Toxic Truths in Prenatal Care

Article Author: Yarah Kalae, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Neuroscience Major, Class of 2026, Science Coordinator

Imagine taking a daily vitamin to protect your future child — only to find out it’s laced with chemicals that could harm them instead. Prenatal vitamins are part of maternal healthcare, providing essential nutrients like folate, calcium, and iron to support women throughout their pregnancies. Yet recent studies have shown that these vitamins contain toxic chemicals that are linked to serious health risks.

Fetal development is one of the most vulnerable windows of life when even low levels of toxic exposure can lead to lasting harm. In utero exposure to heavy metals can be associated with endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as phthalates. DHAP, a type of phthalate that is correlated with an increased risk of cancer, was found in 25% of over-the-counter vitamins. This has been linked to pregnancy complications, disrupted metabolic, cardiovascular, and reproductive health, and long-term developmental issues.  These environmentally toxic chemicals are commonly found in consumer goods, plastics, and even some prenatal supplements as recently seen. A study published in Environmental Research analyzed 156 prenatal vitamins and 19 folic acid supplements for toxic chemicals like lead, cadmium, and phthalates. Alarming results show that 73% of these over-the-counter prenatal vitamins contained cadmium and 83% contained lead, which are both dangerous heavy metals linked to serious health risks. Even more concerning, 15% of the supplements exceeded California’s daily lead intake limit. 

So why is this important? The first 1,000 days of life are critical for brain development, immune system formation, and lifelong health. Exposure to heavy metals and EDCs during this sensitive time can have serious consequences. Furthermore, common ingredients found in prenatal supplements, such as calcium and iron, were most associated with elevated levels of lead and cadmium – which can mimic our body’s natural hormones and disrupt their typical cycle. 

Unlike prescription medications, prenatal vitamins aren’t required to undergo FDA testing before reaching consumers. The FDA typically only intervenes after problems are reported. The regulatory gaps include how source materials may naturally contain heavy metals from soil, and plastic packaging materials may leach toxic chemicals like phthalates into the supplements. These issues disproportionately affect communities with limited access to healthcare guidance and higher-quality products, creating inequities in maternal health protection. This is a systemic problem rooted in industry practices and regulatory gaps, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities with less access to safer, vetted products. While there’s no quick fix, awareness is the first step by advocating for third-party testing of supplements to ensure transparency and safety. Encouraging companies to use non-toxic packaging, such as glass jars instead of plastic, and pushing for stronger regulations and accountability in the supplement industry. But most importantly to work towards equitable access to safe prenatal care and products for all. Until systemic change happens, being informed and proactive—like avoiding plastic packaging—can help minimize risk.

Citations: 

Gardener, H., Bowen, J., & Callan, S. P. (2025). Heavy metals and phthalate contamination in prenatal vitamins and folic acid supplements. Environmental Research, 274, 121255. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40020868/

McMahon, K., & Howard, S. (2025, March 27). Scientists find heavy metals and phthalates in prenatal vitamins. Environmental Health News. https://www.ehn.org/heavy-metals-phthalates-prenatal-vitamins-2671617632.html

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