DHA Supplement with Prenatal Vitamins?

My Dr. prescribed CitraNatal DHA prenatal vitamins to me and they include the DHA supplement.I love them. I have had no side affects at all. (knock on wood)

I took all the free samples I could get but that was it. They are too expensive. It stinks! BUt my kids are FINE. I even took generic vitamins from walmart. they wroked just fine! It is certainly not NECESSARY but just BENEFICIAL.

My doctor had some free samples, and after I used them up I used Enfamil DHA supplements. As S H said below, DHA is important to the healthy development of your baby. And yes while there are plenty of healthy babies who moms never took it, I truly believe that taking the DHA helped he development and that she was a healthier and brighter child becuase of it.

Whatever you decide congrats on your baby, may you both be happy and healthy!

I am 32 weeks pregnant and only take prenatals. I was just pregnant with my first 2 years ago and was only prescribed prenatals, then this time my OB prescribed me prenatals and the DHA supplement, I figured if I didn't need it with my first I don't need it with this one either. It was way too expensive and my little peanut is doing just fine!

My OB/GYN.... when I was pregnant, prescribes pre-natals WITH DHA supplements. He prescribes this to ALL his pregnant patients.

The DHA is important... because it helps development of the brain and eyes. Even in utero. And, once the baby is born, it is also important to CONTINUE to take prenatal vitamins and DHA supplements... if breastfeeding... because it aides in the baby's brain and eye development.

After my kids were born, I took Prenatal vitamins and DHA supplements, for 1-2 years.... while I breastfed.

My kids, were totally healthy, and well developed kids as babies. The nutritional value of prenatal vitamins and DHA... is a long term benefit... upon your baby.

The price to me, has no bearing... because, getting proper vitamin DHA supplements is Very important for the development of a baby while in Mommy's tummy and after it is born. To me, a 'price' is not the point.

all the best,
Susan

my dr said to just take my prenatals.......if your prego ask your dr anyways before you take anymore supplements.

You shouldn't need anything other than a good prenatal vitamin...try Oligo.

CVS Pharmacy has specials all the time for buy one get one free. Their brand is much cheaper and the free box makes all the difference!

I say yes too. I buy a great prenatal DHA supplement from Whole Foods and I have to say it's helped me so much with digestion and itchy skin issues through my pregnancy. It's obviously meant to help your baby's brain development, but I'll tell you it will support you, as well!

Absolutely important if you want to consider brain health:o) We use the Carlson brand that has DHA in big letters on the front. I wait until Henry's or Sprouts has a sale on it and buy over $100 to save an additional 10%. Do not get one that has a higher amount of EPA as that could thin your blood too much and in pregnancy we don't want that.

You want to get a brand that is reputable and uses small fish and the further north the better for lower and less chance of mercury absorption. I personally would not get anything made otherwise. Carlson and Nordic Naturals are 'clean' brands.

Regardless of whether you decide to take just prenatals or add one with DHA, the most important question to ask is, are they being absorbed in your body effectively? There has been research to suggest that many vitamins including One-A-Day and Centrum are only 10-15% absorbable. I recommend taking vitamins that are up to 85% absorbable with Oligofructose Compounding. Here is a link to the company's research.
http://www.kidk.com/news/27255954.html?tab=video

As your doctor. My guess is that the people who sell DHA would love you to think that it was going to harm your baby if you did not take them, and you don't want to buy into hype unless it is true. Most children have done very well with only vitamins, and some without those! Trust your doctors advice.

I would be careful of any supplement, many of the raw ingredients in these unregulated alternative treatments come from China. There is no control over what is really in that pill at all, and bad things have been found in them. Just be careful.

M.

My OB recommended Nature's Made prenatal vitamins that already contain DHA - I get them from Costco! 90 capsules for under $20.

It is not expensive. I get the prenatal pack from centrum(they also have generic of the same pack) It comes with the regular bottle of prenatal vitamins and a bottle of the DHA stuff. It costs 14 for a months supply when bought together. I get them at either walmart or target. So for a few more dollars it is definently worth the extra benifits that DHA, EPA, and fish oil can have on early brain development.

i say YES..take them..nothing is too expensive if it benefits your baby..i was 41 when i gave birth to my son..he is strong and healthy ..very smart..i always think the DHA pills had something to do with that..i took one a day every single day i was pregnant..i really don't think they're that expensive..sometimes Wholefoods has coupons for vitamins..i still give my son DHA pills but not every day.

Fish oil and Omega 3,6,&9 both provides DHA. You can get this at your local Club (Sams, BJ, etc.) or you can get it at your local Pharmacy. It is not really too expensive. My OBGYN approved both of these, but asked me not to use Flaxseed supplements. Always ask your doctor before beginning a new supplement.