Prenatal vitamin Q

Is there really a difference between prescription and over-the-counter prenatal vitamins?

My OB/GYN gave me a prescription for Natelle, but my insurance doesn't fully cover it and it'd be pretty expensive. I've been taking OTC prenatal vitamins instead. Thoughts?

Re: Prenatal vitamin Q

The biggest difference is the amount of folic acid, which helps to prevent spina bifida. Studies have proven that at least 800mcg (0.8mg) significantly reduces this birth defect, but they think that taking 1mg will reduce it even more. The prescription onces have 1mg of folic acid in them. I'm not really sure about the other ingredients as I think some of them vary.

Try calling your insurance carrier to ask which Rx prenatal they cover. Some of them come in generic, which would be cheaper even if they don't cover it. I took Duet DHA which was covered as a brand prescription item and I paid my $20 copay each month.

If you still want to take the OTC ones, get an extra bottle of folic acid and just take an additional supplement each day.