Prenatal Supplements: Why I Don't Recommend Elevit | with Amy Parin

Choosing the right prenatal supplement is essential for a healthy pregnancy. In this blog, I’ll explain why Elevit may not be the best option and what alternatives I recommend.

When it comes to choosing the best prenatal supplement, many women turn to popular brands like Elevit. However, as a naturopath specialising in women's health and fertility, I don’t recommend Elevit for several important reasons. While it may seem like a go-to option for many expecting mothers, it doesn’t always offer the best nutritional support for a healthy pregnancy. As a Naturopath I prefer to work with high quality, highly bioavailable, practitioner-only supplements to ensure that you will be meeting your nutritional needs, especially in pregnancy.

Elevit Contains Synthetic Folic Acid, Not Bioavailable Folate

One of the main concerns I have with Elevit is its use of synthetic folic acid rather than methylated folate (L-methylfolate), which is the body's preferred form. Folate is essential during pregnancy for preventing neural tube defects, and there are three main forms:

• Natural folate – Found in whole foods like dark leafy greens, broccoli, and legumes.
• Folic acid – A synthetic form commonly use din prenatal supplements and found in processed foods. It's not ideal fo all women, as the body must convert it into it's active form, which some women, particularly those with an MTHFR gene mutation, struggle with.
• Methylated folate – The active form found in high-quality, practitioner-only supplements, which is readily absorbed and utilised by the body. For women with the MTHFR gene mutation, L-methylfolate is especially beneficial and it makes L-methylfolate the superior option as it supports optimal folate levels in the body more efficiently.

It is crucial that your prenatal supplement contains methylated folate to sufficiently meet your needs during pregnancy.

Iron in Elevit

The iron content in Elevit, while beneficial for women who may be iron-deficient, can interfere with the absorption of other important minerals. Iron, particularly in higher doses, competes with the absorption of minerals like zinc, calcium, and magnesium in the digestive system. This happens because the body uses similar transport mechanisms for these minerals, and an excess of one can block the absorption of others. For example, calcium and zinc are often poorly absorbed when taken alongside high-dose iron supplements, which can hinder their effectiveness in supporting bone health, immune function, and overall well-being. Therefore, a balanced iron dosage, in line with individual needs, and proper spacing between supplementation of different minerals can help ensure optimal absorption and prevent nutrient imbalances.

Furthermore, Elevit contains ferrous fumarate as its form of iron. Ferrous fumarate has been shown in studies to be the most likely form of iron to cause gastrointestinal upset and symptoms such as constipation. It may also worsen morning sickness in some women.

Elevit is Not a Practitioner-Only Supplement

Firstly, let’s define what we mean by practitioner-only supplements. These are high-quality, professional-grade products that are only available through a registered healthcare professional, such as a naturopath, nutritionist, or integrative doctor. They are formulated with premium, bioavailable ingredients that are scientifically backed and specifically designed to support the unique health needs of each individual.

These supplements are often far more potent and effective than the over-the-counter options you may find on store shelves. They contain therapeutic doses of ingredients that are tailored to address specific health conditions such as in preconception and pregnancy.

Now, you might be wondering, “What makes these supplements so much better than what I can get over the counter?”. The answer lies in both the quality and safety standards set by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), the regulatory body in Australia that oversees the safety, efficacy, and quality of medicines, medical devices, and supplements.

TGA-registered products are subject to rigorous testing and stringent regulations to ensure that every ingredient is safe, effective, and accurately labelled. The TGA doesn’t just approve products for sale—it actively monitors them throughout their lifecycle to ensure they meet the highest standards of purity, potency, and bioavailability.

So, when you’re using a practitioner-only supplement, you can rest assured knowing that it has undergone these strict processes. It’s not just some generic product available to everyone; it’s a scientifically formulated solution that’s been specifically created for your health needs and validated by a trusted regulatory body.

Suboptimal Nutrient Levels and Forms

• No choline – A crucial nutrient for baby’s brain development.
• Low vitamin D – Elevit contains only 200 IU, while optimal levels in pregnancy are 1000-2000 IU per day.
• Poorly absorbed zinc – Zinc sulfate, the form used in Elevit, can cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Zinc is essential for DNA development and should be optimised.
• High copper levels – Elevit contains 1 mg of copper with minimal zinc, increasing the risk of zinc deficiency and excess copper.

While Elevit may be a popular choice, it does not always provide the best nutritional support for pregnancy. As a naturopath, I recommend a more holistic, bioavailable, and practitioner-approved approach to prenatal supplementation. Every woman and pregnancy is unique, and choosing the right support is essential.

If you want personalised recommendations for a safe and effective prenatal supplement, feel free to reach out! I’m here to guide you on your fertility, pregnancy, and health journey. To book an appointment with book a consult with Amy here.

Amy is a Naturopathic Clinician specialising in women’s health, fertility, preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum care.