Citracal Prenatal + DHA

Citracal Prenatal + DHA is a prenatal vitamin that is available only by prescription. These vitamins are important for a healthy pregnancy and contain vitamins, minerals, and DHA (an important nutrient for brain and eye development). Citracal Prenatal + DHA comes in the form of a tablet and softgel -- one of each is taken every day. Side effects that may occur with Citracal Prenatal + DHA include constipation, diarrhea, and nausea.

 

What Is Citracal Prenatal + DHA?

Citracal® Prenatal + DHA and Citracal Prenatal 90 + DHA are prenatal vitamins that contain docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in addition to the usual vitamins and minerals found in most prenatal vitamins. DHA is an important nutrient that helps with eye and brain development. Both of these prenatal vitamins are only available by prescription.
 
Citracal Prenatal 90 + DHA contains more iron (90 mg) than Citracal Prenatal + DHA (which contains 27 mg), and is, therefore, more useful for women who have anemia due to an iron deficiency.
 
(Click on the Citracal Prenatal + DHA Uses link to the right for more information on what Citracal Prenatal + DHA is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Citracal Prenatal + DHA?

Citracal Prenatal + DHA products are made by Mission Pharmacal Company.
 

How Does It Work?

Citracal Prenatal + DHA contains vitamins, minerals, and DHA, an
 omega-3 fatty acid. These nutrients are important for a healthy pregnancy, and many pregnant women may not get enough of these nutrients, for various reasons. Most importantly, these products contain folic acid, which is an important nutrient that helps to prevent certain birth defects, such as spina bifida. Citracal Prenatal + DHA products also contain iron, calcium, and various other vitamins and minerals.
 
Unlike older prenatal vitamins, Citracal Prenatal + DHA and Citracal Prenatal 90 + DHA both contain the omega-3 fatty acid DHA. DHA provides a wide variety of health benefits. There is some evidence that it may decrease the risk of preterm birth (having a baby prematurely), improve brain function, and improve vision. Fish are the main source of DHA, and the typical American diet is usually deficient in DHA. Additionally, because many pregnant women are instructed to limit their intake of certain fish (due to the potential risks of mercury toxicity), it is likely that many pregnant women are not getting enough DHA.
 
These prenatal vitamins also contain docusate sodium, a stool softener that can help prevent or relieve constipation.
 
(Citracal Prenatal + DHA Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;