Prescription Prenatal Vitamins

The biggest difference between non-prescription and prescription prenatal vitamins is the amount of folic acid that they contain. Typically, most prescription prenatal vitamins contain 1 mg of folic acid, while non-prescription prenatal vitamins usually contain less (around 800 mcg).

 

An Overview of Prescription Prenatal Vitamins

Prenatal vitamins are vitamin and mineral supplements that are specifically designed for pregnant women. There are many different types of prenatal vitamins currently on the market. Some are only available with a prescription, while others can be purchased over-the-counter (see Over-the-Counter Prenatal Vitamins). There are a few minor differences between prescription and non-prescription prenatal vitamins.
 

Prescription vs. Non-Prescription Prenatal Vitamins

Usually, the biggest difference between non-prescription and prescription prenatal vitamins is the dose of
 folic acid. Most prescription prenatal vitamins contain 1 mg (1000 mcg) of folic acid, while non-prescription prenatal vitamins usually contain less (typically 800 mcg). Until recently, products (including prenatal vitamins) with 1 mg or more of folic acid could only be obtained with a prescription. However, this rule has been changed, and it is possible that non-prescription prenatal vitamins will contain 1 mg of folic acid in the future.
 
Some prescription prenatal vitamins also contain stool softeners (such as docusate sodium) to help relieve or prevent constipation, and some contain higher doses of iron (for women prone to iron deficiency anemia). A current trend among the manufacturers of prescription prenatal vitamins is to include omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), although this trend is starting to show up in a few non-prescription prenatal vitamins as well.
 
(Prescription Prenatal Vitamins Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;