Duet
®DHA and DuetDHA
ec are
prenatal vitamins that are only available by prescription. In addition to the usual vitamins and minerals found in most prenatal vitamins, these supplements contain a blend of
omega-3 fatty acids, including
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an important nutrient for eye and brain development (and may also provide other health benefits).
Both DuetDHA and DuetDHAec come packaged with both softgel capsules and tablets (one of each is taken once a day). The tablets contain the vitamins and minerals, and the capsules contain the DHA. DuetDHAec contains the same ingredients as DuetDHA, except that the DuetDHAec capsules have a special coating that may help prevent stomach upset.
(Click DuetDHA Uses for more information on what the medication is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
DuetDHA products are made by Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
DuetDHA prenatal vitamins contain a blend of different vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. These nutrients are important for a healthy pregnancy, and many pregnant women may not get enough of these nutrients, for various reasons. Probably most importantly, these products contain
folic acid, which is important to prevent certain birth defects, such as
spina bifida. DuetDHA products also contain iron,
calcium, and a variety of other vitamins and minerals.
Unlike older prenatal vitamins, DuetDHA and DuetDHA
ec both contain
omega-3 fatty acids, including 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.
DuetDHAec capsules have a special coating (called an "enteric coating") that prevents the capsules from dissolving in the stomach. Only once the capsules reach the small intestine will they begin to dissolve. This may help to prevent stomach upset.
