Generic Expecta: An Overview
Expecta Lipil is manufactured by Mead Johnson & Company. Technically, there is no generic Expecta Lipil available.
The issue of generic supplements is a confusing one. Supplements do not require FDA approval and are not given "equivalence ratings" by the FDA. Equivalence ratings are used by pharmacists to determine which generic products are considered equivalent to brand-name products. Because supplements do not have equivalence ratings, technically, no generic supplement is equivalent to any brand-name supplement (including Expecta Lipil).
However, there may be "generic" supplements available with the same ingredients as brand-name supplements. These are more like generic food products (such as generic potato chips or generic cereal), rather than generic drugs. With generic drugs, there is some assurance that the generic really is equivalent to the brand-name product. With food (or supplements), there is no guarantee that the generic is just as good as the brand-name product.
Can't I Just Take Fish Oil?
Although
fish oil supplements contain DHA (as well as other
omega-3 fatty acids), some types of fish oil supplements should be avoided during pregnancy. Do not take any fish oil supplement unless you can be assured that it does not contain any mercury. Also, it is a good idea to avoid any fish oil product that is made from fish liver (like
cod liver oil), as these products may contain too much
vitamin A for pregnant women (which may cause birth defects).
Expecta Lipil does not contain DHA that is derived from fish oil. Instead, it comes from a certain type of algae. Therefore, it should not contain any mercury. Taking Expecta Lipil is an easy way to make sure you are getting enough DHA without having the risk of mercury or
vitamin A toxicity.
