When we decided to get pregnant, I knew I needed to add a prenatal vitamin to my daily routine. I of course turned to Amazon and Target, but with so many options out there, how do you know which prenatal is actually the best and will check all the boxes for mom and baby's nutritional needs?
After doing some initial market research, I quickly realized that not all prenatals are created equal, some of the better options you can’t find at typical retailers, and some are definitely better than others. So I dug into the details and compared two popular options — Perelel Prenatal Pack vs. Needed Prenatal Multi Capsules— to help you figure out which prenatal vitamin is right for you.
What should you look for in a prenatal vitamin?
During pregnancy, your body needs extra vitamins and minerals to support both your health and your growing baby (1). Prenatal supplements help fill those gaps for both pregnant women and babies by providing the essential nutrients for a healthy pregnancy. When choosing a prenatal vitamin, these nutrients should be non-negotiables from the first trimester to the third trimester, so make sure they are included:
- Folate: Prevents neural tube defects (2) in the early stages of pregnancy and supports growth.
- Iron: Supports fetal brain development, improves red blood cell production to carry oxygen, and prevents anemia (3) in mothers.
- DHA and EPA: These omega-3 fatty acids support your baby's brain development and may increase a baby’s birth weight and lengthen the time they stay in the womb (4).
- Choline: Supports your baby's entire nervous system.
- Vitamin D: Plays a role in bone development and the immune system.
- Calcium: Builds strong bones and teeth.
A closer look at Perelel Prenatal Pack vs. Needed Prenatal Multi Capsules
Criteria #1: Formula
Perelel Prenatal Pack
This is the only prenatal vitamin founded by an OB/GYN, so I trust that it's formulated with the best interests of both mama and baby. What sets Perelel apart is their tailored approach, offering different prenatal vitamin routines for each stage of pregnancy. Perelel recognizes that each trimester is unique and the body and baby goes through drastic changes trimester by trimester. This means you can purchase a 1st trimester prenatal pack, then move to packs for the next two trimesters. Each with specific nutrients for healthy development. Here’s a breakdown of the nutrient formulation in each packet:
|
Nutrient |
Perelel 1st Trimester Pack |
Perelel 2nd Trimester Pack |
Perelel 3rd Trimester Pack |
|
Stage-specific supplementation |
Extra folate to support early pregnancy, anti-nausea blend of vitamin B6 and ginger root to ease morning sickness |
200mg of calcium for fetal skeletal development, 230 mg of magnesium to help reduce pregnancy related leg cramps |
Probiotic with 5 billion CFU for gut health, vaginal support and other positive indicators for a healthy pregnancy |
|
Folate |
1,525 mcg DFE |
700 mcg DFE |
700 mcg DFE |
|
Iron |
15 mg |
15 mg |
15 mg |
|
DHA |
250 mg |
250 mg |
250 mg |
|
EPA |
100 mg |
100 mg |
100 mg |
|
Choline |
120 mg |
120 mg |
120 mg |
|
Vitamin D |
2,000 IU |
2,000 IU |
2,000 IU |
|
Calcium |
0 mg |
200 mg |
100 mg |
|
Magnesium |
30 mg |
230 mg |
130 mg |
Needed Prenatal Multi Capsules
This prenatal vitamin is designed for use before, during, and after pregnancy. It provides highly absorbable vitamins and minerals, along with antioxidants like zeaxanthin and lutein. However, Needed does not include the key nutrients iron or omega-3s, which must be purchased separately.
|
Nutrient |
Amount |
|
Folate |
918 mcg DFE |
|
Iron |
0 mg |
|
DHA |
0 mg |
|
EPA |
0 mg |
|
Choline |
400 mg |
|
Vitamin D |
4,000 IU |
|
Calcium |
200 mg |
|
Magnesium |
200 mg |
Formula Winner: Perelel Prenatal Pack
Criteria #2: Ingredient quality
Perelel Prenatal Pack
- Absorption: Contains activated and easy-to-absorb nutrient forms, plus they're formulated with delayed release capsule technology to minimize nausea, especially in the early days of pregnancy.
- Ingredient claims: Non-GMO, free of dairy, nuts, soy, and sugar, and no colorants or synthetic fillers.
- Third-party testing: Yes. Made in FDA registered and inspected facilities. Each batch of vitamins receives a Certificate of Analysis to ensure product quality. They also conduct Raw Materials Testing and Production Testing.
- Research-baked: Every ingredient is formulated by doctors, research-backed, and formulated in clinically-tested doses.
Needed Prenatal Multi Capsules
- Absorption: Contains activated and easy-to-absorb nutrient forms.
- Ingredient claims: Vegetarian, non-GMO, free of eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, sesame, shellfish, soy, tree nut allergens, wheat, and gluten.
- Third-party testing: Yes. Clean Label Project Purity Award.
- Research-baked: Every nutrient and form vetted by perinatal experts.
Ingredient quality winner: Tied!
Criteria #3: Capsule size and ease of consumption
Perelel Prenatal Pack
There are 2 core prenatal capsules, plus 3 smaller capsules, making 5 in total. Given these are packaged in individual daily sachets, and the core prenatal capsule isn’t large, I found taking these pretty seamless despite the quantity.
Needed Prenatal Multi Capsules
The dose for your daily prenatal vitamins is 8 capsules, which can be taken all at once or split between meals. Eight capsules is a lot, and I wouldn't want to remember to take them multiple times a day if the dose were divided. Plus, you still need to take an additional iron and omega-3 supplement.
Capsule Size and Ease Winner: Perelel Prenatal Pack
Criteria #4: Cost & value
Perelel Prenatal Pack
- One time purchase: $58.24 or $1.94 per dose
- Subscribe and save 15%: $49.50/month or $1.65 per dose
Needed Prenatal Multi Capsules
- One time purchase: $59.99, or $2 per dose
- 1 month delivery: $40.50, or $1.35 per dose [25% off first month]
- 1 month delivery: $53.99, or $1.80 per dose
- Keep in mind that this prenatal doesn't include iron or omega-3s, so those would need to be purchased separately.
Cost and value: Perelel Prenatal Pack
My pick for prenatal vitamins is Perelel!
My answer for Perelel Prenatal Pack vs. Needed? — Perelel.
When it comes to choosing a prenatal supplement, I prioritize nutrient content, convenience, and tolerability. With Perelel's all-in-one prenatal support, with nausea minimization, I don't have to worry about adding anything else to my routine or how to accommodate nutrient needs for a specific stage of pregnancy.
✅ Stand out trimester-based formulation
✅ Comprehensive nutrition
✅ Doctor-formulated and research backed
✅ Easy on digestion and anti-nausea formulated
✅ Third-party testing
✅ Easy subscription model
✅ Superior cost and value
The NMM team are all big fans of Perelel. From their baby making bundle, to knowing they have us covered through all the stages of motherhood and beyond in postpartum with their essential vitamins, and even adding their greens powder to help optimize our health and wellness, Perelel is a brand we keep coming back to again and again. If you try any of their products, feel free to send me a DM over on Instagram. I'd love to hear what you're trying and your thoughts.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8229801/
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate-Consumer/
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-Consumer/
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-Consumer/
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