Every pregnant woman hopes to have a smooth, easy pregnancy, but having a baby can take its toll on the body. Contending with morning sickness, odd cravings, and new food aversions can make it more difficult to absorb the vitamins that keep you and your baby healthy. A prenatal multivitamin before pregnancy might be the answer if you struggle with prenatal nutrition and health.
But not just any prenatal multivitamin. Many women have trouble swallowing capsules, or taking women's vitamin packs consisting of 10 different capsules.
What I'm covering in this post are liquid prenatal vitamins. To be honest, I was very skeptical of liquid vitamins until I did more research on them, like liposomal supplements, for example. After learning more about liposomal products, and the technology behind it, I understand why there's been a lot of buzz around it lately - it's because of the absorption effectiveness. I'll cover that in a bit, and also highlight the best liquid (and liposomal) prenatal vitamins on the market today.
Liquid Prenatal Multivitamins vs Capsules: What’s Best For You?
So, you’ve decided to find a prenatal multivitamin to supplement the nutrition you might be missing in your daily diet. As a nutritionist, I’ve recommended dozens of multivitamins to different women, including pregnant women. Deciding whether a liquid or capsule-style vitamin is right for you is not as confusing as you might assume.
Absorption
Pills do not absorb effectively into the bloodstream. Vitamins taken in pill form absorb at a rate between 10% and 20%. However, a liquid prenatal vitamin absorbs more quickly because it does not need to move through the digestive system. Whether you are taking a prenatal vitamin before or during pregnancy, your goal is to support your health and the development of the fetus. Liquid supplements offer more nutrients quicker and easier.
Swallowing a Pill vs Sipping a Teaspoon
I’ve had to handle the nutrition needs of many adults who are not able to swallow pills easily. I always offer up liquid supplements as a simple solution. Many adults find it better to take a small sip of a liquid vitamin compared to a large pill. And many pregnant women struggle with morning sickness and nausea, which can make swallowing a prenatal multivitamin difficult.
What Should You Look for in a Liquid Prenatal Vitamins Supplement?
Not all liquid prenatal vitamins are created equal. Finding the best supplement for you and your needs is essential for your health before, during, and after pregnancy.
Advanced formulas that are created for mom and baby
Liquid prenatal multivitamins need to consider both mom and baby in their formula. As a nutritionist, I tell my clients that they need to have all the vitamins and minerals that can support a baby’s development in the womb. However, a mother’s ability to carry without too many issues is also vital and supported with prenatal vitamins.
Look for a formula that uses natural ingredients and doesn’t contain fillers and colorants
Liquid vitamins do not contain as many extra fillers and binders as pills have. Many people complain to me about taking vitamins because of stomach upset. Liquid prenatal vitamins contain more natural ingredients and fewer things like colorants, binders, coatings, and fillers that can irritate the digestive system.
Make sure the product is made in the USA
For your peace of mind, check to see if the product you choose is made in the USA. Prenatal multivitamins made in the USA are more likely to use high-quality ingredients and fewer additives. The FDA and other groups regulate many ingredients found in common vitamins, including liquid prenatal multivitamins.
The brand offers a money-back guarantee
A money-back guarantee protects you in case you aren’t satisfied with your prenatal multivitamins. I’m confident about each of these liquid vitamins, but you might decide that one is not right for you. Plus, a brand that offers a money-back guarantee is a brand that knows how to stand behind its product.
The Best Liquid Prenatal Multivitamins
I have pulled together my top picks for the best liquid prenatal multivitamins that I would recommend to clients. I considered the formula, manufacturing, and overall brand in picking these seven products.
#1. Manna Prenatal Complete
Manna Prenatal Complete is a multivitamin in liquid form that uses Nanofuse liposomal technology for the best results for mother and baby. With liposomal delivery, you are guaranteed 10 times better absorption rates than a pill supplement. Manna uses sunflower lecithin in combination with each one of the 17 nutrients to maximize absorption, too. If you have trouble taking supplements, even in liquid form, you can also add them to your favorite drink.
Women love this prenatal vitamin because it makes them feel good and is endorsed by their doctors and nutritionists. Manna lets you try their prenatal supplement for 90 days with a money-back guarantee. They are confident in the natural ingredients in their vitamin and stand behind its manufacturing in the USA.
Use code FHM15
Pros
- Vegan and gluten-free
- 90-day money-back guarantee
- Formulated and made in the USA
- No fillers
- Can be mixed into favorite beverage
Cons
- Somewhat fishy aftertaste
- Texture is not smooth
Cost and Where to Buy
Manna Prenatal Complete is available online at the Manna website. You can choose to make a one-time purchase for $39.95 for a 30-day supply or subscribe for delivery every 30 days. A subscription is $33.96 for the same amount of liquid vitamins.
Use code FHM15
#2. Mary Ruth’s Organic Liquid Prenatal Multivitamin
Mary Ruth’s Organic Liquid Prenatal Multivitamin has a great mix of essential vitamins and minerals for mother and baby, including magnesium, calcium, methyl B12, folate, vitamin D3, and beta carotene. Mary Ruth’s only uses whole and natural ingredients, so this product is vegan and non-GMO. Although the taste and consistency can be strong, many users recommend taking this supplement in a drink or smoothie for optimal absorption.
This company also cares about the women it serves. If you have financial difficulties, Mary Ruth’s Organics welcomes you to ask about programs to receive their multivitamins. Many women like to choose this liquid prenatal vitamin because it uses folinic acid for its folate content. The folinic acid helps ensure mothers receive the optimal amount of folate to ensure proper brain and spinal cord development.
Use code FITHEALTHY
Pros
- Non-GMO, vegan ingredients
- Can be added to drink or smoothie
- Dairy-free, soy-free, and nut-free
- Easier to swallow
- Offers financial assistance
Cons
- Safety seal different due to glass bottle
- Has a very thick consistency
Cost and Where to Buy
You can purchase Mary Ruth’s Organic Liquid Prenatal Multivitamin online at the Mary Ruth’s Organics website. For a one-time purchase of 32 servings, you will pay $42.95. If you subscribe for delivery every month, the cost of each order is 10% off.
Use code FITHEALTHY
#3. Best Nest Mama Bird Prenatal Liquid Multivitamin
With a lovely and delicious strawberry flavor that many users applaud, the Best Nest Mama Bird Prenatal Liquid Multivitamin is a special product. Every aspect of this liquid supplement is natural and vegan, with ingredients sourced from whole foods. Plus, a digestive enzyme is added with a prebiotic to help with nausea for sensitive stomachs. Women only need to take this liquid vitamin once a day to ensure the health and wellness of themselves and their unborn babies.
Best Nest focuses on testing and holds its products to strict standards. This product has gone through rigorous microbiology, gluten, nutrient content, and time-release tests. One of the main founders behind Best Nest, Madhavi Gupta, MD, says that she wanted to create a prenatal vitamin with methylated vitamins. Methylated vitamins and more optimal for the brain, spine, and overall development.
Pros
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 3rd-party tested
- Has a lovely strawberry flavor
- Made with digestive enzyme for sensitive stomachs
- No artificial colors or flavors
Cons
- Not all organic
- Has a strong smell
Cost and Where to Buy
A one-time purchase of Best Nest Mama Bird Prenatal Liquid Multivitamin on the Best Neeset website is $40. You can also subscribe for a delivery every 30 days and get a discount.
#4. Ovaterra Advanced Liquid Prenatal with Vitamin D3 Booster
This liquid prenatal vitamin from Ovaterra was developed in response to what fertility doctors say women are missing in their nutrients. With an advanced formula that contains no less than 24 vitamins and minerals, the Ovaterra Advanced Liquid Prenatal with Vitamin D3 Booster is the only liquid prenatal vitamin with choline. Choline supports brain development, but at least 95% of women are deficient in it.
This expert-developed, triple-tested, and patented liquid multivitamin also contains folate, vitamin A, vitamin C, and more. One of the developers of this vitamin wanted a prenatal supplement that focused on egg health to start with. Some users share how the choline seems to help their gut health and how easy it is to get their Vitamin D with this quick liquid supplement.
Pros
- Contains choline for healthy brain development
- Triple-tested formula
- Patented product
- Packaged in daily packs
Cons
- Weird taste and smell
- More expensive supplement
Cost and Where to Buy
Ovaterra Advanced Liquid Prenatal with Vitamin D3 Booster is available on the Ovaterra website for $128. You can get it on sale for less.
#5. Pink Stork Liquid Prenatal Vitamin
Pink Stork is a company founded by, run by, and designed for women. At the core of their mission is to positively impact the women who take their vitamins. This liquid prenatal vitamin provides comprehensive nutrition, including 100% of the recommended daily vitamins and minerals to support cell, bone, spin, and neural tube development. Each dose contains folate, iron, B vitamins, zinc, and other clean ingredients.
I and other nutritionists recommend the Pink Stork Liquid Prenatal Vitamin because it works great for women who can’t take pills during their pregnancies. Many women who have used Pink Stork love the flavor of this liquid vitamin compared to some other options.
Pros
- Good for pregnant or nursing mothers
- Third-party tested
- Company founded and run by women
- Pairs well with other Pink Stork products
- Does not have a terrible taste
Cons
- Must be refrigerated after opening
- Iron may cause constipation
Cost and Where to Buy
You can grab the Pink Stork Liquid Prenatal Vitamin at the Pink Stork site for $33.60 on sale with the subscribe and save feature. A one-time purchase is $42.
#6. Prenatal + Postnatal with Iron Liposomal Liquid Vitamins
The Prenatal + Postnatal with Iron Liposomal Liquid Vitamins from VitaminAlly contain important nutrients, such as methyl folate and iron, that your body needs before, during, and after pregnancy for the best results. With one product you can supplement your nutrition wholly so you can worry less about the early stages of development for your unborn child. This vitamin has a high iron content from a stable source, so it is the gentlest on your stomach.
This liquid vitamin focuses on all aspects of health for mother and baby. You can start taking it before conception but also keep taking it after you give birth. Its formula is designed to support the growth of a baby with vitamins and minerals, but also encourage quick recovery for postnatal mothers.
Pros
- No fillers or added sugars
- Can be added to cold drink or water
- Easier on sensitive stomachs
- non-GMO formula
- Designed for postnatal care, too
Cons
- Black in color due to iron content
- Strong taste and aftertaste
Cost and Where to Buy
The Prenatal + Postnatal with Iron Liposomal Liquid Vitamins from VitaminAlly are available on the VitaminAlly website for $34.99 as a one-time purchase. You can also subscribe for automatic delivery for 10% savings on each order.
#7. Buried Treasure Prenatal Plus DHA Daily Multi Vegetarian Safe Liquid Supplement
Take care of yourself before, during, and after pregnancy with a vitamin that is better for the earth. The Buried Treasure Prenatal Plus DHA Daily Multi Vegetarian Safe Liquid Supplement is made with solar energy and is a vegan-friendly vitamin. Every aspect of a typical prenatal supplement is present in this liquid vitamin. Your baby will benefit from folate, iron, and Omega 3 DHA.
This prenatal supplement from Buried Treasure is made with a natural fruit juice base to ensure a great taste. It also avoids unnatural, artificial fillers and colorants. A “Mother’s Blend” herbal blend also works to ease morning sickness and general nausea. This multivitamin can be taken before conception, during pregnancy, and by breastfeeding mothers without any issues.
Pros
- Made with non-GMO and vegetarian ingredients
- Ideal for pre-conception, prenatal care, and postnatal care
- Contains herbs to help with morning sickness
- Natural fruit juice base
- Soy-free, wheat-free, and yeast-free formula
Cons
- Must use within 45 days of opening
- Cannot be taken on an empty stomach
Cost and Where to Buy
Buy the Buried Treasure Prenatal Plus DHA Daily Multi Vegetarian Safe Liquid Supplement online at the Buried Treasure website. You can make a one-time purchase of $31.48 or subscribe and save 7% off each order.
FAQs
I’ve created a short list of questions that you might still have about prenatal vitamins.
If you are actively trying to conceive, you can start taking prenatal vitamins every day. The ideal time is to begin taking prenatal vitamins one month before your pregnancy. Once you learn you are pregnant, continue taking a prenatal vitamin at least for the first 12 weeks of the pregnancy. These early weeks are critical in the development of a child. Some nutritionists even recommend taking a prenatal vitamin as soon as 6 months before trying for a baby.
A liquid prenatal vitamin allows for quicker and easier absorption. After ingesting a liquid vitamin, the vitamin almost immediately enters the bloodstream. Instead of sitting in your stomach, the vitamin will be carrying essential nutrients to you and your child. You are more likely to experience nausea if you take a pill form of a prenatal vitamin.
Liquid prenatal vitamins have a long shelf life. Unopened, liquid vitamins are good for up to 2 years on the shelf. Once opened, liquid prenatal vitamins that require refrigeration can typically last at least 6 months in the fridge.
Yes, iron is a key component in the best prenatal vitamins. Before and during pregnancy, iron is vital to the development of the placenta and fetus. A pregnant woman needs iron to help carry oxygen through their blood to the fetus. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, which can be detrimental to both a woman’s health and the health of a fetus.
Closing Remarks
Ask your nutritionist or OBY/GYN for more information about prenatal multivitamins. I think these liquid options are high-quality products that can contribute to a healthier pregnancy and better development for your child in the womb.