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PreNatal with Folic Acid

21st Century
4.8
(7713 ratings)
Iron 28 mg
Niacin 20 mg
Zinc 25 mg
Calcium 200 mg
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Score 60.0

This 21st Century PreNatal is a highly affordable option providing essential vitamins and minerals for pregnancy, particularly a strong dose of folic acid and iron. However, it lacks several key nutrients vital for comprehensive prenatal support, such as choline, DHA, and sufficient calcium and vitamin D.

Quantity: 60 Tablet(s)Servings size: 1 Tablet(s) (60 servings)
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Score 60.0

This 21st Century PreNatal is a highly affordable option providing essential vitamins and minerals for pregnancy, particularly a strong dose of folic acid and iron. However, it lacks several key nutrients vital for comprehensive prenatal support, such as choline, DHA, and sufficient calcium and vitamin D.

Analysis

The 21st Century PreNatal with Folic Acid is a very budget-friendly option, providing foundational nutrients like a high dose of folic acid (1334mcg DFE, equivalent to 800mcg Folic Acid), adequate iron (28mg), and a range of B vitamins, Vitamin C, D, E, and A (as beta-carotene). While it covers the basics like preventing neural tube defects and addressing common iron needs, its formula is not as comprehensive as many modern prenatal supplements. The calcium (200mg) and vitamin D3 (400 IU) dosages are notably low for supporting maternal bone health and fetal development, often necessitating additional supplementation. Furthermore, crucial nutrients like choline for brain development, magnesium for various bodily functions, and omega-3s (DHA/EPA) which are highly recommended by nutritionists for fetal brain and eye development, are entirely absent. The forms of some ingredients, like zinc oxide and ferrous fumarate, are common but may not be the most absorbable or gentle on the digestive system for all individuals.

Pros
  • Extremely affordable price per serving, making essential prenatal nutrition accessible.
  • Contains a high dose of Folate (Folic Acid), which is crucial for preventing neural tube defects.
  • Provides a good amount of Iron, addressing a common deficiency during pregnancy.
  • Includes a decent array of B vitamins to support energy and metabolism.
Cons
  • Lacks crucial nutrients like Choline, DHA/EPA, and Iodine, which are vital for comprehensive fetal development.
  • Offers a low dosage of Calcium and Vitamin D compared to daily recommendations for pregnant women.
  • Uses less bioavailable or potentially stomach-irritating forms of some minerals, such as Zinc Oxide and Ferrous Fumarate.
  • The 25mg Zinc dose is higher than the typical RDA for pregnant women (11-13mg).
Warnings
  • This product alone may not provide all necessary nutrients for a healthy pregnancy; consult a healthcare professional for a complete prenatal plan including potential additional supplements for choline, DHA, magnesium, and higher doses of calcium and vitamin D.
  • The iron and zinc content may cause digestive upset in some individuals.
  • Pregnant individuals with specific dietary restrictions or health conditions should consult their doctor before using this supplement.
$3.70($0.06 per serving)
Amazon
$ 11.66
Walmart
$ 12.68
Pure Formulas
$ 3.70
iHerb
$ 7.99
Ingredients
IngredientAmount per serving
Vitamin A (Beta-Carotene) 1200 mcg
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) 120 mg
Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) 10 mcg
Vitamin E (DL-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate) 13.5 mg
Thiamine (Thiamine Mononitrate) 1.8 mg
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) 1.7 mg
Niacin (Niacinamide) 20 mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) 2.6 mg
Folate 1334 mcg DFE
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) 8 mcg
Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) 200 mg
Iron (Ferrous Fumarate) 28 mg
Zinc (Zinc Oxide) 25 mg
Gluten Free Pregnant Women 18–50
Categories
Iron 75.0
It supplies 28mg of Iron as Ferrous Fumarate, which is a standard and effective dose for preventing iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy. While some alternative forms like bisglycinate might be gentler on the stomach, ferrous fumarate is widely used and bioavailable enough for its purpose in a prenatal.
Niacin 70.0
The product contains 20mg of Niacin (Niacinamide), which is a common and effective form for general vitamin needs without causing the 'flush' associated with nicotinic acid. This dose adequately supports basic niacin requirements within a multivitamin context.
Zinc 60.0
The supplement includes 25mg of Zinc as Zinc Oxide. While 25mg is a robust dose, Zinc Oxide is considered one of the less bioavailable forms compared to picolinate, citrate, or gluconate found in many alternative products. The dosage is also higher than the typical RDA for pregnant women.
Goals
Energy 75.0
The supplement is rich in B vitamins (Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, B6, B12), which are essential cofactors in cellular energy metabolism, and contains Iron, crucial for oxygen transport and preventing fatigue. These ingredients directly support the body's energy production pathways.
Metabolism Boost 70.0
It provides a good spectrum of B vitamins (Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, B6, B12) that play critical roles in macronutrient metabolism, alongside Zinc, which is involved in numerous enzymatic reactions related to overall metabolic function. The comprehensive B-vitamin profile effectively supports the body's metabolic pathways.
Immunity 70.0
The product provides Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, Zinc, and Vitamin A (beta-carotene), all well-known for their significant roles in supporting and modulating immune function. These nutrients contribute to the proper functioning of various immune cells and antioxidant defense systems.
65 Value

One Daily Women's Health

Equate
4.6
(4275 ratings)
This general women's multivitamin offers a more comprehensive profile than its low price per serving suggests. It provides higher doses of essential prenatal nutrients like Calcium and Vitamin D than the original, along with a good range of other vitamins and minerals. While its folate is lower and in the basic folic acid form, its overall balanced nutrient blend at an exceptionally low cost makes it a great value for general female health support, adaptable for prenatal needs with targeted additional supplementation.
75 Value

Calcium Magnesium Zinc + D3

21st Century
4.7
(97627 ratings)
Although slightly higher in cost per serving than the original prenatal, this product offers significantly higher and better-balanced doses of critical minerals: Calcium (1000mg), Magnesium (400mg), Zinc (15mg), and Vitamin D3 (10mcg). For individuals particularly focused on bone density and mineral support during pregnancy, this product delivers excellent value for the concentration and synergy of these specific, vital nutrients.
90 Value

Iron 18 mg

NOW
4.7
(25570 ratings)
Iron is indispensable in prenatal care, and this product stands out by offering Ferrochel Iron Bisglycinate, a premium and highly absorbable form that is typically much better tolerated than the ferrous fumarate found in the original prenatal. At a lower price per serving than the original comprehensive product, it provides exceptional value for obtaining this crucial nutrient in its superior form, making it a smart investment for targeted iron supplementation.
98 Performance

Basic Prenatal

Thorne
4.6
(15951 ratings)
This is a premium prenatal vitamin widely recommended by nutritionists for its superior formulation. It features highly bioavailable and active forms of critical nutrients, including Ferrochel iron (gentle on the stomach), methylcobalamin (active B12), and activated B vitamins (B6, B2), along with chelated minerals. It also provides a more adequate dose of Vitamin D3 and likely methylfolate (given Thorne's quality standards), which is preferred for better absorption by all individuals. This comprehensive and high-quality profile significantly surpasses the original in efficacy and nutrient absorption.
85 Performance

Calcium + Vitamin D

Swisse Ultiboost
4.6
(1270 ratings)
While not a complete prenatal, this supplement offers substantially higher doses of calcium (1020mg) and vitamin D (25mcg D3) compared to the original 21st Century prenatal. Calcium and Vitamin D are crucial for maternal bone health and fetal development. This product provides these vital nutrients in a more impactful concentration, addressing a key area where the original prenatal is less robust.
90 Performance

Zinc Picolinate 50 mg

NOW
4.8
(48399 ratings)
The original prenatal uses zinc oxide, a form with lower bioavailability. This alternative provides zinc in the picolinate form, which is widely regarded by nutritionists as one of the most absorbable and effective forms of zinc. Zinc is an essential mineral for maternal and fetal health. This offers a significantly better quality source for this specific crucial nutrient compared to the original product.
60 Budget

Niacin 100 mg

21st Century
4.6
(3653 ratings)
This single-ingredient supplement, from the same brand, offers Niacin (a B vitamin present in the original prenatal) at an exceptionally low cost per serving, making it a very budget-friendly option for supplementing this specific nutrient if purchased separately.
65 Budget

Calcium 500+D3

21st Century
4.8
(5045 ratings)
Providing calcium and vitamin D3, two core components of any prenatal, this product stands out for its remarkably low price per serving. While not a complete prenatal, it offers a highly economical way to supplement these essential bone health nutrients.
68 Budget

Iron 65 mg

21st Century
4.7
(22466 ratings)
This product delivers a high dose of iron, a critical nutrient for pregnant women, at a very low cost per serving. While it uses ferrous sulfate (a common but sometimes less gentle form), its affordability makes it a strong contender for those prioritizing budget for iron supplementation.
65 Value

One Daily Women's Health

Equate
4.6
(4275 ratings)
This general women's multivitamin offers a more comprehensive profile than its low price per serving suggests. It provides higher doses of essential prenatal nutrients like Calcium and Vitamin D than the original, along with a good range of other vitamins and minerals. While its folate is lower and in the basic folic acid form, its overall balanced nutrient blend at an exceptionally low cost makes it a great value for general female health support, adaptable for prenatal needs with targeted additional supplementation.
75 Value

Calcium Magnesium Zinc + D3

21st Century
4.7
(97627 ratings)
Although slightly higher in cost per serving than the original prenatal, this product offers significantly higher and better-balanced doses of critical minerals: Calcium (1000mg), Magnesium (400mg), Zinc (15mg), and Vitamin D3 (10mcg). For individuals particularly focused on bone density and mineral support during pregnancy, this product delivers excellent value for the concentration and synergy of these specific, vital nutrients.
90 Value

Iron 18 mg

NOW
4.7
(25570 ratings)
Iron is indispensable in prenatal care, and this product stands out by offering Ferrochel Iron Bisglycinate, a premium and highly absorbable form that is typically much better tolerated than the ferrous fumarate found in the original prenatal. At a lower price per serving than the original comprehensive product, it provides exceptional value for obtaining this crucial nutrient in its superior form, making it a smart investment for targeted iron supplementation.
98 Performance

Basic Prenatal

Thorne
4.6
(15951 ratings)
This is a premium prenatal vitamin widely recommended by nutritionists for its superior formulation. It features highly bioavailable and active forms of critical nutrients, including Ferrochel iron (gentle on the stomach), methylcobalamin (active B12), and activated B vitamins (B6, B2), along with chelated minerals. It also provides a more adequate dose of Vitamin D3 and likely methylfolate (given Thorne's quality standards), which is preferred for better absorption by all individuals. This comprehensive and high-quality profile significantly surpasses the original in efficacy and nutrient absorption.
85 Performance

Calcium + Vitamin D

Swisse Ultiboost
4.6
(1270 ratings)
While not a complete prenatal, this supplement offers substantially higher doses of calcium (1020mg) and vitamin D (25mcg D3) compared to the original 21st Century prenatal. Calcium and Vitamin D are crucial for maternal bone health and fetal development. This product provides these vital nutrients in a more impactful concentration, addressing a key area where the original prenatal is less robust.
90 Performance

Zinc Picolinate 50 mg

NOW
4.8
(48399 ratings)
The original prenatal uses zinc oxide, a form with lower bioavailability. This alternative provides zinc in the picolinate form, which is widely regarded by nutritionists as one of the most absorbable and effective forms of zinc. Zinc is an essential mineral for maternal and fetal health. This offers a significantly better quality source for this specific crucial nutrient compared to the original product.