Prenatal Vitamins

Is Stuart Prenatal a high quality prenatal vitamin?

Stuart Prenatal Vitamins are an over the counter supplement for women who are in their childbearing years. Stuart Prenatal Vitamin contains 13 vitamins and minerals including 800 mcg of folic acid in each serving.

Stuart Prenatal Vitamins do no contain any of the ingredients that would make it a high quality prenatal vitamin. These ingredients include CoQ10, DHA, Choline, Inositol, or Ginger Root. They also do not contain any probiotics.

CoQ10 helps prevent preeclampsia, which is a leading cause of death for both mom and baby during pregnancy. DHA helps with the development of the brain and retina, as well as helps prevent postpartum depression. Choline increases cognitive functioning, by increasing the speed that the neurons fire in the brain. Inositol helps prevent neural tube defects, and Ginger Root helps with morning sickness. Finally, probiotics help prevent preterm labor, help you lose your baby weight faster, and help prevent NEC syndrome.

Is Stuart Prenatal Safe?

Stuart Prenatal Vitamins contain BHT, (butylated hydroxytoluene), which is a preservative. Some believe that BHT may be a possible carcinogen and cause hyperactivity in children. BHT is banned in some countries because of these possible side effects, so you should definitely consult with your healthcare provider before taking this supplement.

Stuart Prenatal Vitamins only contain 15% of the recommended daily amount of calcium. Calcium is very important for the growth and development of the fetus’s teeth and bones. Because mother’s levels of calcium are usually low before she even becomes pregnant,  the placenta will extract calcium from her own bones to give the fetus what it needs, if she is not getting enough.

Stuart Prenatal Ingredients

• Vitamin A, C, D, E, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, Calcium, Iron, Zinc
• Other Ingredients: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Gelatin, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Acacia Gum, Croscarmellose Sodium, Titanium Dioxide, Corn Starch, Sucrose, Polyethylene Glycol, Pyridoxine HCl, Silicon Dioxide, Red (CI 77491- Iron Oxides), Sodium Ascorbate, Polysorbate 80, Sorbic Acid (A Preservative), Mixed Glycerides, Sodium Benzoate, Carnauba (Copernicia Cerifera) Wax, BHT, Sodium Aluminosilicate

Stuart Prenatal Pros

• Over the counter
• High levels of folic acid and iron
• Only 1 tablet daily

Stuart Prenatal Cons

• Contains BHT
• Calcium levels below RDA
• Does not contain any high quality ingredients
• Lacks probiotics

The Bottom Line…

Stuart Prenatal Vitamins, are a very basic supplement that does not contain any high quality ingredients.  With the calcium levels below the RDA standards, and the additive BHT included, I am wary to recommend this prenatal vitamin. You cannot afford to put your fetus at risk. There are many better vitamins on the market that are completely safe for both mom and baby.