Pregvit: an alternate prenatal supplement for women with nausea and vomiting in pregnancy

Abstract

Background The iron content (60mg) of Materna®, a prenatal vitamin, often results in nausea and constipation. These side effects may also be exacerbated by nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP), further compromising daily usage of supplements. Presently, this tablet also contains calcium, which interacts with iron. Objectives: To determine the rate of discontinuation of the most common brand of multivitamins in Canada (Materna®) among women with NVP; To compare iron absorption between Materna® and a tablet that separates iron from calcium. Methods: In a prospective design 4 groups (No, Mild, Moderate, and Severe NVP) were compared. For each group, the rate of discontinuation of Materna® was determined. In 12 non-pregnant women, we compared absorption of iron alone (PregVit® a.m.) and with calcium (Materna®) in a cross over design. Results: There were 390 women recruited; 4% of women with no NVP discontinued Materna® (8/194) as compared to 36% of women who had NVP (71/196) (p<0.001). Severity of NVP did not influence discontinuation rate. For the iron kinetic analysis, after standardizing iron absorption for dose, the AUC of iron absorbed with PregVit® and Materna® was 12.18μg/100ml and 9.21μg/100ml, respectively (P=0.026). Conclusion: This indicates that calcium inhibits iron absorption in Materna®. By decreasing iron content and giving it without calcium, PregVit® may decrease the irritating effects of iron in women with NVP. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2004) 75, P25–P25; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2003.11.093