Nature Made Prenatal with Folic Acid + DHA Softgels Prenatal Vitamin and Mineral Supplement 150 Count
Summary
This prenatal supplement contains a comprehensive range of essential vitamins and minerals, including bioavailable forms like Vitamin D3 and DHA, which are beneficial for fetal development and maternal health. However, the presence of soybean oil, a seed oil that can promote inflammation, and the use of natural lemon flavor, which lacks transparency, are notable concerns. The formulation includes several additives, which slightly detract from its overall quality.
At a glance
Key ingredients 29
Vitamin AGood
Vitamin A is essential for vision, immune function, and fetal development. It is provided in the form of beta carotene, which is a safer source as it converts to vitamin A in the body as needed. This reduces the risk of toxicity compared to preformed vitamin A.
Risks
Excessive intake of vitamin A can lead to toxicity, but beta carotene is generally considered safe.
Benefits
Supports healthy vision, immune function, and fetal development.
Vitamin CGood
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system and enhances iron absorption. Ascorbic acid is a common and effective form of vitamin C used in supplements. It also plays a role in collagen synthesis, which is important for skin and connective tissues.
Benefits
Boosts immune function and enhances iron absorption.
Vitamin D3Very Good
Vitamin D3 is crucial for calcium absorption and bone health. Cholecalciferol is the most effective form of vitamin D for raising blood levels. It also supports immune function and may improve mood.
Risks
Excessive intake can lead to toxicity, but this is rare with normal supplementation.
Benefits
Enhances calcium absorption and supports bone health.
Vitamin EGood
Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative damage. The d-alpha tocopherol form is a natural and effective variant of vitamin E. It also supports immune function and skin health.
Risks
High doses may interfere with blood clotting, but this is uncommon at typical supplement levels.
Benefits
Protects cells from oxidative damage and supports immune health.
Vitamin KGood
Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and bone metabolism. Phytonadione is a common form used in supplements for its effectiveness. It also plays a role in cardiovascular health by preventing arterial calcification.
Benefits
Supports blood clotting and bone health.
ThiaminGood
Thiamin, or vitamin B1, is vital for energy metabolism and nerve function. Thiamine mononitrate is a stable form used in supplements. It helps convert carbohydrates into energy, supporting overall metabolic health.
Benefits
Supports energy metabolism and nerve function.
RiboflavinGood
Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, is important for energy production and cellular function. It acts as a coenzyme in various metabolic processes. Riboflavin also supports skin health and vision.
Benefits
Supports energy production and cellular function.
NiacinGood
Niacin, or vitamin B3, is essential for energy metabolism and DNA repair. Niacinamide is a form that does not cause flushing, making it suitable for supplementation. It also supports skin health and cholesterol management.
Risks
High doses can cause liver damage, but this is rare at typical supplement levels.
Benefits
Supports energy metabolism and skin health.
Vitamin B6Good
Vitamin B6 is crucial for amino acid metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis. Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a common and effective form used in supplements. It also supports immune function and hemoglobin production.
Risks
Excessive intake can lead to nerve damage, but this is uncommon with normal supplementation.
Benefits
Supports amino acid metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis.
FolateVery Good
Folate is vital for DNA synthesis and cell division, especially important during pregnancy. It helps prevent neural tube defects in developing fetuses. Folate also supports red blood cell formation and overall health.
Benefits
Essential for DNA synthesis and preventing neural tube defects.
Vitamin B12Good
Vitamin B12 is essential for nerve function and red blood cell formation. Cyanocobalamin is a stable and widely used form in supplements. It also supports DNA synthesis and energy production.
Benefits
Supports nerve function and red blood cell formation.
BiotinGood
Biotin, or vitamin B7, is important for carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. It supports healthy hair, skin, and nails. Biotin also plays a role in gene regulation and cell signaling.
Benefits
Supports metabolism and healthy hair, skin, and nails.
Pantothenic AcidGood
Pantothenic acid, or vitamin B5, is crucial for synthesizing coenzyme A, important in energy metabolism. It supports adrenal function and the synthesis of neurotransmitters. Pantothenic acid also aids in the production of red blood cells.
Benefits
Supports energy metabolism and adrenal function.
CalciumGood
Calcium is essential for bone health and muscle function. Calcium carbonate is a common form used in supplements for its high elemental calcium content. It also plays a role in nerve transmission and blood clotting.
Risks
Excessive intake can lead to kidney stones, but this is rare with normal supplementation.
Benefits
Supports bone health and muscle function.
IronGood
Iron is crucial for oxygen transport and energy production. Ferrous fumarate is a form that is well-absorbed and commonly used in supplements. It also supports immune function and cognitive development.
Risks
Excessive intake can cause gastrointestinal issues and toxicity, but this is rare with normal supplementation.
Benefits
Supports oxygen transport and energy production.
IodineGood
Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production and metabolic regulation. Potassium iodide is a stable form used in supplements. It also supports cognitive function and fetal development.
Risks
Excessive intake can lead to thyroid dysfunction, but this is uncommon with normal supplementation.
Benefits
Supports thyroid function and metabolic regulation.
MagnesiumGood
Magnesium is important for muscle and nerve function, as well as bone health. Magnesium oxide is a common form used in supplements, though it has lower bioavailability. It also supports energy production and cardiovascular health.
Risks
High doses can cause diarrhea, but this is uncommon with normal supplementation.
Benefits
Supports muscle and nerve function and bone health.
ZincGood
Zinc is crucial for immune function and wound healing. Zinc oxide is a common form used in supplements for its stability. It also supports DNA synthesis and cell division.
Risks
Excessive intake can interfere with copper absorption, but this is rare with normal supplementation.
Benefits
Supports immune function and wound healing.
Omega-3 Fatty AcidsVery Good
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for heart and brain health. They are derived from fish oil concentrate, which is a rich source of EPA and DHA. Omega-3s also support anti-inflammatory processes in the body.
Benefits
Supports heart and brain health and has anti-inflammatory properties.
DHAVery Good
DHA is a type of omega-3 fatty acid crucial for brain and eye development. It is particularly important during pregnancy for fetal brain development. DHA also supports cardiovascular health.
Benefits
Supports brain and eye development and cardiovascular health.
EPAVery Good
EPA is an omega-3 fatty acid that supports heart health and reduces inflammation. It is derived from fish oil, which is a potent source of EPA. EPA also plays a role in mood regulation and joint health.
Benefits
Supports heart health and reduces inflammation.
GlycerinNeutral
Glycerin is used as a humectant and stabilizer in supplements. It is generally recognized as safe and does not contribute significant nutritional value. Glycerin helps maintain moisture and consistency in softgels.
See more about Glycerin →LecithinNeutral
Lecithin is used as an emulsifier to improve the texture and stability of supplements. It is derived from soy, which may be a concern for those with soy allergies. Lecithin does not provide significant nutritional benefits in this context.
Risks
May pose a risk for individuals with soy allergies.
GelatinNeutral
Gelatin is used as a gelling agent in softgels, providing structure and consistency. It is derived from animal collagen, which may be a concern for vegetarians and vegans. Gelatin does not contribute significant nutritional value in this form.
See more about Gelatin →WaterNeutral
Water is used as a solvent and processing aid in supplements. It is essential for maintaining the consistency and stability of the product. Water does not provide nutritional benefits in this context.
See more about Water →Yellow BeeswaxNeutral
Yellow beeswax is used as a glazing agent and stabilizer in supplements. It helps maintain the integrity and appearance of softgels. Beeswax does not provide significant nutritional benefits in this context.
TocopherolsNeutral
Tocopherols are used to preserve freshness and prevent oxidation in supplements. They are a form of vitamin E, but in this context, they serve primarily as a preservative. Tocopherols do not provide significant nutritional benefits in this role.
See more about Tocopherols →Natural Lemon FlavorBad
Natural lemon flavor is used to enhance the taste of supplements. It is a catch-all term that can include various processed flavor compounds. The use of natural flavors is often criticized for lack of transparency and potential allergenicity.
Risks
May contain allergens or processed compounds that are not fully disclosed.
Soybean OilVery Bad
Soybean oil is a seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can promote inflammation when consumed in excess. It is often highly processed and may contain residues from chemical extraction methods. The presence of soybean oil is concerning due to its potential health impacts.
Risks
High omega-6 content may promote inflammation when consumed in excess.
Processing
Ultra-Processed Foods
Get the full breakdown in the Scout app
Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.
Download on theApp Store