Geritol for Pregnancy

Currently, the supplement market targeted toward couples struggling with infertility is filled with products that are believed to help boost their fertility. For such couples knowing what works in a highly saturated market can be daunting. 

Over the years, some supplements have gained more popularity than others, Geritol being one of these supplements. 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 a brand that has been around for almost 70 years. It produces a variety of vitamin and mineral supplements that support a healthy lifestyle. Each of the supplements is designed for a different purpose and caters to different ages and groups. The main goal of the supplements is to combat low energy and poor nutrition. 

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. With time, they have become a popular recommendation for people hoping to increase their chances of conception and pregnancy. 

Nevertheless, no current studies scientific or otherwise prove 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. They also let users know that Geritol has not been designed for pregnant or nursing women.

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 supplements that target pregnant women or those trying to conceive. Prenatals are high in minerals and vitamins that positively impact pregnancy and child development in the womb. 

Prenatal vitamins usually contain:

• Folic acid. Folic acid 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. 
• 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. 
• Iron. Iron is a critical mineral to 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.
• 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. 

Can Geritol Be Used For Fertility?

Geritol provides adults with multivitamins and minerals based on the average recommendations for intake. Therefore, if you’re trying to get pregnant or are struggling with infertility, Geritol isn’t the answer. Still, multivitamins are a great addition during pregnancy and Geritol does have a great source of minerals and vitamins. 

Geritol doesn’t improve fertility. As already mentioned, no studies prove this myth and the manufacturer also refutes it. If you’re looking to get pregnant and have struggled for a while, you will be better placed if you consult a healthcare professional or a fertility center like Dallas 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. 

How to Use Geritol

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 either on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals with water. For those who struggle with oral medication, it can also be taken with food. 

Coffee, tea, antacids, or any dairy products should be avoided 2 hours before or after taking Getirol. 

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 when taking the drug. 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

While Geritol is a great supplement, there is no evidence that Geritol or any other similar brand of regular multivitamins has any positive effect on fertility or pregnancy. Geritol itself refutes 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.