Prenatal vitamins are essential for supporting maternal health and fetal development. However, recent research has raised serious concerns about the presence of heavy metals, microbial contaminants, and toxicants (including molds and allergens) in these supplements. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) has highlighted the urgent need for stricter regulations and a universal safety standard certification to ensure safety for pregnant individuals. The risks of contaminated supplements are not only a health concern but also a regulatory failure that must be addressed.
View FIGO's Position Statement on "Toxic chemicals and environmental contaminants in prenatal vitamins.".
Read The National Library of Medicine's Abstract of the FIGO report here.
The Alarming Presence of Heavy Metals and Toxicants
While prenatal vitamins are intended to provide critical nutrients, studies have revealed that many contain dangerous contaminants. A study analyzing 26 commonly used prenatal vitamin brands found that all samples contained lead, with an average amount of 0.535 micrograms per daily dose. Notably, 20 out of 51 samples exceeded the established safety standard of 0.5 micrograms per day, with one sample containing as much as 4 micrograms per day. Additionally, three samples had inorganic arsenic levels above acceptable limits. Other toxic elements, including aluminum, nickel, titanium, and thallium, were detected in all samples.1
Further research found that several prenatal vitamins contained boron, aluminum, molybdenum, barium, lead, titanium, nickel, arsenic, strontium, and cadmium at levels that could pose potential toxicity to both the fetus and the mother.2 These heavy metals are particularly concerning during pregnancy because they can cross the placenta and negatively impact fetal neurodevelopment. Lead exposure, even at low levels, has been linked to cognitive impairments, behavioral disorders, and preterm birth.3
Of these 24 metals, (per the FIGO document)
- 13 are considered dangerous to the fetus by the USA Center for Disease Control and Prevention and
- 7 are considered hazardous under California State Proposition 65 guidelines.
Every expecting or planning mother should acquire a certificate of analysis (COA) from a prenatal vitamin company.
If you receive a COA from any prenatal vitamin that does not test for the 13 dangerous metals — they are potentially risking the health of your fetus.
The Lack of Standardized Testing and Regulation
Despite these risks, no global certification process has existed until now. The P2i™ Prenatal Multivitamin is the first product to meet the updated standards set by FIGO, establishing a new gold standard in prenatal supplement safety. Manufacturers often self-report nutrient content, but independent testing is rare. The lack of stringent regulations means that contaminated products remain on the market without accountability.
Currently, regulatory agencies such as the FDA, primarily remove products only after they are proven unsafe, rather than ensuring safety before they are sold.1 FIGO and other health organizations stress the need for pre-market testing to ensure that prenatal vitamins are free from harmful contaminants before they reach consumers.
The Case for a Universal Safety Standard
A standardized global certification process would protect maternal and infant health by:
- Mandating third-party testing of prenatal vitamins for heavy metals, pesticides, allergens, molds, and microbial contaminants
- Establishing clear limits for toxic substances in supplements.
- Educating healthcare providers on the risks of contaminated vitamins and promoting the prescription of certified products.
- Holding manufacturers accountable for producing supplements that meet strict safety standards.
The FIGO Committee on Climate Change and Toxic Environmental Exposures has proposed the development of an evolving list of chemicals that should be eliminated from prenatal vitamins.3 They also emphasize the role of clinicians in advocating for regulatory changes and guiding patients toward safer options.
Protecting Future Generations
The urgency for clean prenatal supplements aligns with the mission of PROTECT at Northeastern University, which focuses on environmental contaminants and their impact on adverse birth outcomes. Research consistently shows that exposure to heavy metals and toxic chemicals contributes to preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental disorders.2
PROTECT is dedicated to identifying environmental contaminants that contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly among vulnerable populations. Their research has shown that exposure to heavy metals, endocrine disruptors, and other toxic substances disproportionately affects marginalized communities, increasing the risk of pregnancy complications. Their findings reinforce the need for regulatory action and proactive public health measures to eliminate these contaminants from prenatal supplements and other consumer products.
Safe Steps for a Healthier Pregnancy
In addition to selecting safety-tested prenatal vitamins, expectant individuals should adopt safer lifestyle and dietary habits to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the following steps can help reduce exposure to toxic chemicals before and during pregnancy:4
- Avoid plastic food containers marked with recycling codes 3, 6, or 7, as they may contain harmful chemicals like phthalates and BPA.
- Opt for fresh or frozen foods rather than canned products, which may have linings containing bisphenols.
- Use natural cleaning and personal care products free of parabens, synthetic fragrances, and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
- Wash produce thoroughly to reduce pesticide exposure or choose organic when possible.
- Limit seafood high in mercury, such as shark, swordfish, and king mackerel, and opt for low-mercury alternatives like salmon and sardines.
- Filter tap water to remove potential contaminants, including lead and other heavy metals.
By taking these proactive measures, expectant individuals can further reduce the risks associated with environmental toxins and contribute to a healthier pregnancy.
A Clean Option: The P2i™ Prenatal Multivitamin
Until a global certification system is established, expectant individuals should:
- Choose prenatal vitamins tested by third-party labs for heavy metals and contaminants.
- Avoid supplements with "unspecified proprietary blends" that may contain hidden toxins.
- Consult healthcare providers for guidance on choosing the safest prenatal supplements.
Kirkman's P2i™ Prenatal Multivitamin is the first product to meet the updated purity standards set by FIGO. It is rigorously tested for 120 toxicants, 9 allergens, 10 microbes, pesticides, and 24 heavy metals. The full Certificate of Analysis (COA) for P2i™ is publicly posted, offering complete product transparency and demonstrating its safety. This makes it the cleanest option available on the market today, providing safety for both the mother and the developing fetus.† A universal safety certification is not just a recommendation—it is a necessity. As evidence of contamination grows, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and consumers must push for change to safeguard maternal and fetal health. The future of prenatal care depends on ensuring that supplements do more good than harm.
Order your Kirkman's P2i™ Prenatal Multivitamin today and start your safe pregnancy journey.
Works Cited
- Schwalfenberg, G., I. Rodushkin, and S. Genuis. "Heavy Metal Contamination of Prenatal Vitamins." Toxicology Reports, vol. 5, 2018, pp. 390-395. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxrep.2018.02.009.
- Di Renzo, Gian Carlo, et al. "International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Opinion on Reproductive Health Impacts of Exposure to Toxic Environmental Chemicals." International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, vol. 131, no. 3, 2015, pp. 219-225. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgo.2015.09.002.
- White, C. M. "Dietary Supplements Pose Real Dangers to Patients." Annals of Pharmacotherapy, vol. 54, no. 8, 2020, pp. 815-819. https://doi.org/10.1177/1060028019900504.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. "Toxic Chemicals: Steps to Stay Safer Before and During Pregnancy." ACOG, 2023. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/toxic-chemicals-steps-to-stay-safer-before-and-during-pregnancy.
- Puerto Rico Testsite for Exploring Contamination Threats (PROTECT). Northeastern University College of Engineering. https://coe.northeastern.edu/coe-research/research-centers-institutes/puerto-rico-testsite-for-exploring-contamination-threats-protect/.
†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
