Vitamins taken during pregnancy may contain high levels of lead and arsenic: study

Multivitamins are now a popular way to improve your regular diet, especially if your body is lacking in certain vitamins and minerals. Even pregnant women are often prescribed vitamin supplements to make their pregnancy better and safer.

However, a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has raised concerns about the nutritional value of prenatal vitamins.

Research has found that many of these multivitamins sold on the market do not contain essential nutrients vital for a healthy pregnancy, and some contain unsafe levels of toxic metals.

The study, led by Dr. Laura Borgelt of the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy, examined the choline and iodine content of 47 prenatal vitamins, including both prescription and over-the-counter medications in the United States.

The study also analyzed these products for the presence of harmful metals such as arsenic, lead and cadmium, comparing their actual contents to safety standards.

“During pregnancy, many women rely on prenatal vitamins to support their health and the development of their baby. Among the most important nutrients for fetal development are choline and iodine. However, some prenatal vitamins may not contain the amounts stated on the label, and others may lack these nutrients altogether,” Dr. Borgelt said.

RESEARCH RESULTS

Kholin: Only 12 of 47 products (26%) listed choline as an ingredient. Among them, only five (42%) contained the quantities indicated on the labels.

This is concerning because choline plays a critical role in baby’s brain development, and pregnant women are recommended to consume 450 mg of choline per day.

Iodine: Although 53% of the supplements listed iodine, only four (16%) contained the correct amount.

Iodine is crucial for the development of the baby’s thyroid gland: the recommended daily dose during pregnancy is 220 mcg.

The study also found alarming levels of heavy metals in several foods:

Arsenic: Exceeding the permissible limit of 2.5 mcg per daily dose was found in seven products.

News: Two products were found to contain dangerous levels of more than 0.5 micrograms per daily dose.

Cadmium: Present in 13 products at a dose exceeding the safe threshold of 0.5 mcg per daily dose.
Exposure to these toxic metals during pregnancy is associated with adverse birth outcomes, including developmental delays and complications.

Dr. Borgelt emphasized the importance of quality control for pregnancy supplements, highlighting discrepancies between label claims and actual contents.

Currently, prenatal vitamins are regulated as dietary supplements, which are not subject to the same strict controls as pharmaceutical drugs. Lack of regulation often leaves consumers vulnerable to misinformation about product ingredients.

WHY PRENATAL VITAMINS ARE STILL IMPORTANT

Despite the study’s findings, the authors emphasized that prenatal vitamins remain an important component of maternal health, helping to fill nutritional gaps.

However, they urged pregnant women to carefully check ingredient labels or ask health professionals for guidance on choosing reliable products.

“Prenatal supplements are still vital during pregnancy. But it’s important to double-check the ingredients and make sure the product you choose meets safety and nutritional standards,” Dr. Borgelt said.

The study opens the door to further research into the quality of pregnancy supplements and highlights the importance of accurate labeling and better regulation.