Organika Essential Prenatal is a vegetarian-capsule multivitamin for before, during and after pregnancy, built on active nutrient forms: methylfolate, iron bisglycinate, methylcobalamin B12 and P5P vitamin B6. Helps to support normal early fetal development (brain and spinal cord). The daily dose is 3 capsules, so a bottle of 90 lasts a month.
What Organika Essential Prenatal is licensed for
It is licensed for sale by Health Canada and bears NPN 80135558. The licence lists four recommended uses:
Helps to support normal early fetal development (brain and spinal cord).
Helps pregnant women meet Health Canada's recommended intake for iron, when taken in conjunction with a healthy diet.
Helps to reduce the risk of neural tube defects when taken daily at least three months prior to becoming pregnant and during early pregnancy.
Helps to form red blood cells.
Why the forms matter
Folate comes as L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (methylfolate), the form of folate the body uses directly, rather than synthetic folic acid. Iron is iron bisglycinate, a chelated form bound to glycine. Vitamin B12 is methylcobalamin and vitamin B6 is pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (P5P), both active forms. Zinc, copper and manganese are bisglycinates too, and selenium is selenomethionine.
What else is inside
The formula lists 25 medicinal ingredients. Alongside the B vitamins, folate and iron, it includes calcium and magnesium citrate malate, iodine, choline, vitamin D3, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin A with beta-carotene, vitamin K1, chromium, boron and biotin. The non-medicinal list is short: a plant-based capsule shell, microcrystalline cellulose and vegetable-source magnesium stearate.
Why three capsules a day
Splitting the dose into 3 capsules keeps each one a manageable size, and it lets you spread the nutrients across the day with meals. If swallowing large tablets has been a problem with other prenatals, this format is easier.
How to take it
Take 1 capsule 3 times a day. The full label cautions are under How to Take: consult a practitioner first if you have a liver disorder or take blood thinners. Keep it out of reach of children. There is enough iron in this package to seriously harm a child.
Organika Essential Prenatal FAQ
Does it contain folic acid or methylfolate?
Methylfolate, listed on the label as L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate, calcium salt.
When should I start taking it?
The licence describes daily use at least three months before becoming pregnant and during early pregnancy for neural tube support.
How long does a bottle last?
30 days. The bottle holds 90 capsules and the dose is 3 a day.
Is it vegetarian?
Yes. The capsule shell is plant-based hypromellose.
Cautions: Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you have a liver disorder or if you are taking blood thinners. Some people may experience constipation, diarrhea and/or vomiting. Stop use if hypersensitivity occurs. Keep out of reach of children. There is enough iron in this package to seriously harm a child.
