Prenatal+

Prenatal+ is a dietary supplement for pregnancy, manufactured in Germany for Coral Club. Each softgel provides 200 mg of DHA from fish oil, 400 mcg of folate as folic acid, 150 mcg of iodine, vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin, pantothenic acid and biotin, vitamin D3 5 mcg, vitamin E 13 mg, zinc 2.25 mg and selenium 30 mcg. The label directs one capsule daily with a meal; a bottle of 30 lasts a month.

Coral Club states that Prenatal+ provides key nutrients that help nourish both mother and baby during pregnancy.*

The key nutrients

• Folic acid, 400 mcg. US public health guidance advises everyone who could become pregnant to take 400 mcg of folic acid a day, starting at least a month before conception.
• Iodine, 150 mcg. Iodine is needed for normal thyroid function; the American Thyroid Association recommends 150 mcg of iodine a day as a supplement during pregnancy and breastfeeding.*
• DHA, 200 mg. DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid concentrated in the brain and retina. Coral Club states that omega-3 fatty acids support fetal brain and nervous system development.*
• Vitamin D3, 5 mcg (200 IU) — 33% of the Daily Value for pregnant women, which supports calcium absorption.*
• B vitamins, vitamin E, zinc and selenium — support energy metabolism and normal growth.*

What Prenatal+ does not contain

Prenatal+ contains no iron, no calcium and no choline. Iron needs rise to 27 mg a day in pregnancy, choline needs to 450 mg, and calcium remains at 1,000 mg for most adults. Its vitamin D content is also modest. Ask your doctor or midwife whether you need separate iron, calcium, choline or more vitamin D alongside it — particularly as iron is often checked with a blood test during pregnancy.

Percent Daily Values

The card lists % Daily Values for pregnant women. For folate, the card gives 67%; under current US labeling, 400 mcg of folic acid equals 680 mcg DFE, which exceeds the 600 mcg DFE Daily Value for pregnancy.

Before use

• Fish: the DHA comes from fish oil.
• Other supplements: do not combine with another prenatal or multivitamin without checking the totals for folic acid, iodine and vitamins.
• Thyroid: anyone with a thyroid condition should discuss the iodine content with their doctor.
• Coral Club directs consulting a healthcare practitioner before use during pregnancy or nursing — use it as part of your prenatal care.

Dietary notes and storage

The softgel shell is made from beef gelatin, glycerin, carob and water, so the product is not vegetarian. Coral Club labels it gluten free. Shelf life is 2 years. Store in a dry place, protected from direct sunlight, at no more than 77°F (25°C), out of reach of children.