Geritol for Pregnancy

Vitamins and minerals are essential in maintaining a healthy body. Though they are mainly found in food, some people are unable to directly absorb the vitamins and minerals found in food. Not only that, some individuals need more than what can be found in food. 

Vitamin and mineral supplements have also become an option for many looking to boost their health, including their fertility and pregnancy chances. One such supplement is Geritol. Geritol is a supplement that has been touted for the improvement of fertility. 

This article explains what Geritol is, how it works, medical studies that prove its use in fertility and pregnancy, how to use it, and whether it is an option for you. 

Key Takeaways

• Geritol is a multivitamin intended for daily use as a nutritional supplement.
• Despite rumors to the contrary, Geritol has not been found to have any effect on fertility or the health of a pregnancy.
• Specially formulated prenatal vitamins with high levels of folic acid and iron have been shown to have a positive impact on the health and development of a fetus when taken before and during pregnancy.

What Is Geritol?

Geritol is a multivitamin and mineral brand of supplements whose main focus is to help individuals with vitamin deficiencies. It is an over-the-counter supplement that’s available in both liquid and pill form and includes various vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, Folic acid, iron, and calcium. 

Even though it is for everyday use, the supplement has become a popular recommendation for people hoping to increase their chances of conception and pregnancy. Additionally, the supplement is designed to cater to specific needs, like poor nutrition or low energy. 

Geritol and Pregnancy

If you’re trying to get pregnant or are struggling with infertility, you may have been introduced to Geritol. Various websites and chats recommend it as a go-to for pregnancy and infertility. 

However, there is little to that claim. Currently, there are no studies scientific or otherwise that prove Geritol’s ability to increase your chances of conceiving. Moreover, the manufacturer of Geritol refutes these claims and explicitly states there is no evidence that their product has any effect on fertility.

They also make clear that Geritol is not formulated to meet the needs of people who are pregnant or nursing.

The origin of Geritol’s power over pregnancy is unknown and one should take the supplement without expectations on fertility or pregnancy. Nevertheless, the supplement is still a great source of minerals and vitamins. Multivitamins are a great addition to pregnancy. The National Institutes of Health actually encourages pregnant people to take multivitamins, especially those with a poor-quality diet or who smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol.

Geritol Vitamins Vs. Prenatal Vitamins

Though Geritol is a fantastic source of multivitamins it differs from prenatal vitamins. Prenatal vitamins are vitamins specifically intended to be taken by those who are pregnant or who are trying to conceive. They are high in minerals and vitamins with a significant impact on pregnancy, child development in the womb, and birth.  They typically contain higher doses of multivitamins like folic acid and iron than normal supplements like Geritol. These include the following.

• Folic acid. This is a vitamin that plays an important role in preventing neural tube defects, which can seriously damage a fetus as it develops. Folic acid is recommended to anyone trying to conceive, especially before conception and within the first 12 weeks after conception. This ensures your body has all the support it needs for a fetus’ healthy development.
• Iron. Prenatal supplements offered also contain iron, which is also critical to fetal development. Iron aids the body in the production of oxygen-rich blood for the fetus and placenta and prevents anemia, a form of iron deficiency that is more common during pregnancy.
• Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids mostly found in fish and algae and are key during pregnancy.  Omega 3 is critical in building blocks of the fetal brain and retina as well as determining the length of gestation and preventing perinatal depression. Omega 3 is mostly found in fish. 
• Vitamin A. Vitamin A is a crucial nutrient for pregnant women and their fetuses. Studies show that it is essential in maintaining maternal night vision and fetal ocular health. It also helps in the development of other organs, the fetal skeleton, and the maintenance of the fetal immune system. Additionally,  other studies prove that Vitamin A deficiency results in adverse effects on offspring during the embryonic and post-natal period.

On the other hand, Geritol is designed to provide adults with multivitamins and minerals based on the average recommendations for vitamin and mineral intake. The supplements are not designed with pregnancy in mind but contain vitamins like iron, vitamin A, and folic acid found in prenatal supplements. 

How to Use Geritol

Geritol is taken orally daily as per the instructions on the packaging. Similar to other medications, you should not take more than the recommended dosage and you must always consult with your healthcare provider, especially if you plan to take it to boost fertility.  

Getirol is best taken on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals with water. It can also be taken with food if you are prone to stomach issues. When taking it, you should avoid coffee, tea, antacids, or any dairy products 2 hours before or after taking Getirol. 

Is Geritol Safe?

As a multivitamin supplement, Geritol is relatively safe. Nevertheless, you should seek medical attention if you face any of these side effects. 

• Allergic reactions that appear as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling on any part of your body.
• Pain in the chest
• Stomach pain 
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Pain in the throat when swallowing the supplement
• Bright red blood in the stool
• Constipation
• Headaches
• Unpleasant taste in your mouth
• Extreme weight loss

If you are pregnant, discuss taking Getirol with your healthcare provider, who will have a better understanding of whether it is safe for you. If your diet is adequate, you may not need to take the supplement, especially since you can overdose on vitamins. Some vitamins and minerals can be harmful to your unborn baby when taken in large doses. 

Bottom Line

Vitamins and minerals are an important part of any lifestyle and keeping an eye on the nutritional content of food and supplements is especially important while pregnant or planning to conceive. While certain prenatal vitamins can be beneficial for those who are trying to get pregnant or who have already conceived, there is no evidence that Geritol or any other brand of regular multivitamins have any effect on fertility or pregnancy. As well, the manufacturer of the supplement explicitly refutes the claims that it should be used during pregnancy or as a fertility booster. 

Furthermore, no research supports these claims.  Therefore, whether you are trying to conceive or are pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider before taking Geritol. Your healthcare provider may recommend a different supplement based on your prenatal needs.