Pre eclampsia, sometimes called toxemia, is a unique and often dangerous condition that only occurs during pregnancy. Most experts define PRE ECLAMPSIA as an elevation in blood pressure in a pregnant woman of 140/90, with protein in the urine, or swelling (edema) of the feet, hands, and face. The condition occurs more commonly during first pregnancies, with twins or triplets, in very young or older women, and when a woman has had pre eclampsia with previous pregnancies. In general, about 10-15% of women get this condition during their first pregnancy, while about 7% or women who have previously had children develop pre eclampsia with later pregnancies.

Findings of New Research on Co-Q10

A new study has found that CoQ10 can decrease the incidence of preeclampsia in pregnancy. This is great news for mother who have had preeclampsia in the past or who have a history of preeclampsia in their family. Below are some abstracts that talk about some of the many benefits of CoQ10. 

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether supplementation with Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) during pregnancy reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia. METHODS: Women at increased risk of pre-eclampsia were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Women were assigned to receive 200 mg of CoQ10 or placebo daily from 20 weeks of pregnancy until delivery. The primary outcome was rate of pre-eclampsia. Statistical analyses were by intention-to-treat. RESULTS: Of the 235 women enrolled in the trial, 118 were randomized to receive CoQ10 and 117 received a placebo. A total of 197 (83.8%) women were followed-up. The overall rate of pre-eclampsia was 20% (n=47). Thirty women (25.6%) in the placebo group developed pre-eclampsia compared with 17 women (14.4%) in the CoQ10 group, and this reduction was significant (P=0.035) (relative risk [RR] 0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33-0.96). CONCLUSION: Supplementation with CoQ10 reduces the risk of developing pre-eclampsia in women at risk for the condition.

Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2009 Apr;105(1):43-5. Epub 2009 Jan 19.

Coenzyme Q10 supplementation during pregnancy reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia.

Teran E, Hernandez I, Nieto B, Tavara R, Ocampo JE, Calle A.

Experimental Pharmacology and Cellular Metabolism Unit, Biomedical Center, Central University of Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador.

Abstract

The fundamental role of coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10)) in mitochondrial bioenergetics and its well-acknowledged antioxidant properties constitute the basis for its clinical applications, although some of its effects may be related to a gene induction mechanism. Cardiovascular disease is still the main field of study and the latest findings confirm a role of CoQ(10) in improving endothelial function. The possible relation between CoQ(10) deficiency and statin side effects is highly debated, particularly the key issue of whether CoQ(10) supplementation counteracts statin myalgias. Furthermore, in cardiac patients, plasma CoQ(10) was found to be an independent predictor of mortality. Studies on CoQ(10) and physical exercise have confirmed its effect in improving subjective fatigue sensation and physical performance and in opposing exercise-related damage. In the field of mitochondrial myopathies, primary CoQ(10) deficiencies have been identified, involving different genes of the CoQ(10) biosynthetic pathway; some of these conditions were found to be highly responsive to CoQ(10) administration. The initial observations of CoQ(10) effects in Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases have been extended to Friedreich’s ataxia, where CoQ(10) and other quinones have been tested. CoQ(10) is presently being used in a large phase III trial in Parkinson’s disease. CoQ(10) has been found to improve sperm count and motility on asthenozoospermia. Moreover, for the first time CoQ(10) was found to decrease the incidence of preeclampsia in pregnancy. The ability of CoQ(10) to mitigate headache symptoms in adults was also verified in pediatric and adolescent populations. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Nutrition. 2010 Mar;26(3):250-4. Epub 2009 Nov 22.

Clinical aspects of coenzyme Q10: an update.

Littarru GP, Tiano L.

Department of Biochemistry, Biology and Genetics, Polytechnic University of the Marche, Ancona, Italy.

Prenate Essential is a prescription prenatal vitamin that comes in a softgel capsule. As far as prescription prenatal vitamins go, Prenate Essential is on the lower side of cost. There are a number of good ingredients in this product, but they still could have added a few others. Prenate Essential contains DHA at 300mg but other than that this prenatal vitamin is lacking in some of the more beneficial ingredients. I would have like to have seen CoQ10 in this product and some Probiotics. But you will have no such luck with this product.

What is Found in Prenate Essential?

Vitamin C 85 mg 142%, Vitamin D3 200 IU 50%, Vitamin E 10 IU 33%, Vitamin B6 25 mg 1250%, Folate 1 mg 250%, (L-methylfolate as Metafolin 600 mcg) (folic acid, USP 400mcg), Vitamin B12 12 mcg 200%, Biotin 250 mcg 83%, Calcium 140 mg 14% (calcium carbonate), Iron (ferrous fumarate) 28 mg 156%, Iodine (potassium iodide) 150 mcg 100%, Magnesium 45 mg 11% (magnesium oxide), Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) 300 mg †, Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) 40mg † (from 340 mg omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil)

Other ingredients

fish oil, gelatin, hydrogenated vegetable oil, glycerin, sorbitol, beeswax, soy lecithin, titanium dioxide, vanillin, FD&C blue No. 1, propylene glycol, hypromellose.

 Advantages of Prenate Essential

• Contains DHA
• Well known Company
• Available at most pharmacies

Disadvantages of Prenate Essential

• Contains Dye
• Does not contain enough Calcium
• No Probiotics
• Expensive
• Missing out on some top of the line ingredients

Cost of Prenate Essential

For a one month supply of Prenate Essential it is going to cost you $80, if you have good insurance they may pay for part of the cost.

Recommendation of Prenate Essential

Prenate Essential is an alright prenatal vitamin but for the price I would definitely recommend another product that contains more essential ingredients. Prenate Essential is missing out on one of the most beneficial ingredients which is probiotics. If you like Prenate vitamins it shouldn’t be long until they come out with a new product that contains most of these ingredients.

Is PreNexa Prenatal the Choice for You?

PreNexa Prenatal Vitamins are a prescription prenatal vitamin formulated so that you only have to take one capsule a day. PreNexa is made by Upsher-Smith Laboratories and is a fairly new product. One thing that I like about PreNexa is that it contains DHA, which is very important. Another good thing is that you only have to take one capsule a day. The problem with PreNexa is that in order to fit everything into one capsule is that some important ingredients were left out and other ingredients contain only small amounts. Another problem is that in order to make a good looking capsule PreNexa added several Dyes to their product, which can cause problems for some people.

What is Found in PreNexa?

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid, USP) – 25 mg, Calcium (tribasic calcium phosphate, NF) – 160 mg, Iron (ferrous fumarate, USP) – 30 mg, Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol, USP) – 170 IU, Vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol, USP) – 30 IU, Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride, USP) – 25 mg, Folic Acid, USP – 1.2 mg, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid, contained in the oil derived from, microalgae) – 265 mg, Docusate Sodium, USP – not more than 55 mg

Inactive Ingredients: Ethyl vanillin, FD&C blue #1, FD&C red #40, FD&C yellow #6, gelatin, glycerin, lecithin, palm kernel oil, sodium benzoate, soybean oil, sunflower oil, titanium dioxide, yellow beeswax, water and white ink (ammonium hydroxide, isopropyl alcohol, n-butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, shellac glaze in SD-45 alcohol, simethicone, titanium dioxide).

Advantages of PreNexa

• Contains DHA
• Comes in a good looking box
• FDA approved
• Available at most pharmacies

Disadvantages of PreNexa

• Contains Dyes
• Expensive
• Missing out on some important ingredients
• Only contains 160mg of Calcium
• Contains no Probiotics

Cost of PreNexa

A one month supply of PreNexa will cost you $53, depending on your insurance, part of the cost may be covered.

Recommendation of PreNexa

PreNexa is just on okay prenatal vitamin. PreNexa does contain DHA but not at the levels you need. Also, PreNexa contains dyes which may cause nausea for some women. The calcium levels in this product are also low. For people that can barely swallow a pill this may be a good product for them, because you only need to take one a day. Customer reviews on this product were mixed. Overall I would recommend taking a prenatal vitamin that provides you with all of the best ingredients and will really help you and your baby.

Abstract 1

Balanced glucose metabolism ensures optimal fetal growth with long-term health implications conferred on both mother and child. We examined whether supplementation of probiotics with dietary counselling affects glucose metabolism in normoglycaemic pregnant women. At the first trimester of pregnancy 256 women were randomised to receive nutrition counselling to modify dietary intake according to current recommendations or as controls; the dietary intervention group was further randomised to receive probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12; diet/probiotics) or placebo (diet/placebo) in a double-blind manner, whilst the control group received placebo (control/placebo). Blood glucose concentrations were lowest in the diet/probiotics group during pregnancy (baseline-adjusted means 4.45, 4.60 and 4.56 mmol/l in diet/probiotics, diet/placebo and control/placebo, respectively; P = 0.025) and over the 12 months’ postpartum period (baseline-adjusted means 4.87, 5.01 and 5.02 mmol/l; P = 0.025). Better glucose tolerance in the diet/probiotics group was confirmed by a reduced risk of elevated glucose concentration compared with the control/placebo group (OR 0.31 (95 % CI 0.12, 0.78); P = 0.013) as well as by the lowest insulin concentration (adjusted means 7.55, 9.32 and 9.27 mU/l; P = 0.032) and homeostasis model assessment (adjusted means 1.49, 1.90 and 1.88; P = 0.028) and the highest quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (adjusted means 0.37, 0.35 and 0.35; P = 0.028) during the last trimester of pregnancy. The effects observed extended over the 12-month postpartum period. The present study demonstrated that improved blood glucose control can be achieved by dietary counselling with probiotics even in a normoglycaemic population and thus may provide potential novel means for the prophylactic and therapeutic management of glucose disorders

Br J Nutr. 2009 Jun;101(11):1679-87. Epub 2008 Nov 19.

Probiotics and dietary counselling contribute to glucose regulation during and after pregnancy: a randomised controlled trial.

Laitinen K, Poussa T, Isolauri E; Nutrition, Allergy, Mucosal Immunology and Intestinal Microbiota Group.

Department of Biochemistry and Food Chemistry, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland

Abstract 2

The perinatal nutritional environment impacts upon the health and well-being of mother and child also in the long term. The aim of the present study was to determine the safety and efficacy of perinatal probiotic-supplemented dietary counselling by evaluating pregnancy outcome and fetal and infant growth during the 24 months’ follow-up. Altogether, 256 women were randomised at their first trimester of pregnancy into a control and a dietary intervention group. The intervention group received intensive dietary counselling provided by a nutritionist and were further randomised, double-blind to receive probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12; diet/probiotics) or placebo (diet/placebo). Firstly, probiotic intervention reduced the frequency of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM); 13 % (diet/probiotics) v. 36 % (diet/placebo) and 34 % (control); P = 0.003. Secondly, the safety of this approach was attested by normal duration of pregnancies with no adverse events in mothers or children. No significant differences in prenatal or postnatal growth rates among the study groups were detected. Thirdly, distinctive effects of the two interventions were detected; probiotic intervention reduced the risk of GDM and dietary intervention diminished the risk of larger birth size in affected cases; P = 0.035 for birth weight and P = 0.028 for birth length. The results of the present study show that probiotic-supplemented perinatal dietary counselling could be a safe and cost-effective tool in addressing the metabolic epidemic. In view of the fact that birth size is a risk marker for later obesity, the present results are of significance for public health in demonstrating that this risk is modifiable.

Br J Nutr. 2010 Jun;103(12):1792-9. Epub 2010 Feb 4.

Impact of maternal probiotic-supplemented dietary counselling on pregnancy outcome and prenatal and postnatal growth: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Luoto R, Laitinen K, Nermes M, Isolauri E.

Department of Paediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland.

Abstract 3

Lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria are increasingly being administered to pregnant women and infants with the intention of improving health. Although these organisms have a long record of safe use, it is important to identify any adverse effects in potentially vulnerable populations. In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, we evaluated the safety of a bacterial dietary supplement for the prevention of atopy in infants. Two strains of lactobacilli (Lactobacillus salivarius CUL61 and Lactobacillus paracasei CUL08) and bifidobacteria (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CUL34 and Bifidobacterium bifidum CUL20) with a total of 1 x 10(10) colony-forming units were administered daily to women during the last month of pregnancy and to infants aged 0-6 mo. Adverse events (AE) were classified according to WHO International Statistical Classification of Diseases criteria. Common symptoms were recorded by regular questionnaires. Baseline characteristics of 220 mother-infant dyads in the treatment and 234 in the placebo group were similar. Compliance with the trial interventions, loss to follow-up, symptoms, drug usage, infant growth, method of feeding, visits to the doctor, and mothers’ assessment of infant health were similar in the 2 groups. Fifteen (6.8%) mothers and 73 (33.2%) infants in the treatment group and 21 (9.0%) mothers and 75 (32.1%) infants in the placebo group reported AE (P = 0.49 and P = 0.84, respectively). Severe AE occurred in 18 mothers and 63 infants with a similar frequency in each group. None of the AE were attributed to the intervention. Our findings support the safe use of this consortium of organisms during pregnancy and early infancy.

J Nutr. 2010 Mar;140(3):483-8. Epub 2010 Jan 20.

Dietary supplementation with lactobacilli and bifidobacteria is well tolerated and not associated with adverse events during late pregnancy and early infancy.

Allen SJ, Jordan S, Storey M, Thornton CA, Gravenor M, Garaiova I, Plummer SF, Wang D, Morgan G.

The School of Medicine, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales, UK

A recent study has shown why calcium supplementation is important for pregnant women. There is a higher demand of calcium while women are pregnant and their fetus is developing. It is important for women who do not drink much milk to make sure to get enough calcium supplementation. Most prenatal vitamins only contain 100mg-2oomg of calcium. In the study below women were given 950mg of calcium a day. The results showed that mineral bone density in women receiving calcium showed a significant increase.  

Importance of Vitamin D3 and Calcium During Pregnancy

Another recent study has shown the importance of Vitamin D3 and Calcium supplementation in pregnant women. The study stated that Vitamin D and Calcium play major roles in calcium homeostasis and skeletal development. The study stated that 60% of women in the first trimester had Vitamin D deficiency. The study concluding that Vitamin D and Calcium supplementation is extremely important for pregnant women.  

Below are the two abstracts of the studies and the references. 

OBJECTIVE: Calcium demand is increased during pregnancy. However, few randomized controlled trials examined the effects of calcium supplementation on bone mass during pregnancy. This study determined effects of calcium and milk supplementation on maternal bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover in pregnant Chinese women with habitual low calcium intake. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 36 Chinese pregnant women (24-31 years, 18 gestational weeks) were randomly assigned to the following three arms (12 each): I, usual diet; II, “I” + 45 g milk powder (containing 350 mg calcium); or III, “II” + 600 mg calcium/day from gestational age of 20 weeks to 6 weeks post-partum (PP). BMD was measured post-treatment using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Dietary intakes, 24-h urinary calcium, bone resorption (urinary hydroxyproline) and formation (serum osteocalcin) biomarkers were examined at the gestational age of 20 and 34 weeks, and 6 weeks PP. RESULTS: A dose-dependent relationship was observed between calcium intake and BMDs. The BMD values were significantly higher in subjects with calcium and milk supplementation than those in the controls at the whole body and spine (p < 0.05) but not at the hip sites. We found significant decreases in changes of urinary hydroxyproline, and significant increases in serum osteocalcin during the intervention period in the calcium/milk intervention groups than those in the control group (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Calcium/milk supplementation during pregnancy is associated with greater BMD at the spine and whole body and suppresses bone resorption in Chinese women with habitual low calcium intake.

Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2010 Jan 1. [Epub ahead of print]

Effect of milk and calcium supplementation on bone density and bone turnover in pregnant Chinese women: a randomized controlled trail.

Liu Z, Qiu L, Chen YM, Su YX.

Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Calcium and vitamin D play major roles in calcium homeostasis and skeletal development, especially during pregnancy. This study was conducted to determine changes in calcium, 25 hydroxy [25(OH)] vitamin D3 and other biochemical factors (PTH, osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, magnesium, phosphorus) related to calcium homeostasis and bone turnover during pregnancy and compare the values to those of non-pregnant women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a cohort study, 48 pregnant women, in their first trimester of pregnancy (12+/-2.7 weeks), from 5 prenatal care centers, and 47 non-pregnant women randomly selected from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) population were enrolled. These pregnant women were followed in their second (26+/-1.9 weeks) and third trimesters (37+/-3.2 weeks) of pregnancy. Samples were drawn from June 2002 to March 2003. Including criteria were healthy women with no background of disease. Women using photo protection and calcium and vitamin D supplementation were excluded. A questionnaire was used to obtain demographic information for both groups. Venous blood samples were taken after 12-14 h of overnight fasting to measure serum calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, alkaline phosphatase, PTH, 25 (OH) vitamin D3 and serum osteocalcin levels. The repeated measures analysis of variance and t-test were used for statistical analysis. Data were matched for age and weight in both the case (in the first trimester) and control groups. RESULTS: Significant differences were found in the mean serum levels of osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase between the three trimesters of pregnancy (p< 0.001). Osteocalcin was significantly higher in the first trimester as compared to second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Alkaline phosphatase was significantly lower in the first trimester as compared to the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and their controls. There was also a significant difference in osteocalcin in the second and third trimesters and alkaline phosphatase in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy in comparison to the control group. The mean values of osteocalcin were 12.7+/-8.5, 8.1+/-6.9, 5.6+/-5.0 and 13.9+/-7.9 ng/ml, respectively, and mean values for alkaline phosphatase were 115+/-38, 125+/-37, 174+/-61 and 134+/-35.0 Iu/l, respectively. In the first trimester, alkaline phosphatase was lower and osteocalcin was higher than in the second and third trimesters. In the first trimester of pregnancy, 20 and 40% of women had 25(OH) vitamin D3 < 10 and < 20 ng/ml, respectively, and 19% of women had serum calcium levels < 8.6 mg/dl. CONCLUSION: 60% of women in the first trimester, 48% in the second and 47% in the third trimester had either severe or moderate vitamin D deficiency. It is recommended that the importance of calcium supplements with vitamin D in pregnant women be stressed for these individuals.

J Endocrinol Invest. 2006 Apr;29(4):303-7.

Changes in calcium, 25(OH) vitamin D3 and other biochemical factors during pregnancy.

Ainy E, Ghazi AA, Azizi F.

Endocrine Research Center, Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O.Box 19395 – 4763, Tehran, IR Iran.

The answer to that question is surprisingly yes. The reason why I say it is surprising, is because I have never heard of Prenatalgyn until one of my friends told me about it. Prenatalgyn is one of the best prenatal vitamin available in the market today. The only reason why I don’t have Prenatalgyn ranked as the best prenatal vitamin is because it is missing out on the benefits of Co-Q10. Other than that, Prenatalgyn has just about everything else. Another good thing about Prenatalgyn is that a number of consumer reviews I have seen for this product state how much pregnant women like this product. This product also, contains plenty of calcium which helps strengthen your bones and teeth during pregnancy. Several studies have shown how this can be a major problem for pregnant women. This product also contains almost all of the up to date ingredients that you should look for in a prenatal vitamin. Ingredients such as DHA, Insitol, Vitamin D3, Probiotics, Choline, Ginger, and Chromium ChroMate, are what makes this prenatal vitamin a good product.

Prenatalgyn Ingredients

Serving Size: 6 V-caps, Servings Per Container: 30, Ingredients: Vitamin A  5000iu, Vitamin C 240mg, Vitamin D3 400iu, Vitamin E 100iu, Vitamin B1 3.4mg, Vitamin B2 4mg, Vitamin B3 40mg, Vitamin B6 20mg, Folic Acid 800mcg, Vitamin B12 18mcg, Biotin 400mcg, Pantothenic Acid 20mg, Calcium 1300mg, Iron 27mg, Iodine 150mcg, Magnesium 450mg, Zinc L-OptiZinc 15mg, Selenium 200mcg, Copper 2mg, Manganese 2mg, Chromium ChromeMate 200mcg, Potassium 10mg, Probiotic Blend 1 billion cfu. DHA 50mg, Ginger Root 250mg, Insitol 25mg, and Choline 25mg.

Advantages of Prenatalgyn

• Contains recently researched ingredients
• Contains a good amount of calcium
• Low Cost
• Good reviews from consumers
• Contains Probiotics

Disadvantages of Prenatalgyn

• Does not contain C0-Q10
• Only available online

Cost of Prenatalgyn

Prenatalgyn can be bought for as low as $29 when buying up to six bottles.

Recommendation of Prenatalgyn

I definitelyhave no problem recommending this prenatal vitamin. There are many benefits to taking Prenatalgyn and for people on a tight budget this is a great product. Many consumer reviews stated how this product helped them with constipation and nausea during their pregnancy. The company that sells this product also offers a %100 money back guarantee.

A Look Into Prenatal Care Caps

Prenatal Care by Twinlabs is a prenatal vitamin that has been on the market for some time. There are a plethora of vitamins and minerals found in this product, but they could have picked out some better ones. At the time Prnatal Care Caps were formulated it did contain some of the top of the line ingredients, but since that time Prenatal Care Caps has fallen a little behind. Some of the things missing out of this product are CoQ10, DHA, Probiotics, Vitamin D3, and Ginger.

What is Found in Prenatal Care Caps?

Prenatal Care contains Vitamin A (8000IU), Vitamin C (120mg), Vitamin D (400IU), Vitamin E (60IU),Thiamin (3mg), Riboflavin (3.4mg), Niacin (40mg), Vitamin B6 (4mg), Folic Acid (800mcg), Vitamin B12 (12mcg), Biotin (600mcg), Pantothenic Acid (20mg), Calcium (400mg), Iron (20mg), Iodine (300mcg), Magnesium (200mg), Zinc (15mg), Copper (2mg), Manganese (2mg), Choline(10mg), Inositol (10mg), PABA (1mg). Other ingredients include Gelatin, Cellulose, Croscarmellose, Sodium, MCT, Purified Water, Soy Lecithin, Polysorbate 80, Calcium Stearate, Potassium Chloride, Silica, and Potassium Citrate.

Advantages of Prenatal Care Caps

• Affordable
• Contain most of the basic prenatal vitamins and minerals
• Can be found online and in some stores
• Contains a fairly good amount of calcium

Disadvantages of Prenatal Care Caps

• Missing out on some important ingredients
• Not FDA Approved
• Does not contain probiotics

Cost of Prenatal Care Caps

A one month supply of Prenatal Care Caps can be found online for $14.

Prenatal Care Caps Recommendation

I would recommend looking into another newer form of prenatal vitamins. I now some women like to take the same prenatal vitamins that have taken in the past, but there really has been some good new research that has come out on different ingredients. Look for prenatal vitamin that contains some of these newer ingredients and you will notice the benefits. Overall I would recommend spending a little more and buying a higher end prenatal vitamin.

One Source Prenatal has been around for a little while now and are a little behind the times as far as containing one source for all of your vitamins and minerals needed during pregnancy. One Source may be unavailable now days. I have heard rumors that this prenatal vitamin has been pulled from the shelves. I have not seen this product at walmart for some time now. One source Prenatal Vitamin contains most or your basic ingredients for a prenatal vitamin such as folic acid, vitamin A, Iron, and Calcium, but is missing out on some of the newer up to date ingredients.

What is Found in One Source?

Vitamin A 60%, Vitamin C 200%, Calcium 23%, Iron 156%, Vitamin D 100%, Vitamin E 100%, Thiamin (B1) 108%, Riboflavin (B2) 100%, Niacin (B3) 100%, Vitamin B6 800%, Folic Acid (Folate) 100%, Vitamin B12 150%, Zinc 167%, Copper 100%.

Advantages of One Source Prenatal

• Low Cost
• Contains basic ingredients
• Available at stores

Disadvantages of One Source Prenatal

• Missing out on important ingredients
• Does not contain enough calcium
• Contains some dyes
• Does not contain any probiotics

Cost of One Source Prenatal

One Source Prenatal can be found at most stores for $21. This should last you about one month.

Recommendation of One Source Prenatal

One Source Prenatal has one thing going for it and that is it is fairly easy to take. It comes in a small tablet that is easy to swallow and it can be found at most stores at a low price. The problem with this product is that you are not getting everything you can get out of a prenatal vitamin. Several important ingredients are missing from this product such as Co-Q10, Biotin, DHA, Probiotics and others. I would recommend spending a little more to have a better prenatal vitamin.

What is Duet DHA EC?

Duet DHA EC is a prenatal vitamin that is basically the same as Duet DHA except it contains a special coated capsule to help prevent upset stomachs. As a prescription medication Duet DHA EC is a little expensive, especially for what it contains. Although I do not consider Duet DHA EC as one of the best prenatal vitamins it will still do its job for the most part, there is just no icing on the cake with this vitamin. There are a couple positives about this prenatal vitamin though, such as containing DHA, and coming in a coated capsule to help prevent upset stomach.

Ingredients Found in Duet DHA EC

A (beta carotene) 3,000 IU, C (ascorbic acid) 130 mg, D (cholecalciferol) 410 IU, E (dl-alpha tocopheryl acetate) 30 mg, B1 (thiamine mononitrate) 1.8 mg, B2 (riboflavin) 4 mg, Niacinamide 20 mg, B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride) 28 mg, Folic acid 1 mg, B12 (cyanocobalamin) 12 mcg, Calcium (calcium carbonate) 230 mg, Iron (sodium EDTA, Ferrazone®) 30 mg, Magnesium (magnesium oxide) 25 mg, Zinc (zinc oxide) 26 mg, Copper (cupric oxide) 2 mg,440 mg purified omega-3 long-chain fatty acids including, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), and DPA (docasapentaenoic acid) in 628mg of fish oil, Total omega-3 long chain fatty acids 440 mg, As DHA 295 mg, As other omega-3 long-chain fatty acid 145 mg, Ammonium hydroxide, ethylcellulose, fractionated coconut oil, gelatin, glycerin, oleic acid, stearic acid, sodium alginate and DHA and EPA concentrate derived from purified fish oil via a proprietary process.

Advantages of Duet DHA EC

• Contains DHA
• FDA approved
• Available at most pharmacies
• Comes in Easy to swallow capsules

Disadvantages of Duet DHA EC

• Expensive
• Only available by prescription
• Missing out on some important ingredients
• Does not contain enough calcium

Cost of Duet DHA EC

You can buy this product with a prescription for around $60. This is not all that bad of a price but for how out dated this product is, it should be even cheaper.

Duet DHA EC Recommendation

Overall I would recommend looking for a more recently formulated prenatal vitamin. This product could use a few more ingredients, especially probiotics. This product will get by as a prenatal vitamin but it just wont give you the same benefits and coverage as other prenatal vitamins.

Just How Complete is Complete Prenatal System?

Complete Prenatal System is a prenatal vitamin that was developed by Rainbow Light. This is an over the counter prenatal vitamin that really contains a good number of ingredients. There are a few things missing in this product but for a prenatal vitamin of this price it is fairly good. Complete Prenatal System comes in tablet form and you are to take 6 tablets per serving.

What is Found in Complete Prenatal?

Vitamin A (5000IU), Vitamin C (250mg), Vitamin D (800IU), Vitamin E (200IU), Vitamin K (100mcg), Thiamin (30mg), Riboflavin (35mg), Niacin (40mg), Vitamin B6 (20mg), Folic Acid (1000mcg), Vitamin B12 (60mcg), Biotin (600mcg), Pantothenic Acid (60mg), Calcium (1000mg), Iron (30mg), Iodine (150mcg), Magnesium (500mg), Zinc (15mg), Selenium (200mcg), Copper (1.5mg), Manganese (6mg), Chromium (200mcg), Molybdenum (50mcg), Potassium (50mg), Lemon Bioflavonoids (80mg), Rutin (10mg), Choline (120mg), Insitol (20mg), PABA (10mg), Lactobacillus Sporongenes (30,000,000 CFU), Protease (3,600), Amylase (282 DU), Lipase (3 LU), Cellulase (3 CU), Betaine HCl (60mg), Organic Sprulina (900mg), Alfalfa (60mg), Organic Chlorella (150mg), Red Raspberry, Chamomile, Ginger, Stearic Acid, Silica, Cellulose, Modified Starch, Magnesium Stearate, Soy Lecithin.

Advantages of Complete Prenatal System

• Contains Probiotics
• Contains Insitol and Choline
• Contains a good amount of Calcium
• Low Price

Disadvantages of Complete Prenatal System

• Does not Contain DHA
• Does not Contain Co-Q10
• Comes in Tablets
• Not FDA approvd

Cost of Complete Prenatal System

For a one month supply, Complete Prenatal System will cost you about $39. Not including shipping. This is a fairly good price for a what Complete Prenatal System contains.

Complete Prenatal System Recommendation

Although Complete Prenatal System contains a number of good ingredients, it is still missing some important ones. Complete Prenatal System also comes in tablet form which I would not recommend. Just a few changes to this product and it would be right up there at the top. I would recommend spending just a few more dollars to get a higher end product. I do like the fact that this product contains 1000mg of calcium though.