Real • DHA Prenatal Multivitamins

All women of childbearing age are encouraged to take a daily multivitamin that includes at least 400 μg (0.4 mg) of folic acid. This vital nutrient helps prevent neural tube defects, which are serious birth defects affecting the baby's brain, skull, or spine. Since neural tube defects typically develop in the first month of pregnancy, it is vital for mothers who plan to get pregnant, to include folic acid in their diet during the first week of pregnancy. A lack of folic acid for the fetus can lead to Spinal Bifida. 

Omega-3 fatty acids—particularly DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)—play a crucial role in fetal development, cardiovascular health, brain function, and immune support. Since the body cannot efficiently produce these essential fats, obtaining them through diet or supplementation is necessary.

Pregnancy & Early Development

• DHA and EPA are critical for fetal brain, eye, and nervous system development, especially during the third trimester and the first years of life.
• Adequate intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding supports optimal neuronal, retinal, and immune function in infants.

Cardiovascular & Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

• EPA and DHA contribute to heart health by supporting healthy circulation, reducing inflammation, and potentially lowering the risk of coronary events and peripheral artery disease.
• Their anticoagulant properties may help maintain healthy blood flow.

Mood & Cognitive Support

• DHA and EPA influence serotonin production, a key neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and emotional balance.
• Their anti-inflammatory effects on nerve cells may reduce the risk of anxiety and mood disorders.
• Emerging research suggests potential benefits in weight management and Alzheimer’s disease prevention.

For optimal health, ensuring sufficient DHA and EPA intake—whether through fatty fish, algae-based sources, or high-quality supplements—is essential.

Vitamin B12—particularly in its bioactive methylcobalamin form—is essential for fetal development, red blood cell production, and nervous system health. Since the body cannot produce B12 on its own, adequate intake is crucial, especially for pregnant women, vegetarians, and those at risk of deficiency.

Why Vitamin B12 Matters During Pregnancy

• Supports healthy red blood cell formation, preventing anemia in both mother and fetus.
• Works synergistically with folic acid to protect nerves, blood cells, and DNA synthesis.
• Vital for proper brain and nervous system development in the fetus—low B12 levels are linked to higher risks of birth defects and cognitive impairments.
• Helps reduce the likelihood of emotional disorders in children by supporting neurological health.

Methylcobalamin vs. Synthetic B12

• Methylcobalamin is the natural, bioactive form of B12, readily used by the body for metabolic processes.
• Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form that requires conversion, making it less efficient.
• For optimal absorption, methylcobalamin from food or high-quality supplements is recommended.

Expert Recommendations

North American family physicians advise women planning pregnancy to begin daily B12 supplementation early to prevent deficiencies that could harm both maternal and fetal health.

Adequate B12 intake is non-negotiable for a healthy pregnancy—ensuring proper growth, development, and long-term well-being for your child.

Calcium is crucial for the development of a fetus's bones, teeth, and brain during pregnancy. It plays a vital role in preventing cramps and osteoporosis in expectant mothers. Additionally, calcium supports several essential physiological functions, including nerve conduction, muscle contraction, and blood coagulation. Ensuring adequate calcium intake is key to both maternal and fetal health.

Natural Vitamin D3 and Calcium is good for the growth of the baby’s bones and teeth. Scientific studies have shown that vitamin D3 deficiencies in pregnant women are more likely to occur, which could lead to gestational diabetes mellitus, adverse neonatal development, low birth weight and other conditions. Vitamin D3 helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus. It is important for teeth and bone development. Children who lack Vitamin D3, are prone to fractures and curvature of the spine.

Iron is a vital mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health, particularly during pregnancy. It is essential for the production of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Adequate iron levels are important for preventing anemia, a condition characterized by a lack of sufficient healthy red blood cells, which can lead to fatigue, weakness, and other health complications.

During pregnancy, a woman's blood volume increases significantly to support the growing fetus, which raises her iron requirements. Insufficient iron intake can lead to iron deficiency anemia, which poses risks for both the mother and the baby, including complications such as preterm delivery, low birth weight, and developmental delays.

Zinc deficiency is linked to serious complications, including early fetal malformations, miscarriages, and premature birth. As an essential mineral, zinc enables cells to metabolize nutrients efficiently and supports vital bodily functions such as immune response, DNA synthesis, protein production, and cellular division. Additionally, zinc contributes to healthy bone development, strengthens the immune system, and promotes skin health.

For optimal absorption, zinc citrate is a superior choice compared to zinc oxide, as studies indicate it has a higher fractional absorption rate. This enhanced bioavailability ensures the body can utilize zinc more effectively, supporting overall health and well-being.

Vitamin A promotes the health and growth of cells and tissues in the body, particularly those in hair, nails, and skin. It also plays an important role in vision and bone development and helps protect the body from infections.

Vitamin B is vital for overall health and well-being, particularly during pregnancy. Insufficient intake of vitamin B2 can increase the risk of mental developmental disorders in offspring. Additionally, vitamin B has been shown to mitigate the effects of emotional disorders.

Vitamin C also known as ascorbic acid, is an antioxidant that promotes healthy teeth and gums. It helps the body absorb different nutrition, such as iron, vitamin D, E, and ossein. Ossein is important for human bones, tendons,  joints, ligaments, skin tissue, and eyes.

Vitamin B6 is an essential nutrient to produce antibodies, red blood cells, in the immune system. An appropriate amount of vitamin B6 can ease pregnancy sickness discomfort.

These are both types of B vitamins. They are water-soluble, which means that the body can’t store them. If the body can’t use all of the vitamins, the excess nutrients leave the body through the urine. These vitamins must be replaced in the body every day.

Pantothenic acid and biotin are essential for growth and body metabolism – help the body break down and use food. They are both required for making fatty acids. Pantothenic acid also plays a role in the production of hormones and cholesterol.

Biotin (Vitamin H) is used to assist cell growth, in the production of essential fatty acids, as well as in the metabolism of fats and proteins.