Pregnancy & Prenatal

The primer

Prenatal supplementation is one of the few areas where the evidence is unambiguous. Adequate folate before conception and through the first trimester reduces the risk of neural tube defects — this is why all women planning pregnancy are advised to take 400–800 mcg daily starting before conception. The classic form is folic acid; a growing number of formulas use methylfolate (5-MTHF), the biologically active form, which may benefit the subset of women with MTHFR gene variants. Iron requirements roughly double during pregnancy, and iodine is essential for foetal brain development — the Gulf region has documented iodine gaps despite fortified salt. DHA supports foetal brain and eye development and is often under-supplied by all-in-one prenatals; if yours lacks it, pair with a low-mercury fish oil. Not all prenatals are equal — some heritage brands are trusted in UAE clinics (Elevit, Pregnacare) while others (Nature Made) carry independent USP certification.