21st Century Prenatal Multivitamin/Mineral + DHA DHA
Brand: 21st Century · Form: SOFTGEL CAPSULE [E0161] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that this is a standard prenatal multivitamin, but as a clinical pharmacist, I need to be direct with you: the specific formulation data for the 21st Century Prenatal Multivitamin/Mineral + DHA product is not available in the provided information. The label states "See label" for ingredients and brand details, which limits our ability to assess the exact doses of each nutrient. However, since the product contains calcium, we can evaluate that key ingredient. Our assessment is that while calcium is critical for your pregnancy, you must take this supplement with specific precautions to avoid serious health risks [NIH ODS].
How it works
Calcium acts as a master regulator for your body during pregnancy. It supports bone mineralization, helping deposit calcium into your developing baby's skeleton, and promotes neuromuscular relaxation, which is essential for proper muscle function and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. Think of it as the structural foundation for both your bone density and your baby's growing bones. Without adequate calcium, your body will leach it from your own bones to support the pregnancy, putting your long-term skeletal health at risk.
Safety profile
Data not available for this specific product's adverse event reports. However, the FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements in their database [FDA data]. For calcium specifically, high intakes carry significant risks: they might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. High levels in your blood and urine can cause poor muscle tone, poor kidney function, low phosphate levels, constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent urination, abnormal heart rhythms, and a high risk of death from heart disease [NIH ODS]. You should also know that calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Take this supplement with food to aid absorption, but separate it from any thyroid medication or antibiotics by at least 4 hours. Because the ingredient label is not fully provided here, I recommend you check the actual product bottle to confirm the calcium dose. Do not exceed the recommended daily intake for pregnancy without speaking with your obstetrician. If you experience constipation, nausea, or extreme tiredness, stop taking the supplement and contact your healthcare provider immediately. This is a reasonable choice for a prenatal, but you must be proactive about monitoring your symptoms [NIH ODS] [FDA data].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | 21st Century |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 60.0 Softgel(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