Comparison of reported versus measured content of over-the-counter and prescription prenatal multivitamins and minerals

Abstract

ObjectiveTo examine the measured contents of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription (Rx) prenatal multivitamins and minerals (PMVMs) and compare the findings with the amounts reported on the nutrition labels. The findings were subsequently examined on the basis of cost and ability to adequately supplement dietary intake during pregnancy on the basis of The National Academies’ dietary reference intakes (DRIs) and tolerable upper intake levels. MethodsThis was an observational convenience sample of OTC and Rx PMVMs available through online retailers and retail pharmacies. The amounts of folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and choline were measured in triplicate using mass spectrometry. ResultsTwenty OTC and 16 Rx PMVMs were evaluated. The average measured quantities of the vitamins were not statistically different from the mean reported quantities for OTC and Rx PMVMs. When a standard diet was combined with the labeled nutrition information, 95% of the OTC PMVMs and 88% of the Rx PMVMs met the DRIs for folic acid and vitamins B6 and C. When a standard diet was combined with the actual measured PMVM quantities, 79% of the OTC PMVMs and 82% of the Rx PMVMs met the DRIs for folic acid and vitamins B6 and C. The measured choline content, with and without diet considerations, did not meet the DRIs. No statistically significant difference was found for the adequacy of supplementation between the OTC and Rx PMVMs on the basis of cost. ConclusionOn the basis of a comparison of the measured and reported values for folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and choline, it seems that either OTC or Rx PMVMs at low or high cost can be recommended to supplement diets and meet the DRIs during pregnancy for these vitamins.