12 Best Prenatal Vitamins for 2023: Best Flavor, Essential Nutrients, and More

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This article outlines 12 of the best prenatal vitamins available online. We also discuss the benefits of prenatal vitamins and provide tips on choosing an appropriate supplement.

A quick look at the 12 best prenatal vitamins

• Best multivitamin: Megafood Baby & Me Prenatal
• Best subscription: Nurish by Nature Made Prenatal + DHA
• Best for vegans: Ritual Essential for Women Prenatal Vitamin
• Best personalized: Persona Nutrition Prenatal
• Best gluten-free: Care/of Prenatal Vitamin
• Best gummy: Vitafusion Prenatal Gummy Vitamins
• Best allergy-friendly: Smarty Pants Prenatal Formula Daily Gummy Multivitamin
• Best flavored: Nature’s Bounty Prenatal Gummies
• Best with DHA: Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA
• Best with iron: Nature Made Prenatal Multivitamin + DHA
• Best for digestion: Garden of Life mykind Organics Prenatal
• Best for morning sickness: New Chapter Advanced Perfect Prenatal Multivitamin
• Best for twin pregnancy: Naturelo Prenatal Multivitamin
• Best with omega-3: Diet Standards Prenatal DHA

Prenatal vitamins can help to ensure that the body receives the vitamins and minerals it needs to support a healthy pregnancy. They assist the growth and development of the fetus, and help prevent nutritional deficiencies in the fetus and the pregnant person.

Many prenatal vitamins provide a combination of vitamins and minerals, including:

• Vitamin B12: This vitamin plays a vital role in preventing neural tube abnormalities (NTAs), such as:
  • spina bifida, in which the spine does not develop properly
  • anencephaly, in which the baby is born without parts of its brain and skull
  • encephalocele, in which the membrane containing part of the brain protrudes from a hole in the skull
• Vitamin B9 or “folic acid”: This vitamin also helps to prevent NTAs. Medical experts recommend taking a daily dose of 400 micrograms of folic acid before pregnancy and at least during the first trimester. A 2019 study shows a direct link between continued folic acid supplementation during pregnancy and healthy infant cognitive development.
• Iron: This mineral is important for helping to prevent fatigue and anemia during pregnancy. A doctor may prescribe iron supplements for pregnant people who are anemic or expecting twins.
• Calcium: This mineral is important for developing healthy bones and teeth.
• Vitamin D: This vitamin regulates levels of calcium and phosphate, ensuring healthy teeth, bones, and muscles.
• Vitamin C: This vitamin helps to protect body cells from damage.

Learn more about what to look for in a prenatal vitamin here.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

Best multivitamin: Megafood Baby & Me 2 Prenatal

• Price: $29.99 for 60, or $55.99 for 120
• Type: tablets
• Dosage: 2
• Included nutrients: iron, folate, choline, vitamin B12, methylated folate, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin B6, as well as organic oranges and broccoli

Megafood states that this product contains 23 key nutrients, including iron, folate, choline, vitamin B12, methylated folate, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin B6, alongside organic oranges and broccoli.

The recommended dosage is 2 tablets daily, taken with a beverage. The website states that a person can take this multivitamin on an empty stomach.

Megafood Prenatal Baby & Me 2 is vegetarian, gluten-free, and B Corp-certified for its positive social and environmental impact. It is Non-GMO Project verified and tested not to contain 125 different pesticides and herbicides.

This product does not contain calcium or magnesium.

The majority of online reviews are very positive. Some commenters found the tablets so big they were difficult to swallow and others said they had an unpleasant taste and smell.

Best subscription: Nurish by Nature Made Prenatal + DHA

• Price: $15 for 30 with subscription; $16.67 for one-time purchase
• Type: soft gel
• Dosage: 1 soft gel
• Included nutrients: folic acid, vitamin A, DHA, an omega 3 fatty acid, iron, vitamin D, calcium, magnesium

This prenatal vitamin is formulated for people who are trying to conceive, as well as people who are pregnant.

It is available through a subscription service or a one-time-only purchase. Opting for a subscription decreases the price from $16.67 for a 1-month supply of 30 gels to $15.

It contains more than 20 key nutrients that support the growth and development of a healthy fetus, including folic acid, vitamin A, DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid), iron, vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium.

U. S. Pharmacopeia (USP) has certified this product for purity and potency. It is gluten-free and does not contain artificial flavors.

The manufacturer recommends taking one gel once daily, with water and a meal, to help the body absorb it. However, it carries the risk of cross-contamination because it is packaged by equipment that processes milk, shellfish, and wheat allergens.

Note that this product only contains 12% of the daily value of calcium for pregnant or lactating persons, so a person taking this multivitamin will need to ensure they get enough of this vital nutrient elsewhere.

Best for vegans: Ritual Essential for Women Prenatal Vitamin

• Price: $35 for 60
• Type: capsules
• Dosage: 2 capsules daily
• Included nutrients: folate, DHA from algae, iodine, iron, and vitamins D, E, and K2

These prenatal vitamins are vegan and non-GMO. They are also free from gluten and other major allergens.

The supplements contain 12 key nutrients and are suitable before and during pregnancy.

The capsules release into the small intestine in a delayed way to promote nutrient absorption.

Ritual has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, but customer reviews vary.

Learn more about Ritual here.

Best personalized: Persona Nutrition Prenatal

• Price: varies
• Type: capsules
• Dosage: varies
• Included nutrients: varies

Persona creates supplement packages that are tailored to a person’s individual needs. To use the service, a person takes a free assessment and provides information about their medications, lifestyle, diet, and goals. The company uses this information to build a wellness profile, and uses a doctor-designed algorithm to create a supplement plan.

Persona’s prenatal vitamins contain folic acid, iron, and eight B vitamins, alongside ginger. The addition of ginger makes this supplement another good option for nausea.

Persona’s prenatal supplements are vegan and free from major allergens, including:

• soy
• wheat
• gluten
• corn
• nuts

Persona notes that the product personalization process also factors in a person’s allergens and dietary requirements. The company adds that all its products are FDA-compliant.

The customizable monthly membership also guarantees access to one-to-one advice from a healthcare professional.

These vitamins are suitable for people seeking a personalized option.

Because the supplements are customized, the costs and quantities vary.

Learn more about Persona here.

Best gluten-free: Care/of Prenatal Vitamin

• Price: $18.99 per 30-day supply
• Type: tablets
• Dosage: 3 tablets daily
• Included nutrients: folate, calcium, biotin, iron, vitamins A, C, E, D3, B6, and B12

This gluten-free prenatal multivitamin includes 22 different vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, and vitamin D. It is a safe option for people who consume a gluten-free diet.

The supplements are vegetarian and non-GMO. Care/of claims that the supplement is also gentle on the stomach.

The company also offers personalized advice to consumers who may want to take additional supplements during their pregnancies. Customers can fill out an assessment form on the company’s website.

Learn more about Care/of here.

Best gummy: Vitafusion Prenatal Gummy Vitamins

• Price: $12.49 for 90
• Type: gummies
• Dosage: 2 gummies daily
• Included nutrients: DHA, folic acid, other omega-3s, vitamin A

People who struggle with swallowing pills may prefer gummies, especially if morning sickness is an issue.

However, gummy prenatal vitamins often lack iron and calcium. People who need either of these minerals may want to consider other options.

Vitafusion Prenatal Gummy Vitamins provide 100% of the Daily Value (DV) of folic acid. They also provide 50 mg of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA, which supports the development of the brain and eyes.

Vitafusion gummies contain tuna and soy, so are not suitable for people with allergies to either of these ingredients. According to Vitafusion, the gummies are free from the following:

• high-fructose corn syrup
• gluten
• synthetic dyes
• artificial sweeteners

These gummies are formulated for use before, during, and after pregnancy. They are available in two flavors; lemonade and raspberry.

Online reviews are generally positive, though some reviewers state concerns about excessive vitamin A. Though vitamin A is important during pregnancy, taking too much can be harmful and may cause congenital disabilities. In the U.S., vitamin A deficiencies are rare, so excessive supplementation is not advisable.

Best allergy-friendly: Smarty Pants Prenatal Formula Daily Gummy Multivitamin

• Price: $30 for 120
• Type: gummies
• Dosage: 4 gummies daily
• Included nutrients: , zinc, choline, vitamins B6, C, D3, and vitamin K2

These gummies are free from the following:

• milk
• eggs
• soy
• gluten
• wheat
• peanuts and tree nut allergens
• fish allergens

People can purchase these gummies in a variety of flavors, including:

• strawberry
• lemon
• orange
• banana

Online reviews are positive overall, though there are queries about bad batches and a lack of calcium and other nutrients.

Best flavored: Nature’s Bounty Prenatal Gummies

• Price: $21.95 for 60
• Type: gummies
• Dosage: 3 gummies daily
• Included nutrients: zinc, biotin, vitamin C, selenium, collagen

These gluten-free gummies provide 100% DV of folic acid and iodine for pregnant people. They also contain two types of omega-3s; DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Two gummies provide 51 mg of DHA and EPA.

The product contains 13 key nutrients.

Online reviewers praise the pleasant berry flavor. Due to their pleasant taste, these gummies may be helpful for people experiencing nausea.

Some online reviewers question the high levels of vitamin A.

Best with DHA: Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA

• Price: $28.95 for 90
• Type: softgels
• Dosage: 2 softgels daily
• Included nutrients: vitamin D3, DHA, and other omega-3s

DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that can help the development of the brain and eyes. Not all prenatal vitamins contain DHA, so consumers may want to check ingredient lists carefully.

This product provides 480mg of DHA, one of the highest levels available in a prenatal vitamin.

These soft gel capsules contain purified deep sea fish oil from anchovies and sardines, alongside vitamin D3 and rosemary extract. The capsules are free from the following:

• gluten
• milk derivatives
• artificial colors or flavors

A person can choose between strawberry-flavored or unflavored capsules. The company claims that there is no fishy aftertaste. However, some reviewers say that the aftertaste is an issue.

Overall, customer reviews are positive.

Learn more about prenatal DHA supplements here.

Best with iron: Nature Made Prenatal Multivitamin + DHA

• Price: $25.24 for 90
• Type: softgels
• Dosage: 1 softgel daily
• Included nutrients: vitamins A, C, D3, E, 8 B vitamins, DHA, calcium, iron, iodine, magnesium, and zinc

Nature Made vitamins are United States Pharmacopeia (USP) verified, indicating that they contain the listed ingredients in the specified potency and amounts.

These soft gels are also free from gluten and artificial flavors.

Online reviews praise the full daily dose of iron, saying that this cuts down on the number of pills a person needs to take each day.

However, some reviewers expressed concerns over the product’s quality and smell.

Best for digestion: Garden of Life mykind Organics Prenatal

• Price: $39.95 for 30
• Type: tablet
• Dosage: 1 tablet daily
• Included nutrients: iron, folate, selenium, vitamins C, D3, E, K, and B12

Garden of Life states that this prenatal multivitamin is suitable for pre-conception, pregnancy, and lactation support.

The company also manufactures an organic stomach-soothing blend that contains the following ingredients to aid digestion:

• lemon
• tomato
• ginger
• peppermint

These multivitamins contain 18 mg of iron and 600 mg of folate, plus selenium. They also contain more than 30 fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

The product is vegan and free from gluten and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Online reviews are mainly positive, though some people report side effects. A person may also require an additional calcium supplement alongside this product.

Best for morning sickness: New Chapter Advanced Perfect Prenatal Multivitamin

• Price: $34.46 for 96
• Type: tablet
• Dosage: 3 tablets daily
• Included nutrients: folate, iron, zinc, vitamins B, D3, C, and A

This multivitamin contains ginger and peppermint to help ease morning sickness. It also provides 100% DV of folate and iron. The iron is fermented to improve absorption and prevent constipation, a potential side effect of iron supplements.

New Chapter supplements use ingredients from certified organic vegetables and herbs. Their products are also free from the following:

• gluten
• added sugar
• artificial colors and flavors
• animal gelatin

All ingredients match the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements for purity.

The online reviews are overwhelmingly positive. However, some reviewers report side effects, and some question the makeup of the synthetic compounds.

Best for twin pregnancy: Naturelo Prenatal Multivitamin

• Price: $34.46 for 96
• Type: capsules
• Dosage: 3 capsules daily
• Included nutrients: folate, iron, calcium, DHA, vitamins A, B complex, C, D3, E, and K2

This supplement features a high-concentration of non-constipating iron, making it one of the best prenatal vitamins for twin pregnancy.

Naturelo states that the formula is easy on the stomach, highlighting that the B complex vitamins are raw and cultured in probiotics for easier digestion.

The product does not contain the following:

• soy
• yeast
• sugar
• dairy
• animal byproducts
• preservatives
• coloring
• flavoring

Online reviews are mostly positive, though some reviewers have raised issues with the vitamins’ odor.

Best with omega-3: Diet Standards Prenatal DHA

• Price: $42 for 180
• Type: softgels
• Dosage: 3 softgels daily
• Included nutrients: algae-based omega 3s

This product is not a multivitamin. Rather, it is a prenatal omega-3 supplement that a person can take alongside a multivitamin.

The supplement is algae-based, 100% vegan, and free from the following:

• gluten
• soy
• sugar

Every batch undergoes third-party lab testing to check for the following:

• purity
• potency
• microbial contents
• heavy metals

Positive online reviews compliment the supplement and the company’s professionalism, while negative reviews mainly express concern over the quality of the product on delivery.

The following table compares the prenatal vitamins listed above:

A person should receive professional advice before buying prenatal vitamins. According to a 2016 study, the top 25 over-the-counter prenatal vitamins in the US did not contain the daily required amount of choline. A healthcare professional can describe what a supplement should contain to ensure that each person meets their nutrient recommendations during pregnancy.

A person should also see their doctor if they experience side effects while taking a supplement. A common side effect of prenatal supplements is constipation. Some prenatal vitamins contain non-constipating iron to counteract this.

Other potential side effects of supplements include:

• stomach cramps
• bloating
• gas
• tarry bowel movements
• hair loss
• skin itching or peeling

The following are common questions and answers about prenatal vitamins:

Can you take prenatal vitamins when not pregnant?

It is usually safe to take prenatal vitamins when not pregnant.

However, people should be cautious of the high levels of certain vitamins and minerals that prenatal supplements may contain. Taking an excessive dose of these for a prolonged period may have negative health effects.

When should you start taking prenatal vitamins?

Planned Parenthood recommends that a person start taking prenatal vitamins one month before they start trying to conceive.

This ensures they already receive the vitamins and minerals their body and a fetus require for optimal pregnancy health.

Otherwise, a person should start taking prenatal vitamins as soon as they learn of their pregnancy.

Should you take prenatal vitamins in the morning or evening?

The time of day a person takes a prenatal supplement does not make a difference to effectiveness as long as a person takes the supplements consistently each day.

People experiencing morning sickness may wish to take prenatal vitamins when nausea is less dominant. For example, people experiencing nausea in the morning may prefer to take prenatal vitamins in the evening.

Are pills or gummies better for prenatal vitamins?

Gummy prenatal vitamins have a few drawbacks compared to vitamins in pill form:

• they have a shorter shelf life
• their actual vitamin and mineral content may not be what is on the label
• they tend to have high sugar or sugar substitute content

However, gummies also have advantages compared to pills:

• they can help people who cannot swallow big pills access needed nutrients
• they can be easier to digest

Which brand of prenatal vitamins is best?

The best brand of prenatal vitamins depends on the individual’s needs.

For example, a person with existing health conditions or a restricted diet may have specific dietary requirements.

Additionally, a person should be able to take their vitamins easily. Gummies and soft gels might be easier for those who have trouble swallowing large pills.

A pregnant person should ask their healthcare provider to recommend appropriate choices.

What prenatal vitamins do doctors prescribe?

It is common for doctors to recommend taking a prenatal vitamin, but not a specific brand of prenatal vitamin, unless the person has specific nutritional needs.

This is because although most prenatal vitamins contain three vital nutrients (iron, iodine, and folic acid), different prenatal vitamins will contain different amounts of other nutrients. Variations in nutrient content make different brands of prenatal vitamins more suitable for some people than others.

A doctor can recommend a specific type of prenatal vitamin based on individual needs.

Prenatal vitamins can support a healthy pregnancy and fetal development. A person can ask their doctor about options that may be best suited to their individual needs.

When choosing a supplement, a person should consider various factors, including pregnancy symptoms, dietary preferences, and food allergies or sensitivities. People should also consider whether they would prefer to take vitamins in the form of gummies, soft gels, or tablets.

Anyone who experiences side effects while taking prenatal vitamins should notify their doctor immediately.