When to take Prenatals? Why are SmartyPants Prenatal Vitamins Popular?

Pregnancy is a time of increased nutritional needs, and choosing the right prenatal vitamin can make all the difference! Taking multivitamins specifically formulated for pregnancy before, during and after pregnancy is recommended for the health of both mom and baby.

It is recommended to take Prenatal multivitamins at least 1-3 months before conception if possible, and up to 6 months after giving birth, or when you are finished breastfeeding - whichever is longer. 

SmartyPants Prenatal Omega Multi Vitamins are currently a popular choice among expectant mothers, offering a gummy multivitamin packed with essential nutrients. Let's find out why its ingredients, third-party testing, heavy metal safety, and the science behind methylated folate factor into this important decision, and decide for yourself if SmartyPants Prenatal Omega Multi Vitamins are the right fit for you and your family!

What Are SmartyPants Prenatal Omega Vitamins?

SmartyPants Prenatal Multi & Omegas is a gummy vitamin designed to support women before, during, and after pregnancy. With 19 essential nutrients, it’s formulated to fill nutritional gaps and promote maternal and fetal health. Key ingredients include:

• Methylfolate: A bioavailable form of folate for fetal brain and spinal development.
• Omega-3s (EPA & DHA): Sourced from fish oil to support baby’s brain and eye development.
• Vitamin D3: Enhances immune function and bone health.
• Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin): Boosts energy metabolism.
• Additional vitamins like C, A, K1, K2, biotin, zinc, and iodine.

Unlike traditional pills, these gummies are easy to take—perfect for those dealing with nausea. They’re also free of major allergens, gluten, and GMOs, sweetened naturally with organic tapioca syrup and cane sugar.

Third-Party Testing for Nutritional Accuracy

Quality matters when it comes to prenatal supplements. SmartyPants Prenatal Vitamins are produced in a cGMP-compliant facility, adhering to FDA standards. Each batch undergoes third-party lab testing to ensure:

• Purity: Free from contaminants.
• Potency: Nutrient levels match the label.
• Composition: Ingredients are accurately represented.

The product has earned a Clean Label Project Purity Award, a testament to its rigorous testing for over 200 contaminants. While specific lab details aren’t public, this certification aligns with industry best practices for transparency. For more on Clean Label standards, visit CleanLabelProject.org.

Heavy Metal Testing: Safety First

Heavy metals like lead and mercury are a concern in supplements, especially during pregnancy. SmartyPants conducts heavy metal testing as part of its third-party validation, ensuring safety for both mom and baby. Their Clean Label certification reinforces this commitment, meeting or exceeding FDA safety guidelines. While exact results aren’t published, their process reflects a high standard of care.

Methylated vs. Non-Methylated Vitamins: What’s the Difference?

SmartyPants uses methylated forms of folate (L-5-MTHF) and B12 (methylcobalamin), unlike many brands that opt for synthetic folic acid and cyanocobalamin. Here’s why this matters:

• Bioavailability: Methylated forms are ready for your body to use, bypassing conversion steps that can be impaired by MTHFR gene mutations (affecting 30-40% of people).
• Efficiency: They’re absorbed more effectively, especially for those with genetic variations.
• Safety: Suitable for all, not just those with MTHFR issues.

Non-methylated vitamins like folic acid work for many but may not be ideal for everyone. SmartyPants’ choice of methylfolate sets it apart in the gummy prenatal market.

Why Methylated Folate? The Science Behind It

The shift to methylated folate in prenatal vitamins is backed by research. Here are key studies highlighting its benefits:

1. MTHFR and Folate Metabolism: A 2015 review in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that MTHFR mutations reduce folic acid conversion, making methylfolate a better option (PubMed).
2. Bioavailability: A 2006 study in the Journal of Nutrition showed methylfolate is effective at lower doses than folic acid, improving absorption (PubMed).
3. Pregnancy Outcomes: Research from 2011 linked methylfolate to higher hemoglobin levels, reducing anemia risk (PubMed).
4. Neural Tube Defects: A 2018 review confirmed methylfolate’s efficacy in preventing NTDs, especially for those with conversion issues (PMC).

These findings underscore why SmartyPants prioritizes methylfolate for optimal prenatal support.

Additional Insights

Beyond the basics, here are a few more points to consider:

• Omega-3 Benefits: Provides 100-150 mg of EPA/DHA per serving, aligning with ACOG’s 200-300 mg DHA recommendation (ACOG).
• No Iron: Excludes iron to avoid GI discomfort, so pair with a separate supplement if needed.
• Taste & Texture: Loved for its natural flavors, though the 4g sugar per serving is a consideration.

Should you try SmartyPants Prenatal Multi Vitamins?

SmartyPants Prenatal Omega Vitamins offer a science-backed, bioavailable, and safe option for expectant moms. With methylated folate, omega-3s, and rigorous testing, it’s a standout in the prenatal market.

Consult your healthcare provider to ensure it fits your needs, especially if you require additional iron. Ready to try it? Check it out on GoValeo.com!

Have questions about prenatal vitamins? Drop them in the comments below!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider before starting any treatment protocol or making changes to your health regimen. Individual results may vary, and the authors and publishers of this content are not responsible for any actions taken based on this information.