The Risks of Taking Prenatal Vitamins if You're Not Pregnant

It’s become fashionable for women who aren’t pregnant to take prenatal vitamins. Many women are convinced it gives them thicker hair and healthier looking skin, so they take a prenatal vitamins in lieu of a regular multi-vitamin – without being pregnant. Is it okay to take prenatal vitamins if you’re not pregnant? 

Taking a prenatal vitamin if you’re not pregnant sounds safe enough. After all, it’s only vitamins, right? Well, yes and no. Prenatal vitamins are “only vitamins”, but they’re in quantities formulated to meet the needs of women who are pregnant. 

Taking Prenatal Vitamins: They Contain More Folate Than Multivitamins

Pregnant women need additional folate to reduce the risk of birth defects. Most non-prescription prenatal vitamins contain 500 to 800 micrograms of folate and prescription ones may have up to 1,000 micrograms. A non-pregnant woman only needs 400 micrograms of folate - and taking too much may be risky.  

The problem with taking higher doses of folate is it can mask the symptoms of B12 deficiency by covering up the anemia that occurs when there’s too little B12 in the body. This can cause a B12 deficiency to go undiagnosed and untreated, which can cause permanent damage to the nervous system.

Some studies also suggest that supplemental folate fuels the growth of some types of cancer, although a folate deficiency also increases cancer risk according to research. Such is the complexity of folate. It’s best not to get above the recommended daily requirement of folate through supplements unless you’re pregnant. 

The Iron Issue

The other problem with taking prenatal vitamins if you’re not pregnant is they contain too much iron. Most prenatal vitamins have between 30 and 60 milligrams of iron and most women only need 18 milligrams of iron per day. 

Excess iron is stored in the liver and can cause inflammation and cell damage, which increases the risk of health problems like liver disease and, possibly, heart disease and cancer.

Iron also causes constipation and nausea even in amounts found in prenatal vitamins. Iron isn’t a mineral you should take in supplemental form unless you’re deficient. 

Should You Take Prenatal Vitamins if You’re Not Pregnant?

It’s not a good idea to take prenatal vitamins if you’re not pregnant, and there’s no evidence that prenatal vitamins improve skin texture or hair thickness. Ask your doctor about a multivitamin that’s appropriate for your age if you’re not getting enough nutrients through your diet.