Prenatal Vitamins Philippines: Folic Acid, Iron, Calcium and What Your OB May Recommend
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The WHO recommends 400 mcg of folic acid daily for every woman who could become pregnant, ideally starting before conception, plus daily iron and folic acid throughout pregnancy. Your OB sets the exact products and doses, and may add calcium or vitamin D.
At BeHealthy: Bronson Folic Acid 800 mcg — ₱489 (360 count), Bronson Folic Acid 800 + Vitamin B12 — ₱565 and Bronson Iron Bisglycinate — ₱1,419.
Nagpaplanong magbuntis o bagong buntis? The most important vitamin work happens early — often before you know you are pregnant. This guide explains what the key nutrients do so you can have a clearer conversation with your OB.
Last updated: 17 September 2026 · BeHealthy Philippines · Sources: World Health Organization (WHO) antenatal care recommendations; U.S. CDC folic acid guidance
Key Nutrients Before and During Pregnancy
| Nutrient | Why it matters | General guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Folic acid | Helps prevent neural tube defects of the baby's brain and spine | 400 mcg daily for women who could become pregnant (WHO, CDC); start before conception |
| Iron | Supports the extra blood volume of pregnancy and helps prevent anemia | WHO recommends daily iron with folic acid during pregnancy; dose set by your OB |
| Calcium | Bones and teeth; the WHO recommends supplements where diets are low in calcium | Ask your OB whether you need it |
| Iodine | Baby's brain development | Use iodized salt |
| Vitamin D | Bone health | Your OB may test or advise a dose |
Avoid high-dose vitamin A. Too much preformed vitamin A during pregnancy can harm the baby. Do not take high-dose vitamin A products, such as 10,000 IU tablets, while pregnant or trying to conceive unless your doctor tells you to.
Had a previous pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect? Doctors usually prescribe a much higher folic acid dose. Talk to your OB before trying to conceive again.
When to Start
The neural tube forms in the first weeks, often before a pregnancy test is positive. Start folic acid at least a month before trying.
Your OB or health center will review supplements and usually starts iron with folic acid.
Take supplements as prescribed and bring the bottles to each check-up.
Some supplements continue after delivery. Ask your OB or pediatrician.
How to Take Them
Iron absorbs best away from calcium, milk, coffee and tea, and a vitamin C source helps. If iron upsets your stomach, take it with a small meal. See our vitamin timing chart and iron supplements guide.
Check herbal products with your OB. Many herbal supplements have not been tested for safety in pregnancy. Stick to what your OB has approved.
Products Mentioned
All BeHealthy orders ship nationwide with cash on delivery, free shipping on orders ₱888 and above, and 7-day returns. Related: calcium supplements compared.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most pregnant women are advised to take folic acid and iron, and some also need calcium or vitamin D. Your OB or health center will recommend specific products and doses based on your check-up and lab results.
The WHO and the U.S. CDC recommend 400 mcg of folic acid daily for women who could become pregnant, ideally starting at least a month before conception. Women with a previous neural tube defect pregnancy usually need a higher prescribed dose.
Many prenatal products contain 800 mcg, and it is commonly used. Your OB is the right person to confirm the dose for you, especially if you also take a prenatal multivitamin that contains folic acid.
Ideally before you conceive. The baby's neural tube forms in the first weeks of pregnancy, often before a pregnancy test is positive, so starting early gives the most protection.
It is better to separate them by at least two hours, because calcium can reduce iron absorption. For example, take iron in the morning and calcium with dinner.
Avoid high-dose vitamin A and any herbal supplement your OB has not approved. Do not take more than one product containing the same nutrient without checking the combined dose with your doctor.