Geritol for Pregnancy

With many people being conscious of their health, the multivitamin market has experienced a boom. Among these supplements are many being promoted for fertility enhancement. Over the years, Geritol has been touted as a fertility booster. But does this multivitamin do that? In this article, we will look at how Geritol works and if its claims of boosting fertility are true. 

Key Takeaways

• Vitamins and mineral supplements can be a great way to boost a healthy lifestyle.
• Prenatal vitamins with iron and folic acid positively affect the development of a baby.
• Geritol is a multivitamin supplement.
• Different studies have been conducted on Geritol
• No positive link has been found between Geritol and fertility

What Is Geritol?

Geritol is an oral multivitamin that has been around for decades. It produces a variety of vitamin and mineral supplements that support a healthy lifestyle. Geritol supplements contain:

• Iron
• Vitamin B1
• Vitamin B2
• Vitamin B6
• Folic acid
• Vitamin C
• Phosphorus
• Magnesium
• Vitamin D
• Calcium
• Vitamin E

Geritol supplements come in liquid, pill, and capsule form and can be bought over the counter. In many fertility blogs, this supplement has become a popular recommendation for people hoping to increase their chances of conception and pregnancy. 

At this moment, there are no current studies, scientific or otherwise, proving Geritol’s ability to increase your chances of conceiving. In fact, Geritol’s manufacturer, Meda Pharmaceutical, denies these claims in their FAQ section, stating that there is no evidence that their product has any effect on fertility. 

Geritol Dosage

The National Institutes of Health encourages pregnant people to take multivitamins, especially those with a poor-quality diet, and Geritol can be a great addition to other prenatal vitamins. Before taking the supplements, you must consult with your doctor to ensure you’re not overdosing on a vitamin or a mineral.

Geritol comes in liquid, pill, or capsule form and is taken orally daily or as directed. It’s best taken on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals and should be taken with a full glass of water. For those who tend to have stomach upset when taking medication on an empty stomach, it can also be taken with food. 

Antacids, dairy products, tea, or coffee should be avoided within 2 hours before or after the medication. This is because these products may decrease the medication’s effectiveness. It is also recommended that one should avoid lying down for at least 10 minutes.

It is possible to overdose on multivitamins, and one should avoid taking more than the recommended dosage. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Can Geritol Be Used For Fertility?

Geritol is rich in multivitamins and minerals and can provide the recommended intake. Even though multivitamins are a great add-on, they are not the answer for anyone if you’re trying to conceive or are struggling with infertility. Geritol itself doesn’t improve fertility. As already mentioned, no studies prove this myth, and the manufacturer also refutes it. 

If you’ve struggled with infertility for a while, you are better off consulting a doctor or visiting a fertility center like NOVA IVF. You will be able to better understand your body and receive customized treatment based on your fertility needs. Our healthcare professionals will also be able to guide you on the right supplements you need. 

Is Geritol a Prenatal Vitamin?

No, Geritol is not a prenatal vitamin. Though it is a fantastic source of multivitamins, it differs greatly from prenatal vitamins. Prenatal vitamins are designed with pregnant women or those trying to conceive in mind. They are high in minerals and vitamins that positively impact pregnancy and child development in the womb. 

Prenatal vitamins usually contain:

• Iron. The benefits of iron affect your whole body, including your blood, brain, immune system, and more. Iron is essential in fetal development, providing the body with oxygen-rich blood that helps the baby’s brain development before and after they are born. Iron also prevents anemia in the mother.
• Folic acid. Folic acid is great for preventing and treating low blood levels of folate (folate deficiency) and high blood levels of homocysteine (hyperhomocysteinemia). It is one of the vitamins recommended to women looking to conceive and pregnant women. It plays an important role in preventing neural tube defects like spina bifida and anencephaly. It also helps with blood cell formation, keeping your blood healthy. 
• Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids play a vital role in the healthy development of the baby's brain, eyes, and nervous system. They can potentially reduce the risk of preterm labor and contribute to a healthy birth weight. 
• Vitamin A. Vitamin A helps to develop the fetus's organs, including the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, bones, eyes, and central nervous system. Pregnant women tend to face vitamin A deficiency, especially during the third trimester. Taking the supplement can increase levels in the body and help the body recover after childbirth. 

Is Geritol Safe?

Though Geritol is a supplement, you should not take more than the recommended dosage. Even with the right dosage, some people get rare (sometimes deadly) side effects. You should inform your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms:

• Itching
• Very upset stomach or throwing up.
• Wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
• Unusual hoarseness
• Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• A rash or hives
• Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin
• Change in the color of your stool
• Fever
• Stomach cramps

While it’s uncommon, you can overdose on vitamins, and some vitamins can be harmful to your unborn baby when taken in large doses. Therefore, if your diet is adequate, you may not need to take the supplement.

Bottom Line

Geritol is a multivitamin and mineral supplement, and though it offers a variety of vitamins, there is no evidence that the brand has any positive effect on fertility or pregnancy. Geritol itself denies these claims and gives a warning that people should be careful about what they read online. 

Still, you can take these vitamins and mineral supplements to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, discuss taking Getirol with your healthcare provider, who will have a better understanding of whether it is safe for you.