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PreferaOB
Available with a prescription only, PreferaOB vitamins can help provide important vitamins and nutrients for women who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. Although several PreferaOB products are available, each tablet or softgel is taken once daily. Taking your dose with food can help reduce nausea and stomach upset, which are possible side effects.
PreferaOB® is a brand of vitamin specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive. These vitamins are available only with a prescription. The PreferaOB line of vitamins includes the following products:
- PreferaOB -- a basic prenatal vitamin that comes in a small, easy-to-swallow tablet
- PreferaOB+DHA™ -- a basic prenatal vitamin in a small, easy-to-swallow tablet, along with a DHA supplement in a softgel capsule
- PreferaOB ONE™ -- a combination of a basic prenatal vitamin plus DHA in one softgel capsule.
(Click PreferaOB Uses for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)
PreferaOB vitamins are made by Alaven Pharmaceutical, LLC.
The PreferaOB line of vitamins contains a variety of different vitamins, minerals, and (in the case of PreferaOB+DHA and PreferaOB ONE) fatty acids. These nutrients are important for a healthy pregnancy, and many pregnant women may not get enough of them for various reasons. The nutrients are also important for women who are trying to conceive and women who are breastfeeding.
Probably most importantly, PreferaOB contains folic acid, which is necessary to prevent certain birth defects known as neural tube defects (such as spina bifida). In addition to folic acid, PreferaOB products contain a variety of minerals and nutrients.
PreferaOB+DHA and PreferaOB ONE also provide docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid. DHA has been associated with a wide variety of health benefits. There is some evidence that it may decrease the risk of preterm birth (having a baby prematurely) and improve brain function and vision in a developing fetus and a newborn baby.
Fish are the main source of DHA, and the typical American diet is usually deficient in DHA. Also, 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 through dietary means.
All PreferaOB vitamins contain a special form of iron that is absorbed more effectively, while usually causing fewer side effects, compared to "regular" iron.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD