by Super Nutrition | 4.0 |
| 74 | Clinical Nutrients Prenatal Formula by Integrative therapeutics | 4.0 |
| 75 | Doctor's Choice Prenatal Multivitamin by Enzymatic Therapy | 3.9 |
| 76 | Women's Prenatal Multivitamin by One A Day (Bayer) | 3.9 |
| 77 | Prenatal Multiple by Progressive Labs | 3.8 |
| 78 | Ultra Mega Green Prenatal by GNC | 3.8 |
| 79 | Realfood Organics Prenatal Multivitamin by Country Life | 3.7 |
| 80 | Pharmacist's Support Prenatal + DHA by Walgreens | 3.7 |
| 81 | Nature's Prenatal by Nature's Sunshine | 3.6 |
| 82 | Prenatal + DHA, Multivitamins by Stuart | 3.5 |
| 83 | Brand New Mother Premium Multivitamin by Olympian Labs | 3.5 |
| 84 | Prenatal Advanced Care Vitamins/Minerals by Kirkland Signature (Costco) | 3.4 |
| 85 | Vita Natal by Eclectic Institute | 3.3 |
| 86 | Prenatal Formula by Lifetime Professional | 3.3 |
| 87 | Prenatal Multivitamin + DHA 120 by 21st Century | 3.2 |
| 88 | Prenatal by Perry (Kirkman's Group) | 3.2 |
| 89 | Natures Aid Prenatal Support by Natures Aid | 3.1 |
| 90 | Bellybar Prenatal Chewable by Bellybar | 3.1 |
| 91 | Prenatal Formula Multivitamin by Nature's Blend (Swanson) | 3.0 |
| 92 | Prenatal Multi + DHA by Nature Made | 2.9 |
| 93 | Prenatal Vitamins by Nature's Bounty | 2.9 |
| 94 | Prenatal Gummy Vitamins by Nutrition Now | 2.9 |
| 95 | PreNatal Gummy Vitamins by Vitafusion (Northwest) | 2.8 |
| 96 | PreNatal by 21st Century | 2.7 |
| 97 | Prenatal Vitamin by Finest Nutrition (Walgreens) | 2.7 |
| 98 | Prenatal, Vitamin & Mineral Formula by Sundown Naturals | 2.6 |
| 99 | Prenatal Multi by Body First (Allstarthealth) | 2.5 |
| 100 | Prenatal Multivitamin by Stuart | 2.5 |
| 101 | Pre-Natal Vitamin Tablets by Walgreens | 2.5 |
| 102 | Prenavite Prenatal Formula by Rugby | 2.4 |
| 103 | Multi Prenatal, Tablets by Nature Made | 2.4 |
| 104 | Aspiring Mother Premium Multivitamin by Olympian Labs | 2.3 |
| 105 | Pre-Natal Multivitamin by Prescribed Choice | 2.3 |
| 106 | Prenatal Vitamin Powdered Supplement Mix by Premama | 2.2 |
Do Expecting Mothers Really Need Vitamin Supplements?
While pregnant and breastfeeding women are often reminded that they are “eating for two,” this advice does not mean calorie intake; rather, it refers to the nutrients needed by both mother and child.
When pregnant women do not get sufficient vitamins and minerals, they put their health and the health of their unborn child at risk. Some of the consequences of nutritional deficiencies for the mother and the unborn child include the following:
- Anemia
- Problems with wound healing
- Low birth weight
- Increased risk of preeclampsia and eclampsia
- Premature birth
- High risk of heart defects, neural tube defects, and urinary track abnormalities2
The effects of maternal malnutrition have lifelong consequences for the child. When a fetus does not get the vitamins and minerals it needs, the child has an increased risk for chronic health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and heart disease.3
Given the severe consequences of poor nutrition for both mother and child, women need to ensure the supplement they take during pregnancy has all the essential nutrients they need, as well as those required by their unborn child.
Which vitamins and minerals are most critical for a healthy pregnancy?
When choosing a nutritional supplement to take during pregnancy, expectant mothers need to check to make sure it contains the following nutrients:
Folate
While the current Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) for folic acid (the synthetic form of folate) is 600 mcg per day, a Hungarian study of more than 5,400 pregnant women found that those who took supplements containing 800 mcg reduced their risk of having a child born with a neural tube defect by 90 percent. Folate is also essential for healthy fetal brain and spinal cord development and reducing the risk of heart defects and the development of a cleft palate.3,4,5
Calcium
If pregnant women do not have the recommended 1000 mg of calcium per day, the fetus will rob the mother's bones and teeth of this nutrient. Additionally, calcium deficiency during pregnancy is also associated with circulatory, muscle, and nervous system problems. The developing fetus also needs calcium for bone development.3.5
Vitamin D
The Vitamin D Council recommends that expectant mothers have 4,000 IU of vitamin D daily in order to avoid birth complications. The fetus also needs this nutrient to develop strong bones and teeth.3,5,6
Iron
The RDI for iron during pregnancy is 27 mg, which is double that needed by women who are not pregnant. The reason for this significant increase is that not only does the blood volume of expecting mothers double during pregnancy, but they also have to produce the blood supply for the growing fetus. 3, 4, 5
Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
The RDI of 1.4 mg for riboflavin is 27 percent higher during pregnancy than at any other time during a woman’s life. Pregnant women who develop a biotin deficiency are 4.7 times more likely to develop pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure and protein in the urine) and 5 percent of these women progress to fatal eclampsia.3
Biotin (vitamin B7)
Even though the RDI for biotin (30 mcg/day) is the same for future moms and women who are not pregnant, 30 percent of women develop a biotin deficiency while they are carrying their child. The developing fetus uses a significant amount of this vitamin for producing new cells and protein. Biotin is also necessary for healthy immune functioning for the mother and the newborn child.3
Vitamin A
The RDI for vitamin A during pregnancy is 2567 IU per day. This nutrient is essential for fetal cell growth, correct gene expression, and the development of healthy eyes, ears, limbs, and immune system. Vitamin A deficiency puts the expectant mother at risk for anemia.3
Omega 3 fatty acids
The recommended intake for omega 3 fatty acids during pregnancy is 1.4 grams per day. This nutrient is essential for the development of the fetus’s central nervous system, as well as to prevent premature birth and low birth weight. Additionally, an Australian study found that the children whose mothers took omega 3 supplements during pregnancy scored higher on eye-hand coordination tests than children whose mothers did not take this supplement.7,8,9
Should you take vitamin supplements while breastfeeding?
When a new mom starts breastfeeding her newborn baby, her nutritional needs increase even more compared to when she was pregnant. Even though she needs 500 more calories than women who are not lactating, her nutritional needs are greater than what she can get from her diet alone. In the event a woman does not get the nutrients she needs, her body will strip what is needed from her system to produce breast milk.
Essential nutrients during lactation
Some women continue to take their prenatal supplements while they are breastfeeding, thinking they are getting all the vitamins and minerals they need. The reality is that they are not. In fact, there are significant differences in the micronutrients needs of expectant and breastfeeding mothers. For example, breastfeeding moms need 50 percent less iron than non-lactating women.10 On the other hand, their need for iodine goes up by 90 percent to support their child’s thyroid and nervous system development.11,12
Some other examples of the other essential micronutrients needed by breast feeding mothers include:
B vitamins
If a mother develops deficiencies in these nutrients, she is putting her child at risk for impairments in brain development, neurological disorders, and anemia.11
Vitamin A
A women needs 4333 IU of vitamin A when breastfeeding, which is 86 percent more than what she needs at other times of her life. Her child needs this nutrient for healthy eye development, as well as to decrease the risk of stunted growth, infection, and poor appetite.13,14
You can find the complete list of micronutrients you need while pregnant and lactating in the table below. The "difference" column indicates how much higher or lower the vitamin needs of pregnant or lactating women are, compared to when they are not pregnant.
Table 2: RDIs for Pregnant and Lactating Women
| Nutrient | Unit | Preg- nant |
Lact- ating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A | IU | 2567 | 4333 |
| Vitamin C | mg | 85 | 120 |
| Vitamin D | IU | 600 | 600 |
| Vitamin E | IU | 22 | 28 |
| Vitamin K | mcg | 90 | 90 |
| Thiamin | mg | 1.4 | 1.4 |
| Riboflavin | mg | 1.4 | 1.6 |
| Niacin | mg | 18 | 17 |
| Vitamin B6 | mg | 1.9 | 2 |
| Folate | mcg | 600 | 500 |
| Vitamin B12 | mcg | 2.6 | 2.8 |
| Panto. Acid | mg | 6 | 7 |
| Biotin | mcg | 30 | 35 |
| Calcium | mg | 1000 | 1000 |
| Chromium | mcg | 30 | 45 |
| Copper | mcg | 1000 | 1300 |
| Iodine | mcg | 220 | 290 |
| Iron | mg | 27 | 9 |
| Magnesium | mg | 350 | 310 |
| Manganese | mg | 2 | 2.6 |
| Molybdenum | mcg | 50 | 50 |
| Selenium | mcg | 60 | 70 |
| Zinc | mg | 11 | 12 |
| Potassium | g | 4.7 | 5.1 |
Choosing a supplement
Given the importance of sound nutrition for both pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, it is essential that you select a high quality supplement. Table1 presented above provides a good summary of the best prenatal vitamin supplements available on the market today.
List of References
1 The U.S. National Library of Medicine Eating right during pregnancy
2 The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition Use of dietary supplements by pregnant and lactating women
3 Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Needs During Pregnancy and Lactation
4 United States Department of Agriculture Why take a prenatal supplement?
5 The Mayo Clinic Pregnancy diet: Focus on these essential nutrients
6 Vitamin D Council Vitamin D during pregnancy and breastfeeding
7 Linus Pauling Institute Essential Fatty Acids: Intake Recommendations
8 Reviews in Obstetrics and Gynecology Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation During Pregnancy
9 American College of Nurse-Midwives Omega-3 Fatty Acids During Pregnancy
10 Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Needs During Pregnancy and Lactation
11 US National Library of Medicine Iodine nutrition and breast feeding
12 Science Daily Critical need for iodine supplements during pregnancy and while nursing
13 Pacific Health Dialog Vitamin A in Breast Milk
14 Rehydration Project Breastmilk: A Critical Source of Vitamin A for Infants and Young Children