Questions and answers

What are CitraNatal prenatal vitamins?

CitraNatal prenatal vitamins are the ONLY branded prescription prenatal multivitamin/multimineral supplements that incorporate the unique attributes of calcium citrate with the vital nutrients you and your baby need. CitraNatal vitamins are specially formulated for women who require nutritional support prior to conception, throughout pregnancy and during the postnatal period.

What is carbonyl iron and why is it used in CitraNatal vitamins?

Carbonyl iron is a pure form of elemental iron that is widely used as a food additive. It has remarkably low toxicity and much larger doses are tolerated when compared to other irons such as ferrous sulfate. Carbonyl does not have many of the side effects associated with other iron products—particularly ferrous sulfate—such as gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, and either constipation or diarrhea.

Why do CitraNatal vitamins contain 27 mg of iron?

The increased requirement for iron during pregnancy cannot be met by the typical American diet or by the existing iron stores of many women. CitraNatal vitamins contain 27 mg of iron, enough to deliver the amount of iron recommended by the National Academy of Sciences.

What is a dual iron compound?

CitraNatal DHA contains two different types of iron products—20 mg of carbonyl iron and 7 mg of ferrous gluconate. CitraNatal 90 DHA contains 90 mg of carbonyl iron as an option for doctors with patients who require extra iron.

What should I tell a pharmacist who wants to substitute another vitamin for my CitraNatal vitamin prescription?

Although many prenatal vitamins are similar, CitraNatal vitamins are uniquely different in their formulation. CitraNatal vitamins are the only branded prescription prenatal vitamins that incorporate the unique attributes of calcium citrate. They are also among the few prenatal vitamins on the market that contain the stool softener docusate sodium. Additionally, CitraNatal vitamins contain a pure, all-vegetable source DHA. As a result, there are no potential harmful side-effects such as mercury or PCBs.

Why do CitraNatal vitamins contain docusate sodium?

Docusate sodium is a stool softener and helps alleviate constipation, a common problem during pregnancy.

Are CitraNatal vitamins recommended after my baby arrives?

Ask your physician whether you should continue to take a prenatal vitamin after your baby arrives. Nutritional demands on the new mother are why most physicians continue to prescribe prenatal vitamins through the lactating period. CitraNatal prenatal vitamins can help a new mother meet her nutritional needs while breast-feeding.

Can CitraNatal vitamins be taken with food or milk?

Food and milk products can inhibit the amount of iron absorption if taken concurrently. It is suggested that any prenatal vitamin be taken at least 1 hour after meals. Please check with your physician for his or her preference.

Are CitraNatal vitamins chewable?

No, because iron-containing products will cause temporary staining of teeth. The tablets are scored, however, for easy swallowing.

Are there any artifical colors or dyes in CitraNatal Rx?

CitraNatal vitamins contain no artificial dyes, colors or added sweeteners.