Quest Prenatal Plus 1 mg Folic Acid
Brand: Quest · Form: CAPSULE [E0159] On Market
Our assessment
Our assessment: This supplement combines calcium with folic acid, but you need to know the specific numbers. The evidence shows that calcium is essential for bone health, but the data does not provide the exact milligram amount of calcium in this specific product — that information is listed as "See label" [NIH ODS]. For folic acid, the label specifies 1 mg, which is above the typical 400 mcg RDA for most adults. You should verify the calcium dose on the physical bottle before you start taking it.
How it works
Think of calcium as a mineral foundation — it supports bone mineralization and density, and it helps your muscles relax and your nerves signal properly [NIH ODS]. The folic acid (1 mg) is a B vitamin that supports red blood cell formation and is critical during early pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects. However, without the exact calcium dosage from the label, you cannot determine if this product meets your daily needs for that mineral.
Safety profile
FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all dietary supplements. For calcium specifically, high intakes may increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. Very high levels in the blood can cause poor muscle tone, poor kidney function, constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent urination, abnormal heart rhythms, and a high risk of death from heart disease [NIH ODS] [FDA data]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Our recommendation: Check the product label for the exact calcium content before using. If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, the 1 mg folic acid is appropriate, but you should discuss total calcium intake with your healthcare provider to avoid exceeding safe levels. Do not take this supplement with medications listed in the interactions section without medical guidance [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Quest |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 180.0 Vegetable Capsule(s) |
| Market Status | On Market |
How to Read This Label
Supplement labels contain several key sections regulated by the FDA:
- Serving Size — The recommended amount per dose. Always check this — some products require multiple capsules per serving.
- Amount Per Serving — Shows the quantity of each nutrient in the product, typically in IU (International Units), mg (milligrams), or mcg (micrograms).
- % Daily Value (%DV) — Indicates how much a nutrient in a serving contributes to a daily diet. 5% DV or less is low; 20% DV or more is high.
- Other Ingredients — Lists inactive ingredients like fillers, binders, and capsule materials (e.g., gelatin, cellulose, magnesium stearate).
- Suggested Use — The manufacturer's recommended directions for taking the supplement, including timing and dosage.
Source: FDA Dietary Supplement Labeling Guide