Prenatal Formula
SmartyPants Organics
Prenatal Formula
4.1
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(5042 ratings)
Iodine 290 mcg
Choline 11 mg
Score 65.0
An organic gummy prenatal with good vitamin forms, but critically lacks iron and adequate choline/DHA, making it insufficient as a sole prenatal supplement.
Quantity: 120 Gummy(ies)Servings size: 4 Gummy(ies) (30 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
General Health
Brain Health
Productivity Boost
Metabolism Boost
Energy
leaderboard Score 65.0
An organic gummy prenatal with good vitamin forms, but critically lacks iron and adequate choline/DHA, making it insufficient as a sole prenatal supplement.
insights Analysis
This prenatal vitamin is designed to support general health during pregnancy, with a focus on brain health and metabolism. It uses excellent forms of key vitamins, such as L-methylfolate (crucial for neural tube development) and methylcobalamin B12. However, a major concern highlighted by nutritionists and public health guidelines is the complete absence of iron, a vital mineral for preventing anemia in pregnancy, and the very low amount of choline (11mg) when recommendations are much higher. Furthermore, while it contains flaxseed oil, it lacks direct DHA and EPA from marine sources, which are superior for fetal brain and eye development. The gummy format also adds 10 grams of carbohydrates and 45 calories per serving, primarily from sugar, which should be considered in a daily diet.
- Organic formulation with high-quality, bioavailable forms of key vitamins (e.g., L-Methylfolate, Methylcobalamin B12, D3, K2-MK7, P5P B6).
- Gummy form can be easier to stomach for individuals experiencing nausea or morning sickness, improving compliance.
- Includes iodine, which is crucial for fetal brain development and often overlooked in other prenatals.
- Critically lacks Iron, a fundamental nutrient for pregnant individuals to prevent anemia and support fetal growth.
- Provides a very low dosage of Choline (11mg), significantly below the recommended daily intake (RDI) of 450mg for pregnant women.
- Omega-3s are sourced from flaxseed oil (ALA), which does not efficiently convert to EPA and DHA, essential fatty acids crucial for fetal brain and eye development.
- High carbohydrate (10g) and calorie (45 calories) content per serving due to the gummy format and sugars.
- More expensive per serving compared to some more comprehensive tablet-based prenatals.
- Does not contain Iron, requiring supplementation from another source to meet prenatal needs.
- The low choline and lack of direct DHA/EPA mean additional supplementation may be necessary for optimal fetal development.
- Sugar content in gummies should be monitored as part of daily carbohydrate intake.
$29.32($0.97 per serving)
 Walmart | $ 29.32 | |
 Pure Formulas | $ 29.99 | |
 Amazon | $ 29.99 | |
 iHerb | $ 31.36 | |
 Vitacost | $ 32.69 |
bolt Effectiveness for goals
Iodine is a crucial component of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones regulate metabolism, energy production, and the growth and development of the body. Without sufficient iodine, the thyroid gland cannot produce enough hormones, potentially leading to hypothyroidism.
Choline is a precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter vital for memory, mood, muscle control, and other brain and nervous system functions. Adequate choline intake supports the synthesis of this essential compound. It also plays a role in the structural integrity of cell membranes.
Yes, choline is essential for healthy liver function and fat metabolism. It helps prevent fat and cholesterol from accumulating in the liver, which can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Choline also supports the transport of fats from the liver.
Yes, iodine is critical for normal brain development and cognitive function, especially during fetal and early childhood stages. Iodine deficiency during these periods can lead to impaired cognitive abilities. Ensuring adequate iodine intake is important for children's neurological health.
Iodine itself does not directly improve metabolism, but it is essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. The thyroid hormones, which require iodine for their synthesis, are critical regulators of metabolic rate. Therefore, sufficient iodine intake supports healthy metabolic function.
schedule Dosage, timing & forms
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for iodine for most adult men and women is 150 micrograms (mcg) per day. Pregnant women typically require 220 mcg per day, and lactating women require 290 mcg per day. It is important not to exceed the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 1,100 mcg per day for adults without professional guidance.
Typical daily choline intake recommendations for adult men are around 550 mg, and for women, around 425 mg. Supplement dosages often range from 250 mg to 500 mg, depending on individual needs and existing dietary intake. It is important to consider choline consumed through food sources as well.
Common forms of choline supplements include choline bitartrate, citicoline (CDP-choline), and alpha-GPC. Each form has slight differences in how it is metabolized and utilized by the body. Choline bitartrate is a basic salt, while citicoline and alpha-GPC are considered more bioavailable and have additional benefits.
Choline can generally be taken at any time of day, but some individuals prefer to take it in the morning or with meals to aid absorption. Taking it with food may help prevent potential gastrointestinal discomfort. Consistency in timing may be more important than the specific time of day.
While the general adequate intake remains consistent, some research protocols may explore higher choline dosages for specific purposes. For cognitive support or liver health, forms like citicoline or alpha-GPC are often considered, and their specific dosages might vary. It's important to consider professional guidance for personalized advice.
health_and_safety Safety & interactions
Individuals with pre-existing thyroid disorders, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' disease, should exercise caution with iodine supplementation. Both too little and too much iodine can exacerbate these conditions. Medical guidance is crucial before starting any iodine supplement.
Excessive iodine intake can lead to thyroid dysfunction, including both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, especially in individuals with pre-existing thyroid conditions. It can also cause symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Long-term high intake can potentially lead to an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter).
Yes, iodine can interact significantly with thyroid medications. Taking iodine while on antithyroid medications can reduce their effectiveness, while taking it with thyroid hormone replacement might not be necessary and could potentially interfere with thyroid function monitoring. Consultation with a healthcare provider is essential for individuals on such medications.
Choline is essential during pregnancy and breastfeeding for fetal and infant development, and intake recommendations are higher during these periods. However, supplementation should be discussed with a healthcare provider to ensure appropriate dosing and safety.
High doses of choline can lead to side effects such as sweating, body odor, gastrointestinal distress like nausea or diarrhea, and a drop in blood pressure. These effects are generally observed when intake significantly exceeds the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL).
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
Calories | 45 Gram(s) |
Total Carbohydrates | 10 Gram(s) |
Vitamin A | 520 mcg |
Vitamin C | 48 mg |
Vitamin D | 30 mcg |
Vitamin E | 14.3 mg |
Thiamine | 0.14 mg |
Riboflavin | 0.16 mg |
Niacin | 18 mg |
Vitamin B-6 | 2 mg |
Folate | 600 mcg DFE |
Vitamin B12 | 3.5 mcg |
Biotin | 17.5 mcg |
Choline | 11 mg |
Iodine | 290 mcg |
Zinc | 3.9 mg |
Selenium | 14 mcg |
Sodium | 20 mg |
organic Flax seed Oil | 341 mg |
Vitamin K-2 | 18 mcg |
Inositol | 5 mg |
Categories
Iodine 85.0
The product provides a substantial 290mcg of Iodine from Potassium Iodide, which is well within the recommended range for pregnant women (220-290mcg). This is an excellent inclusion as iodine is critical for fetal brain development and thyroid function, and it is a key strength of this prenatal formulation.
Choline 30.0
The choline content of 11mg is drastically low for a prenatal supplement, as the recommended daily intake for pregnant women is 450mg. This necessitates additional choline supplementation, making the product's contribution to this vital nutrient almost negligible on its own, especially when compared to dedicated choline products like Source Naturals Inositol & Choline (400mg).
Goals
Metabolism Boost 70.0
The robust profile of B vitamins is excellent for supporting various metabolic pathways essential for energy production. These vitamins act as coenzymes, helping the body convert food into energy, thus indirectly supporting metabolism crucial during pregnancy.
General Health 70.0
For general health, the product offers a good range of high-quality vitamins and some minerals like zinc and selenium. However, the critical omission of iron, coupled with low choline and sub-optimal omega-3s, significantly detracts from its comprehensiveness as a prenatal for overall maternal and fetal well-being.
Cognitive Support 60.0
The multivitamin provides foundational support through B vitamins and other general nutrients. However, for specific and robust cognitive support during pregnancy and for fetal development, the low choline and lack of direct DHA/EPA are significant drawbacks that limit its effectiveness.
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