A healthy diet is the best way to get the vitamins and minerals you need. But during pregnancy you might fall short on key nutrients. If you're pregnant or hoping to conceive, prenatal vitamins can help fill any gaps.
Why Are Prenatal Vitamins Important?
During pregnancy, you need more folic acid and iron than usual. Here's why..
Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects. These defects are serious abnormalities of the fetal brain and spinal cord. Ideally, you'll begin taking extra folic acid at least 3 months before you become pregnant.
Iron supports the development of the placenta and fetus. Iron helps your body make blood to supply oxygen to the fetus. Iron also helps prevent anemia, a condition in which blood has a low number of healthy red blood cells.
Best Prenatal Vitamins for Pregnancy in Malaysia 2023
Here are some of the best prenatal vitamins you can find in Malaysia.
1. Blackmores Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Gold
Blackmores Pregnancy & Breast-Feeding Gold provides 20 important nutrients in total including a daily dose of:
- 500 microgram of folic acid which, if taken daily for one month before conception and during pregnancy, may reduce the risk of having a child with spina bifida/neural tube defects
- 150 microgram of iodine for baby's brain and hearing development
- Lower constipation iron
- Odourless and concentrated fish oil, rich in DHA for baby's brain and nervous system development
- Omega-3 DHA to support baby’s brain and nervous system development
Ratings
5/5 - More than 450 ratings on Shopee
Blackmores Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Gold Price
2. New Obimin Film Tablet
- Affordable
- Treats vitamin B12 deficiency
- Lowers blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- Offers a sufficient supply of nutrients that are vital during pregnancy and lactation
- Reduces thyroid hormone and eradicates fungus, bacteria and other microorganisms
- Increasing the level of glutathione which prevents cells from peroxidative damage
- Maintains body tissues to prevent vitamin B2 deficiency
- Contains 30 tablets
Great for all pregnant and lactating mothers, this supplement also helps produces antibodies and haemoglobin by ensuring that the blood sugar level stays within its normal range. It also helps to metabolize carbohydrates to maintain a normal growth rate for your baby.
This is a holistic antenatal care supplement for pregnant and lactating mothers with DHA and EPA that’s great for your baby’s brain development. The new Oblimin Tablet helps to facilitate retina formation that’s needed for low light and colour vision. It also encourages the absorption of calcium and phosphorus that are needed for strong bones.
Ratings
4.9/5 - More than 250 ratings on Shopee
New Obimin Film Tablet Price
3. APPETON Essential Natal Care Supplement
- Prevents micronutrient deficiency
- Reduces bloating
- Provides 11 vitamins and 6 minerals
- Promotes good health for mother and foetus
- Consists of folic acid, calcium and beta-carotene
Apart from providing additional nutrients for a healthy pregnancy, this dietary supplement would benefit pregnant and lactating women who often suffer from bloating.
Offering all the daily essentials and nutrients for pregnant and lactating mothers, Appeton Essentials Natal Care consists of Simethicone that relieves bloating and excessive stomach gas. Meanwhile, folic acid helps reduce the risk of neural tube defect which is essential for a foetus’ growth and development.
Moreover, it contains calcium which is essential for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth for both you and your baby. Not only does it contain iron that helps increase red blood cells and prevents iron deficiency, but it has also got beta-carotene to aid in your baby’s cell division, organ development, skeletal growth and vision development.
Ratings
5/5 - 15 ratings on Shopee
Appeton Essentials Natal Care Price
4. Blackmores Folate : Prenatal Vitamins with Folic Acid
- Prenatal vitamins for first trimester
- A source of folic acid which helps prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly when trying to conceive and during the first trimester of pregnancy.
- Maintains folic acid levels in the body
- Assists healthy red blood cell production
- Supports general health and wellbeing
- Convenient one-a-day dosage
Ratings
Blackmores Folate Price
5. Nature Made Prenatal Multi + DHA : Prenatal Vitamin with DHA
- Prenatal vitamins with iron, folic acid and DHA
- Prenatal vitamins for anemia
- Provides Folic Acid and 19 other nutrients including Iron and DHA for mom’s nutritional support, and baby’s brain, eyes, and nervous system development.
- Formulated with the recommended amount of DHA (200 mg)
- CLINICALLY PROVEN ABSORPTION OF IRON + FOLIC ACID
- 90-DAY SUPPLY: Adults take 1 softgel daily with water and a meal. Each serving (1 softgel) contains prenatal vitamins with DHA and Folic Acid, including Vitamins A, C, D3, E, and all 8 B vitamins—plus Calcium, Iron, Iodine, Magnesium, and Zinc.
- Made in USA
- No artificial flavors or sweeteners. Gluten free.
Nature Made Prenatal Price
6. NATURELO, Prenatal Multivitamin
- Vegan-friendly
- Gentle on the stomach
- No preservatives and flavouring
- Does not contain GMO, soy or gluten
- Contains folate, iron and DHA
- Consists of 180 vegetarian capsules
- Also functions as a dietary supplement
This supplement is suitable for vegetarians as it does not contain, soy, gluten, milk, eggs, fish, nuts or preservatives. Some users have been consistently taking this supplement for years and claimed that it works effectively.
Supporting a smooth pregnancy and healthy foetal development, NATURELO’s Prenatal Multivitamins consist of plant-friendly vegetable vitamins and minerals. This supplement utilizes MTHFR-activated and friendly B vitamins for better bioavailability.
Moreover, premium chelated minerals enable this supplement to be easily absorbed by the body and it is also comforting for the stomach.
Ratings
4.9 / 5 - More than 15 ratings on Shopee
Naturelo Prenatal Multivitamin Price
7. Hairtamin Mom Prenatal Vitamins : Prenatal Vitamins for Hair Growth
- Gluten-Free Vitamins with Biotin, Probiotics, Zinc, Iron
- POSTNATAL MULTIVITAMIN - Our favorite hair supplement has gone vegan and been formulated into a complete prenatal and postnatal to help nourish both you, your baby and yes, your hair!
- 30 DAY SUPPLY
> Contains their proprietary blend of vitamins, minerals and herbs plus a potent super antioxidant complex that works synergistically
> Promotes existing hair growth
> Prevents hair loss and shedding
> Increases follicle strength for strong hair
- PREGNANCY VITAMINS
> Packed with vitamins, minerals & super antioxidants
> Gluten and drug free formula
> Naturally boosts energy levels
> Probiotics for enhanced digestion
> Prenatal vitamins for nausea : Digestive enzyme complex to ease morning sickness
- 1 capsule a day.
- Vegetarian capsules.
- Cruelty Free.
- Made in USA
Hairtamin Prenatal Price
8. Puritan's Pride Prenatal Vitamins
- No preservatives, sugar, milk, soy, gluten, wheat, yeast and sodium
- Can be consumed after delivery and during breastfeeding
- Metabolizes energy
- Consists of 800 mcg of folic acid
- Consists of 150 mcg of potassium iodine per serving
- Contains iron, a vital component of hemoglobin
This supplement is specially formulated to meet the distinct needs of both prenatal and postpartum women. Users have shared their experience of their continuous support towards this supplement. Each capsule consists of sufficient doses of the most essential ingredients that are vital for prenatal, pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Puritan's Pride Prenatal Vitamins contain a good source of calcium and vitamin D which help in calcium absorption. It also consists of folic acid that helps reduce the possibility of the brain or spinal deformities in babies. Not only that, but this supplement also consists of iron which plays a main role in energy metabolism.
Ratings
5/5 - More than 90 ratings on Shopee
Puritan Pride Prenatal Vitamins Price
Out of stock? Find on Lazada
9. Maxi Health One Prenatal Vitamin Supplement
- Nice taste
- No wheat, salt, gluten, milk, artificial flavours and colouring
- Offers vital nutrients during pregnancy and post-pregnancy
- Consists of a comprehensive range of essential nutrients
- Utilizes methyl folate instead of folic acid
- Supports overall women’s health
For pregnant mothers who require methyl folate instead of folic acid, this supplement takes care of your health, energy and health of your foetus. According to reviews, this supplement helps maintain nutrient levels while pregnant and breastfeeding.
Worth a 4-month supply, Max Health One’s supplement offers vitamins, minerals, trace elements, amino acid chelates and citrus Bioflavonoids. Its premium ingredients are sourced from Caro care, TRAACS, and Selenium Select.
Not only that, this supplement uses the finest from Albion Labs formulated to endure the gastro-intestinal system and protect both the delicate stomach and intestines’ mucosal membranes from irritation. Furthermore, this supplement contains Ferrochel, which is a distinct fully-chelated iron ingredient that doesn’t intervene in the absorption of other nutrients.
Maxi Health One Prenatal Price
Out of stock? Find on Lazada
10. Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA
- No Fishy Aftertaste
- Easy to swallow
- Purified deep-sea fish oil (from anchovies and sardines)
- Soft gel capsule (gelatin, glycerin, water, natural strawberry flavour)
- D-alpha tocopherol (antioxidant)
- Vitamin D3 (olive oil, cholecalciferol).
- No gluten, milk derivatives, artificial colours or flavours.
This supplement is ideal for all pregnant and lactating mothers because it promotes brain, eye, and nervous system function in developing babies. Additionally, those who struggle with swallowing hard capsules might find these soft gels easier to go down.
This Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA Strawberry Flavoured supplement offers the nutrition that you and your baby need to keep mommy and little one healthy and strong. Healthy DHA levels in mothers during pregnancy and lactation can promote optimal brain and visual development in babies. It also aids in immunity and mood support for moms throughout all stages of pregnancy
Nordic Naturals Prenatal Price
Out of stock? Find on Shopee
FAQ
1. What Should You Avoid when Taking Prenatal Vitamins?
Always check with your doctor before adding any additional supplements outside of any prenatal vitamins you may be taking.a. Excessive Vitamin A
This vitamin is important for fetal vision development and immune function. We usually get enough Vitamin A from existing prenatal vitamins and foods. Furthermore, it is fat soluble thus your body stores excess amounts in the liver. Too much of it in the liver may lead to liver damage or birth defects.
b. Excessive Vitamin E
b. Excessive Vitamin E
This vitamin is involved in gene expression and immune function. However, taking too much may increase the risk of abdominal pain and premature rupture of the amniotic sack.
c. Excessive Vitamin B6, C and D
d. Black Cohosh
d. Black Cohosh
Used for controlling hot flashes and menstrual cramps. It is unsafe to take during pregnancy as it can cause uterine contractions, leading to preterm labor. It may also cause liver damage.
e. Goldenseal
e. Goldenseal
A dietary supplement to treat respiratory infections and diarrhea. It contains berberine, which has been shown to worsen jaundice in infants. It can lead to a condition called kernicterus, a rare type of brain damage that can be fatal.
f. Dong Quai
f. Dong Quai
A root that is popular in traditional Chinese medicine to treat everything from menstrual cramps to high blood pressure. It may stimulate uterine contractions, raising the risk of miscarriage.
g. Yohimbe
g. Yohimbe
Yohimbe is used as an herbal remedy to treat a range of conditions from erectile dysfunction to obesity. This herb has been associated with dangerous side effects like high blood pressure, heart attacks, and seizures.
h. Other herbal supplements that should be avoided during pregnancy..
h. Other herbal supplements that should be avoided during pregnancy..
- Saw palmetto
- Tansy
- Red clover
- Angelica
- Yarrow
- Wormwood
- Blue Cohosh
- Pennyroyal
- Ephedra
- Mugwort
- Tansy
- Red clover
- Angelica
- Yarrow
- Wormwood
- Blue Cohosh
- Pennyroyal
- Ephedra
- Mugwort
2. Which nutrients are most important during pregnancy?
Generally, pregnant mothers are advised to take vitamins and supplements as according to her requirement or as recommended by doctors and pharmacists. These are a few examples of vitamins and supplements that are usually taken by pregnant mothers:
a. Folic Acid
Folic acid is the most important supplement especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. Acid folic intake may reduce the risk of the baby having defect of the spine (neural tube defect). Neutral tube defect or spina bifida occurs when the nerves in the spine are being exposed and damaged.
It is best if folic acid is taken when a woman plans to get pregnant. Folic acid with the dose of 400 mcg must be taken everyday until at least the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Pregnant mothers are also advised to eat more food that contains folate (the natural form of folic acid) such as green vegetables and nuts.
In certain cases, a higher dose of folic acid that is 5 mg may be suggested by the doctor. Examples are:
- Pregnant mothers who have had a baby with neural tube defect in the last pregnancies.
- Pregnant mothers who are taking any antiepileptic medicines.
- Pregnant mothers who are having diabetes.
b. Iron
Pregnant mothers will usually undergo blood tests to determine whether the iron level in their bodies are adequate or not. If the iron level is low, iron supplement should be taken. This is because the amount of blood will increase to support the development of the baby. The mother will use the stored iron in her body if she did not gain enough from her diet. Subsequently, the iron storage in her body will deplete and may lead to anemia.
The risk of premature birth may also be reduced by taking iron. Besides, iron storage in the body is also important as a mother will lose a lot of blood during labour. The baby that will be born also has his own iron storage in his body. This iron comes from his mother’s blood through placenta and may last up until 4 months.
Usually, if the mother is taking more iron than the recommended dose which is 30 mg, it may cause disturbances in gastrointestinal tract such as constipation, nausea or diarrhea. Health supplements containing 30 mg of iron or less usually do not cause any related problems.
Pregnant mothers are encouraged to discuss with doctors regarding any discomfort that they are having. If the pregnant mothers do not have anemia, there are options to switch to other health supplements containing lower dose of iron. However, for pregnant mothers with anemia and there is no other supplements as an option, it is suggested to drink prune juice or to take more fruits to overcome the problem of constipation.
The best source of food containing iron are red meats, raisins, dates, nuts and vegetables.
c. Calcium
Pregnant mothers also need calcium for bone and teeth formation of the babies especially in third trimester. Calcium is also important throughout pregnancy to prevent mothers from having leg cramping. If the pregnant mother does not have enough calcium in her body, it may cause leg cramping and tooth decay to the mother herself.
Usually this supplement will be prescribed to pregnant women who are allergic to milk or those who cannot absorb enough calcium from their daily diet. Severe calcium deficiency may put the pregnant women at risk of preeclampsia that might cause death to both mother and the unborn baby.
The recommended dose of calcium for pregnant mothers are 1300 mg (mothers aged 14 -18 years old) and 1000 mg (mothers aged 19 – 50 years old).
d. Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids such as omega-3, DHA and EPA are also important for early formation and developement of brain and nerves of the baby. Fish is the main source of DHA and EPA but mothers have to be careful not to eat too many fish which contains high level of mercury. Since omega-3 is very important for baby, it might be a good idea to discuss with the doctor whether the mother requires additional omega-3 supplement or not.
e. Vitamin D
Fat soluble vitamin such as vitamin D also helps in maintaining strong bone and teeth because vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining level of calcium and phosphorus in the body. Therefore, it is important for pregnant mothers to take additional vitamin D to ensure healthy bones and preparing the babies with adequate vitamin D for their first few months. The daily recommended dose of vitamin D is 200IU.
The best source of food containing vitamin D are sardine, mackerel, salmon, egg and meat.
3. Tips On Vitamin And Supplement Intake
- Before buying any vitamin or supplement, read the label carefully to ensure the right dose and ingredient so that it is suitable with the mother’s need.
- Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist on medicine usage and lifestyle to determine the best and safest vitamin and health supplement that should be taken.
- Ensure that the pregnant mother does not take any vitamin or health supplement other than recommended by doctor or pharmacist.
- To avoid nausea, try taking health supplement at night before bedtime. Pregnant women are also advised to take any vitamin or health supplement after meal to avoid stomach irritation.
- Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist about multivitamins that are specific for pregnancy. It should consists of folic acid, iron, vitamin D and calcium. It is also recommended to get multivitamin containing vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin B such as B6 and B12, potassium, zinc and vitamin E.
- Multivitamin for pregnancy does not contain retinol, which is vitamin A from animal sources, because retinol can be toxic to the unborn baby if taken in large quantity.
- Avoid foods containing high level of vitamin A such as liver and liver-based products such as fish liver oil. However, Vitamin A can be taken in the form of provitamin A, which is beta-carotene that is obtained from plant sources and safe for babies.
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