People planning pregnancy or pregnant (use clinician oversight).
Core stack
Dose: 400 mcg/day (standard); higher per risk factors
Begin ≥1 month pre-conception through first trimester (continue per clinician)
Why: Reduces neural tube defects risk.
Dose: 150 mcg/day (prenatal MVM)
Pre-conception through breastfeeding
Why: Supports maternal/foetal thyroid hormone production and neurodevelopment.
Dose: 27–30 mg/day (typical prenatal)
Daily; adjust per ferritin/Hb with clinician
Why: Prevents/treats iron-deficiency anemia; supports pregnancy outcomes.
Dose: 1000–2000 IU/day (individualize)
Daily with fat-containing meal
Why: Bone/mineral health; test and treat deficiency per local guidance.
Adjuncts
Dose: 200–300 mg/day
Notes: Mixed evidence for neurodevelopment; some benefit on early preterm birth risk in certain trials.
Not recommended
- High-vitamin A (retinol) supplements: Teratogenic risk at high doses—avoid non-prenatal retinol products.
Monitoring
- Prenatal labs (Hb, ferritin, TSH if indicated)
- Clinician-guided dosing adjustments