Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes PreferaOB® family of products different than the other prenatal vitamins?
- What is Heme Iron Polypeptide (HIP)?
- What is the difference between HEME and Non-HEME iron?
- My pharmacist does not have a PreferaOB® product in stock, how can I fill my prescription?
- Why doesn’t a PreferaOB® product contain a stool softener?
- Can I take PreferaOB® products with any food or beverage?
- Can PreferaOB® products be taken with acid reducing medications or Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI)?
- Why is folic acid important during pregnancy?
- Why is DHA important during pregnancy?
- What makes PreferaOB® family of products different than the other prenatal vitamins?
PreferaOB® family of products is the first and only prenatal family containing a dual iron combination of Heme Iron Polypeptide and Polysaccharide Complex (PIC) and one of the highest B6 doses (50mg) to reduce morning sickness5. - What is HEME Iron Polypeptide (HIP)?
Unlike most other prenatal vitamins that only include Non-HEME iron, PreferaOB® products include HEME iron, the natural carrier of iron found in red meat. Recent studies show the HEME iron found in PreferaOB® products offer 25 times greater absorption than traditional iron2. Due to its highly-efficient absorption, HEME iron is shown to have lower side-effects, including stomach irritation and constipation3, commonly found with conventional iron supplement products. As a result, PreferaOB® products can be taken with or without food10. - What is the difference between HEME and Non-HEME iron?
There are two forms of dietary iron: HEME and Non-HEME. Heme Iron is absorbed very efficiently1 and is found in meat, fish, and poultry. Non-HEME iron is found in plants such as lentils and beans and is not as well absorbed as HEME iron. Maximum absorption is enhanced when both HEME and Non-HEME iron are taken together1. PreferaOB® products are the only prenatal vitamins that provide both HEME and Non-HEME iron in three formulations: PreferaOB®, PreferaOB+DHA™, and PreferaOB ONE™. - My pharmacist does not have a PreferaOB® product in stock, how can I fill my prescription?
PreferaOB® products are available for order through all major pharmacy wholesale distributors. If your pharmacist does not have a PreferaOB® product in stock, ask him or her to order PreferaOB® in order to fill your prescription. Your pharmacy should be able to have a PreferaOB® product in stock within 48 hours. You can also print out and take this pharmacy order information sheet to your pharmacist. If you need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly at 1-800-423-8665.
- Why doesn’t a PreferaOB® product contain a stool softener?
PreferaOB® products contain a unique iron combination of HEME iron and Non-HEME iron which is shown to have lower side effects, including constipation3, and therefore does not need to be combined with a stool softener3. - Can I take PreferaOB® products with any food or beverage?
Yes, PreferaOB® products do not have any known food interactions. Unlike other prenatal vitamins, you can take PreferaOB® products with cereal and tea10. Please note that if you have any food allergies, you should still avoid consuming those foods as PreferaOB® products will not block a food allergy. - Can PreferaOB® products be taken with acid reducing medications or Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)?
Yes. PreferaOB® products can be taken with acid reducing medications and Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) use11. - Why is folic acid important during pregnancy?
Folic Acid is the only recommended source of B6 by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to reduce the risks of Neural Tube Defects. Therefore, PreferaOB® products provide 1mg of Folic Acid to satisfy this recommendation4. - Why is DHA important during pregnancy?
The March of Dimes recommends pregnant women get 200mg of the fatty acid DHA every day to support fetal brain development. After the baby is born, DHA consumed through breastfeeding may also help the baby’s eyes and vision7. The DHA contained in PreferaOB+DHA™ and PreferaOB ONE™ is life’sDHA™ which is plant-based, eliminating any concerns about ocean-borne contaminants or fish allergenicity. This DHA is also important for optimal infant brain, eye and nervous system development, as well as helping a mother’s emotional well-being after birth6.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:
CONTRAINDICATIONS: This product is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients.
WARNING: Ingestion of more than 3 grams of Omega-3 fatty acids per day has been shown to have potential antithrombotic effects, including an increased bleeding time and International Normalized Ratio (INR). Administration of Omega-3 fatty acids should be avoided in patients taking anticoagulants and in those known to have an inherited or acquired predisposition to bleeding diathesis.
WARNING: Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6. Keep this product out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.
PRECAUTIONS: Folic acid when administered as a single agent in doses above 0.1mg daily may obscure pernicious anemia in that hematological remission can occur while neurological manifestations remain progressive. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid supplemental doses of vitamin E higher than RDA amounts. While prescribing this nutritional supplement for pregnant women, nursing mothers, or for women prior to conception, their medical condition and other drugs, herbs, and/or supplements consumption should be considered.
ADVERSE REACTIONS: Allergic sensitization has been reported following both oral and parenteral administration of folic acid.
