Multivitamins are now a popular way to boost your regular diet, especially if your body is deficient in certain vitamins and minerals. Even pregnant women are often given vitamin supplements for a better and safer pregnancy journey.

However, a new study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has raised concerns about the nutritional content of prenatal vitamins.

Studies have shown that many of these multivitamins sold in the market lack nutrients essential for a healthy pregnancy, while some contain unsafe levels of toxic metals.

The research, led by Dr. Laura Borgelt of the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy, examined the choline and iodine content of 47 prenatal vitamins, including both prescription and over-the-counter options in the U.S. .

The study analyzed these products for harmful metals such as arsenic, lead and cadmium, comparing their actual contents with safety standards.

“During pregnancy, many women depend on prenatal vitamins for their health and the development of their baby. Among the most important nutrients for fetal development are choline and iodine. However, some prenatal vitamins may not contain the amounts listed on the label. may, and others may be completely deficient in these nutrients,” said Dr. Borgelt.

Study findings

Colleen: Only 12 of the 47 products (26%) listed choline as an ingredient. Of those, only five (42%) contained the amounts stated on their labels.

This is worrying, because choline plays an important role in infant brain development and pregnant women are recommended to consume 450 mg per day.

Iodine: While 53% of supplements had iodine listed, only four (16%) provided the correct amount.

Iodine is important for baby’s thyroid development, with a daily intake of 220 mcg recommended during pregnancy.

The study also revealed dangerous levels of heavy metals in several products:

Arsenic: Seven products were found to be above the acceptable limit of 2.5 mcg per daily dose.

lead: Two products were found to have unsafe levels, more than 0.5 mcg per daily dose.

Cadmium: 13 products contained more than the safe limit of 0.5 mcg per daily dose.
Exposure to these toxic metals during pregnancy can lead to adverse birth outcomes, including developmental delays and complications.

Dr. Borgelt highlighted the importance of quality control in prenatal supplements, highlighting discrepancies between label claims and actual ingredients.

Currently, prenatal vitamins are regulated as dietary supplements, which are not subject to the same rigorous scrutiny as pharmaceuticals. This lack of regulation often leaves consumers vulnerable to misinformation about product ingredients.

Why are prenatal vitamins still important?

Despite the study’s findings, the authors stressed that prenatal vitamins remain an essential component of maternal health, helping to bridge gaps in the diet.

However, they urged pregnant women to carefully check ingredient labels or consult healthcare providers for guidance in choosing reliable products.

“Prenatal supplements are still important during pregnancy. But it’s important to double-check the ingredients and make sure the product chosen meets safety and nutrition standards,” Dr. Borgelt said.

This study opens the door to further research into the quality of prenatal supplements and highlights the importance of accurate labeling and better regulation.