The authorised claim about pregnancy
Under Regulation (EU) No 432/2012, one claim speaks about pregnancy directly:
- Folate contributes to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy.
A product may use it when a daily dose contains at least 15% of the nutrient reference value (NRV), which for folate is 200 µg, so 30 µg. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate. The OstroVit tablet has 800 µg, which is 400% of the NRV, and the Life Extension multivitamin has 300 µg per two softgels.
DHA and choline
Two DHA claims are authorised: DHA contributes to maintenance of normal brain function, and DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision. The buyer must be told that the effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg of DHA. The Nordic Naturals products have 480 mg and 500 mg DHA per daily dose, and the Life Extension multivitamin has 100 mg, below that amount, so it carries no DHA claim. Choline has the authorised claim Choline contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism, which applies from 82.5 mg per daily dose. The Life Extension product has 137.5 mg.
Prenatal products in this category
| Product | Type | Key amounts per daily dose | Daily dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| OstroVit Folic Acid 800 µg | tablet | 800 µg folic acid (400% NRV) | 1 tablet |
| Life Extension Prenatal Advantage | multivitamin softgel | 300 µg folate, 13.5 mg iron, 137.5 mg choline, 100 mg DHA, 650 µg vitamin A as beta-carotene | 2 softgels |
| Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA 830 mg | fish oil softgel | 830 mg omega-3, of which 480 mg DHA and 205 mg EPA | 2 softgels |
| Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA Vegan | algal oil softgel | 500 mg DHA | 2 softgels |
Which type of product to compare
These products do different jobs, so they are not direct alternatives. Folic acid is a single nutrient. A prenatal multivitamin bundles several nutrients, and you should check each one against what your doctor advises. The DHA products add fatty acids only, and the choice between fish oil and algal oil is a matter of diet: the vegan product has no fish. If you take more than one product, add up the folate, iron and vitamin A from every label.
Warnings on the labels
The OstroVit label says the product may be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women and that the dose in pregnancy is decided by a doctor. The Life Extension label asks pregnant and breastfeeding women and people on medicines to consult a doctor first, and advises a blood test of vitamin D before use. Nordic Naturals advises care if you are allergic to iodine or take blood-thinning products. Vitamin A in excess is a recognised concern in pregnancy, so check the amount if you combine a multivitamin with another product. Keep supplements away from young children.
Related pages
For more on the individual nutrients see omega-3, iron and multivitamins.
Frequently asked questions
Which prenatal vitamin has an authorised claim about pregnancy?
Those containing folate, at least 15% of the NRV (30 µg) per daily dose. Both the OstroVit folic acid and the Life Extension multivitamin do.
Do all prenatal products carry a DHA claim?
No. The DHA claims need a daily intake of 250 mg DHA. The Life Extension multivitamin has 100 mg.
How much folic acid should I take?
Follow your doctor. The OstroVit label says the dose for pregnant women is decided by a doctor.
Is algal oil different from fish oil?
Algal oil is the source of DHA in fish and comes from algae, so it suits people who avoid fish. The Nordic Naturals vegan product has DHA only.
Can I take a multivitamin and folic acid together?
Ask your doctor first. Both contain folate, so the total counts.
Sources
- Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 (authorised health claims)
- EU Register of nutrition and health claims
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Folate
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Choline
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids
- EFSA: Health claims
Content reviewed by Inese Kalniņa, dietitian.
2026-07-09