Lamberts Multi-Guard Pregnancy is a multivitamin and mineral food supplement in a pack of 90 tablets, made for women who are trying to conceive, pregnant or breastfeeding. The 2 tablets taken each day provide 400µg of folic acid as calcium L-methylfolate and 10µg of vitamin D, the amounts used in NHS pregnancy advice, together with iron, zinc and choline, and the formula contains no vitamin A.

Key Features

• Folic acid as calcium L-methylfolate: 2 tablets provide 400µg (200% NRV). The pack notes that the Department of Health recommends women planning a pregnancy, and in the first 3 months of pregnancy, take 400µg of folic acid daily. Folate also contributes to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy.
• Contains no vitamin A: the nutrient panel lists no vitamin A, and Lamberts describes the formula as vitamin A free.
• Zinc for fertility: 2 tablets provide 15mg of zinc (150% NRV). The pack states that zinc contributes to normal fertility and reproduction.
• Iron: 17mg per 2 tablets (121% NRV). Iron contributes to normal formation of red blood cells and to normal cell division.
• Choline: 130mg per 2 tablets. Choline contributes to the maintenance of normal liver function.
• Vitamin D: 10µg per 2 tablets (200% NRV). Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and to the normal function of the immune system.

Is Lamberts Multi-Guard Pregnancy suitable when trying to conceive or breastfeeding?

The pack describes it as a multinutrient formula for preconception, during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The recommended intake is 2 tablets a day.

Do I need a separate folic acid or vitamin D supplement?

Multi-Guard Pregnancy provides 400µg of folic acid and 10µg of vitamin D in 2 tablets. NHS advice is to take 400µg of folic acid a day from before conception until 12 weeks of pregnancy, and 10µg of vitamin D a day, at least from early October to late March. NHS also advises against taking more than 100µg of vitamin D a day. A higher 5mg dose of folic acid, prescribed by a GP, is recommended for some women, for example those with diabetes or a family history of neural tube defects. Speak to a midwife or GP if you think this applies to you.

How long does a pack of 90 tablets last?

The directions are 2 tablets a day, so one pack of 90 tablets lasts 45 days.

Typically per 2 tablets:

Tableted with: Bulking agent (cellulose), tablet coating (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, colours: calcium carbonate and iron oxides), anti-caking agents (magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide and stearic acid), humectant (crosslinked cellulose gum).

Additional information: An oval, pink tablet. Suitable for vegetarians. Excludes wheat, barley, soya, eggs, milk and milk products, lactose, nuts, sulphites, celery, fish, shellfish, yeast and gluten-containing ingredients.

Adults take 2 tablets daily with a meal, or as directed by a practitioner or pharmacist. Do not exceed the recommended daily intake.

Please read the following before taking this supplement:

• If you are taking anti-coagulants (blood thinners), do not take this product except on the advice of a doctor.
• NHS advice is not to take cod liver oil or supplements containing vitamin A during pregnancy, so check the labels of any other supplements you take.
• Contains iron, which if taken in excess may be harmful to very young children. Keep out of sight and reach of children.
• Food supplements should not replace a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.