One of the most common questions among expectant mothers is: “Which prenatal vitamins are best to choose?” It is addressed not only to the obstetrician-gynecologist, but also to the pharmacist, friends and relatives. Many women turn to other mothers who have already taken vitamins with questions. The desire to find the best vitamin and mineral complex that will help meet the needs of a developing baby and avoid problems with one’s own health is understandable and deserves only praise. Scientists have long known that the optimal intake of nutrients into the body of a pregnant and nursing mother determines a lot!
Now medical scientists support the point of view that even a balanced diet according to all the rules is not able to satisfy the needs of a pregnant woman for vitamins and minerals 100%. After all, the need for some of them during pregnancy increases two to three times. And if we take into account that today’s food contains much less nutrients than a hundred years ago, then the expectant mother would have to eat portions that are unrealistic in size.
The situation is aggravated by the fact that in Russia, the majority of women already have a deficiency of certain substances at the time of conception. And during pregnancy it continues to increase. The Institute of Nutrition of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences showed that every woman carrying a child has a deficiency of pyridoxine (vitamin B6), 96% - thiamine (vitamin B1), 77% - folic acid (vitamin B9) and 64% - ascorbic acid (vitamin WITH).
So what vitamins to choose for pregnant and nursing mothers so that the child develops correctly?
Many people focus on the purchaseability (popularity) of a particular drug in the pharmacy. However, such an assessment is rather superficial. It is subjective and does not take into account important medical aspects. It turns out that the therapeutic effectiveness of most vitamin-mineral complexes largely depends on the composition and form of the active substance. It is this parameter that determines the bioavailability of the nutrient, i.e. how well the substance is absorbed and can benefit the body, especially during such an important period when a new life is being formed.
Composition and release form
Complivit is dispensed from the pharmacy in the form of biconvex white tablets with a specific odor for oral administration. Polymer cans contain 30 or 60 pieces, blisters contain 10 pieces. In a cardboard package there is 1 can or 3 blisters of tablets.
The active components of the medicine are biologically active complexes and macroelements. It also contains 8 minerals.
Excipients: starch, flour, wax, gelatin, sucrose, talc, magnesium carbonate and calcium stearate.
Shelf life is no more than 2 years, observing the optimal conditions indicated on the packaging.
"Iron" necessity
Iron levels are one of the “sick” topics in the relationship between the expectant mother and her attending physician. Pregnant women have to constantly take tests for hemoglobin. If they show decreased levels, the doctor will immediately prescribe iron supplements. The need for this measure is easy to explain.
The blood volume in a pregnant woman's body becomes larger, and hemoglobin is needed for the formation of red blood cells (iron is one of its components). If there is not enough iron, the fetus may develop oxygen starvation, and the mother may develop iron deficiency anemia. This condition can lead to serious consequences: lack of weight in the baby, underdevelopment, premature birth.
What seems complicated here? If the doctor prescribed iron, then you need to take it. However, there is a problem: iron in the form of salts (namely, in this form it is contained in supplements) is poorly absorbed (about 10%) and causes side effects: constipation, vomiting, severe abdominal pain. It is for this reason that many pregnant women stop taking iron supplements even with low hemoglobin levels.
However, today a solution to this problem has emerged - iron in liposomal form. This iron is in a shell of lipids, due to which it is absorbed 4.7 times better than standard forms, and does not cause discomfort from the gastrointestinal tract.
If you experience nausea, pain or other discomfort while taking iron supplements, switch to liposomal iron. It is well absorbed and has no side effects.
| Alphabet Mom's health | Vitrum Prenatal | Complimentary Mom | Complivit Trimester | Pregnoton Mom | Femibion | Elevit Pronatal |
| Electrolytic iron | Iron (fumarate) | Iron (fumarate) | Iron (fumarate) | Liposomal iron | — | Iron (fumarate) |
pharmachologic effect
Complivit has a unique composition, thanks to which it has a comprehensive effect on the body. 1 tablet contains the required amount of vitamins and minerals, which corresponds to the daily requirement.
The drug is developed as a dietary supplement and is used as an addition to the general diet.
The therapeutic effect of the drug is determined by the combined composition:
- Vitamin A – essential for skin, bone growth and vision. Also ensures healthy function of the immune and reproductive systems, and is responsible for gene activity.
- B vitamins - normalize the emotional background, intestinal function, regulate the activity of the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
- Nicotinamide is a participant in tissue respiration.
- Vitamin C - increases the body's resistance to colds.
- Rutin is an important participant in redox reactions.
- Calcium pantothenate – improves the condition of the epithelium.
- Lipoic acid – regulates the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates.
- Folic acid – participates in the formation of amino acids.
- Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant.
- Iron – ensures the transport of oxygen by blood cells.
- Copper – prevents the formation of osteoporosis and anemia, strengthens the vascular wall.
- Magnesium – has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, stimulates the production of necessary hormones.
- Calcium is an important element in ensuring proper function of the musculoskeletal system and improves myocardial function.
- Zinc – strengthens immune activity, helps the absorption of retinol.
- Phosphorus – increases the strength of bone tissue and teeth.
- Manganese is responsible for the normal course of metabolic reactions.
Complivit Mama for pregnant and lactating women
Trade name: Complivit “Mama” for pregnant and nursing women International name: Multivitamins+Multimineral Pharmacological group: multivitamin + minerals Pharmacological group according to ATC: A11AA04. Multivitamins and microelements Pharmacological action: multivitamin, hematopoietic, metabolic Pharmacodynamics: Combined multivitamin preparation with micro- and macroelements, the effect of which is determined by the effects of its constituent components. Tocopherol (vitamin E) has antioxidant properties, maintains the stability of red blood cells, prevents hemolysis, and has a positive effect on the functions of the gonads, nervous and muscle tissue. Vitamin E deficiency in early pregnancy can cause miscarriage. Retinol (vitamin A) plays an important role in redox processes and is involved in the synthesis of mucopolysaccharides, proteins, and lipids. Promotes normal spermato- and oogenesis, development of the placenta, growth, normal development and differentiation of embryonic tissues, incl. epithelial structures and bone tissue. Participates in the formation of visual pigments necessary for normal twilight and color vision, ensures the integrity of epithelial tissues, and regulates bone growth. Thiamine hydrochloride (vitamin B1) as a coenzyme is involved in carbohydrate metabolism and the functioning of the nervous system. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is an essential catalyst for cellular respiration and visual perception. Pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6) as a coenzyme takes part in protein metabolism and the synthesis of neurotransmitters. During pregnancy, it is necessary for women who have previously taken oral contraceptives, which deplete pyridoxine reserves in the body. Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) is involved in the synthesis of nucleotides, is an important factor in normal growth, hematopoiesis and development of epithelial cells, and is necessary for the metabolism of folic acid and myelin synthesis. Nicotinamide (vitamin PP) is involved in the processes of tissue respiration, fat and carbohydrate metabolism. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) ensures collagen synthesis, participates in the formation and maintenance of the structure and function of cartilage tissue, bones and teeth, affects the formation of hemoglobin, and the maturation of red blood cells. Vitamin C increases the body's resistance to infections and reduces inflammatory reactions. Calcium pantothenate, as a component of coenzyme A, plays an important role in the processes of acetylation and oxidation, promotes the construction and regeneration of epithelium and endothelium. Folic acid takes part in the synthesis of amino acids, nucleotides, nucleic acids, and is necessary for normal erythropoiesis. In the early stages of pregnancy, it reduces the risk of developing neural tube defects in the fetus. Iron is involved in erythropoiesis, as part of hemoglobin it ensures the transport of oxygen to tissues, prevents the development of anemia in pregnant women, especially in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Copper prevents anemia and oxygen starvation of organs and tissues, helps prevent ospeoporosis, and strengthens the walls of blood vessels. Manganese has anti-inflammatory properties and prevents the development of osteoarthritis. Zinc is necessary for the normal formation of the fetal skeleton and tissue regeneration, participates in the formation of certain hormones, including insulin, and reduces the likelihood of developing a number of intrauterine anomalies. Magnesium normalizes blood pressure, has a sedative effect, reduces the likelihood of developing preeclampsia, spontaneous abortion, and premature birth. Calcium is involved in the formation of bone tissue, promotes normal blood clotting, participates in the transmission of nerve impulses, contractions of skeletal and smooth muscles, and in the regulation of cardiac activity. Phosphorus strengthens bone tissue and teeth, enhances mineralization, and is part of ATP, the source of cell energy. Pharmacokinetics: The effect of the drug is the combined effect of its components, therefore, kinetic observations are not possible; all components together cannot be traced using markers or biostudies. Indications for use: Prevention and treatment of hypovitaminosis and mineral deficiency: - during pregnancy and lactation (breastfeeding), - with unbalanced and poor nutrition. To increase the body's resistance as part of complex therapy for infectious and other chronic diseases. The period of convalescence after illness. Contraindications: - hypervitaminosis A, - increased levels of calcium and iron in the body, - urolithiasis, - pernicious B12-deficiency anemia, - children, - hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. Dosage regimen: The drug is recommended to be taken 1 tablet. 1 time/day The duration of the course is determined individually. The drug should be taken after breakfast with water. Side effects: Allergic reactions are possible.
Overdose The patient should be informed that in case of accidental overdose, consult a doctor. Treatment: temporary discontinuation of the drug, gastric lavage, intake of activated charcoal, and, if necessary, symptomatic therapy. Interaction: The drug contains iron and calcium, therefore, when tetracycline antibiotics and fluoroquinolones are used together, the absorption of the latter from the gastrointestinal tract is slowed down. Ascorbic acid enhances the pharmacological effect and side effects of antimicrobial agents from the sulfonamide group (including an increased risk of developing crystalluria). With the simultaneous use of antacid drugs, which include aluminum, calcium, magnesium, and cholestyramine, iron absorption decreases. When used together with thiazide diuretics, the risk of hypercalcemia increases. Special instructions: It is not recommended to take this drug simultaneously with other multivitamin preparations to avoid overdose. When prescribing the drug, it should be taken into account that the daily dose of retinol acetate during pregnancy should not exceed 5000 IU. It is possible that urine may turn an intense yellow color, which is not dangerous, because due to the presence of riboflavin in the composition of the drug.
Pregnancy and lactation The drug is used during pregnancy and lactation according to indications in recommended doses.
Manufacturer: Pharmstandard-UfaVITA OJSC, Russia Registration certificate holder: Pharmstandard-UfaVITA OAO, Russia Release form: film-coated tablets, polymer jar Registration data: P N002958/01 dated 10.13.2008 Registration certificate status: valid Pharmaceutical article number: P N002958 /01-120110
Manufacturer: Pharmstandard-Ufa Vitamin Plant OJSC, Russia Registration certificate holder: Pharmstandard-Ufa Vitamin Plant OJSC, Russia Forms of release: film-coated tablets, contour cell packaging, film-coated tablets, polymer jars Ingredients: alpha-tocopherol acetate 20 mg [ in the composition of the semi-finished product: alpha-tocopherol acetate, gelatin, sucrose, corn starch, sodium aluminosilicate], ascorbic acid 100 mg, iron fumarate 10 mg [in terms of iron], calcium pantothenate 10 mg, calcium phosphate dihydrate 19 mg [in terms of iron phosphorus], calcium phosphate dihydrate 25 mg [in terms of calcium], magnesium oxide 25 mg [in terms of magnesium], manganese sulfate monohydrate 2.5 mg [in terms of manganese], copper sulfate pentahydrate 2 mg [in terms of copper], nicotinamide 20 mg, pyridoxine hydrochloride 5 mg, retinol acetate 567.5 mcg = 1650 IU [in the semi-finished product: retinol acetate, butylhydroxytoluene, gelatin, corn starch, sucrose], riboflavin 2 mg, thiamine hydrochloride 2 mg, folic acid 400 mcg, cyanocobalamin 5 mcg, zinc sulfate heptahydrate 10 mg [in terms of zinc], ergocalciferol 6.25 mcg = 250 IU [in the semi-finished product 0.5%: ergocalciferol, soybean oil] Shelf life: 2 years Registration data: P N002958/01 dated 10/13/2008 Status of the registration certificate: valid Pharmaceutical article number: P N002958/01-120110, FSP 42-0610-4084-05
How to take Complivit
Complivit tablets are intended for oral use. It is recommended to drink the product once a day after meals.
The course of therapy is compiled individually by a specialist. The duration of treatment depends on age, gender, work activity, and physical activity. As a rule, 3-4 weeks, after a break. Then, according to indications, a second appointment is possible.
In case of deficiency of biologically active substances, 1 tablet is prescribed 2 times a day.
Use the product with caution in case of disruption of the digestive system, kidneys, thyroid gland and the development of neoplasms.
Interaction
The rate of absorption of fluoroquinolone antibiotics and Tetracycline from the digestive tract slows down, since the medication contains Ca and Fe.
Ascorbic acid can enhance the severity of negative reactions and the pharmacological effect of sulfonamide antimicrobial agents .
In some cases, crystalluria during joint therapy. Cholestyramine and antacids containing Mg, Ca, Al slow down the absorption and absorption of Fe.
Thiazide diuretics contribute to the development of hypercalcemia .
special instructions
The daily amount of retinol acetate should not exceed 5000 IU during pregnancy, which must be taken into account when treating this group of patients.
The simultaneous intake of other vitamin complexes is unacceptable to prevent the development of overdose and hypervitaminosis. Riboflavin can give urine a specific amber, bright yellow hue, which does not require discontinuation of the medication and is a safe manifestation of therapy.
For additional information (instructions for use, price, reviews, etc.), see the relevant sections.
