But not all moms need the extra dose.
Over the counter prenatal vitamins vs prescription.
Over the counter prenatal vitamins usually the biggest difference between over the counter and prescription prenatal vitamins is the dose of folic acid most prescription prenatal vitamins contain 1 mg 1000 mcg of folic acid while over the counter prenatal vitamins usually contain less typically 800 mcg.
However there are several benefits to taking a prescription prenatal vitamin instead of an over the counter generic.
Prescription vs over the counter prenatal vitamins if you re trying to decide between an over the counter versus prescription prenatal vitamin keep in mind that the essential ingredients are usually the same in each though prescription prenatal vitamins often contain extra nutrients such as additional omega 3s or iron.
Either prescription or over the counter any vitamin that claims to be a prenatal should have folate iron calcium and vitamin d.
When it comes to prenatal vitamins many women choose the lowest cost option they can purchase over the counter.
However there are some advantages and disadvantages of buying your vitamins over the counter.
Most otcs contain 800 micrograms 0 008 mg or less.
In short there doesn t have to be a difference between prescription and over the counter prenatal vitamins.
Many prescription prenatal vitamins contain 1 000 micrograms 1 milligram or more while on the average.
No omega 3s prescription or otc since that was almost 8 years ago.
Below are the unique benefits that products in the prenate vitamin family provide and that make them different.
Talk about the dark ages second pregnancy staff at specialist due to iui and history of miscarriages steered me to otc prenatals with one vitamin and one omega 3 supplement a day.
Over the counter prenatal vitamin or prescription prenatal.
Manufacturers are allowed to sell everything contained in a prenatal vitamin over the counter.
Omega 3 fatty acids most importantly dha are not always included but are easy to augment through an additional supplement.
Micronutrient content prescription prenatal vitamins often contain up to 1 000 micrograms of folic acid which is the most you should take per day but otc versions usually contain no more than 800 micrograms.
Prescription prenatals typically contain more folic acid than the over the counter varieties says wright.
If you ve already given birth to a baby with neural tube defects your doctor will likely start you on a prescription.