Gesticare DHA

Gesticare DHA Prenatal Vitamins

What Is Gesticare DHA?

Gesticare™ DHA is a prenatal vitamin that is specially designed to allow for improved calcium and iron absorption. It is a combination product, containing a regular Gesticare prenatal vitamin tablet along with a DHA capsule.

(Click Gesticare DHA Uses for more information on what Gesticare DHA is used for, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes It?

Gesticare DHA is made by Azur Pharma, Inc.

How Does Gesticare DHA Work?

Gesticare DHA contains a variety of different vitamins and minerals. These nutrients are important for a healthy pregnancy, and many pregnant women may not get enough of these nutrients, for various reasons. Probably most importantly, this prenatal vitamin contains folic acid, which is important to prevent certain birth defects, such as spina bifida. It also contain iron, calcium, and various other vitamins and minerals.

Unlike other prenatal vitamins, Gesticare tablets are specially designed to improve the absorption of calcium and iron. These two minerals interact with each other and (if taken at the same time) decrease each other's absorption. To avoid this problem, the iron in Gesticare tablets is immediate-release (is dissolved in the stomach), while the calcium is specially coated to dissolve in the small intestine.

Like many of the newer prenatal vitamins, this product contains omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA. There is some evidence that DHA may provide a variety of different health benefits, including a decreased risk of preterm birth (having a baby prematurely), improved brain function, and improved vision.

Fish are the main source of DHA, and the typical American diet is usually deficient in DHA. Additionally, since many pregnant women are instructed to limit their intake of certain fish (due to risks of mercury toxicity), it is likely that many pregnant women are not getting enough DHA.

The DHA in Gesticare DHA comes from a plant-based source.

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