Pregnancy is one of the most important times of your life, and it’s also one of the most important times for your baby’s development. A good prenatal vitamin is a great way to ensure you and your growing fetus have all the nutrients you need to stay healthy and strong.
Except, not all prenatal vitamins are created equal. While most of them are formulated to meet the nutritional needs of expectant mothers, many others tend to over-simplify complex nutrients. Luckily, most of the vegan and non-vegan brands we’ve reviewed offer high-quality vegan options for this important stage of your life. Whether you’re looking for the best vegan DHA-fortified prenatal vitamins or the best vegan multivitamin, we’ve got you covered.
What’s the Difference Between Vegan Prenatal Vitamins and Non-Vegan Prenatal Vitamins?
There are many differences between vegan prenatal vitamins and non-vegan prenatal vitamins.
Vegan prenatal vitamins are formulated to meet the nutritional needs of pregnant women, with a focus on DHA, folate, and iron. These vitamins may also contain vitamins B12, B6, and folic acid, depending on the brand. You’re unlikely to find vitamin A or C in vegan prenatal vitamins because these nutrients are rarely necessary during pregnancy.
Non-vegan prenatal vitamins, on the other hand? They’re almost always formulated to meet the medical requirements of both expectant mothers and babies. While some may include iron, folate, and B12, most have a significantly reduced focus on iron and folate.
This means that non-vegan options are often less safe and effective than their vegan counterparts, and they may not contain the nutrients you need.
Why Should You Care About DHA in Prenatal Vitamins?
The primary job of your prenatal vitamin is to supply your body with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. Long before you even think about adding a baby to the mix, a prenatal vitamin will help your baby develop and grow, supplying him with the raw materials he needs to become a healthy adult.
One of the most important nutrients for your baby is DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid. DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that’s often under-supplied in the diets of babies, toddlers, and children. It’s especially important for your baby’s brain development, since it’s a structural component of the neuronal connections inside your baby’s brain.
Luckily, vegan prenatal vitamins are often fortified with DHA, ensuring your growing baby gets the nutrient he needs to develop.
The Best DHA-Fortified Prenatal Vitamins Vita Silks DHA-Fortified Prenatal Vitamins
VitaSilks is a vegan prenatal vitamin geared toward vegans who want to ensure they get enough DHA during pregnancy.
The active ingredients in VitaSilks are a vitamin B12 complex, vitamin B6 complex, vitamin D complex, folic acid, methylcobalamin, bio-available iron, vitamin C, zinc, and co-enzyme Q10.
The Best Vegan Multivitamin Organic Trim & Go Multivitamin-Mineral
Organic Trim & Go Multivitamins are a great choice for vegans looking for a vegan-friendly multivitamin. Each serving contains 150mg of vitamin B12 and 150mcg of folic acid, making it one of the best vegan multivitamins.
It also contains 100mcg of vitamin D, 25mcg of vitamin K, and 25mg of iron, making it an excellent vegan multivitamin for pregnant women.
The Best Vegan DHA-Fortified Prenatal Vitamins Dr. Axe DHA-Fortified Prenatal Vitamins
Dr. Axe is a trusted brand for many people, and for good reason. Each serving of Dr. Axe DHA-Fortified Prenatal Vitamins contains 250mg of DHA, making it one of the best vegan DHA-fortified prenatal vitamins. It also contains vitamins B12, folic acid, and vitamin C, making it a great vegan prenatal vitamin. What makes Dr. Axe stand out, however, is its price. A bottle of Dr. Axe DHA vitamins is one of the cheapest vegan DHA prenatal vitamins on the market.
The Best Non-Vegan Prenatal Vitamins
Tastefully Thai DHA-Fortified Prenatal Vitamins
Tastefully Thai’s DHA-Fortified Prenatal Vitamins are one of the best non-vegan prenatal vitamins on the market. Each serving contains 250mg of DHA, making it one of the best non-vegan prenatal vitamins.
What makes it stand out, however, is its price. A bottle of Tastefully Thai prenatal vitamins is one of the cheapest non-vegan prenatal vitamins on the market, making it an excellent buy.
The Bottom Line
Pregnancy is a time of great change, and taking care of yourself is a critical step. That’s why it’s important to supplement your diet with high-quality multivitamins and prenatal vitamins. Throughout your pregnancy, you’ll want to ensure you’re getting enough DHA, iron, B12, and folic acid. Unfortunately, most non-vegan prenatal vitamins don’t contain these nutrients, making it harder for your body to absorb the nutrients you need. Fortunately, the best vegan prenatal vitamins are formulated with DHA and other nutrients necessary for healthy pregnancy, making them a safer and more effective choice than non-vegan options.
