Folic Acid, Obimin or Zincofer: Which Supplement Do You Need?

In Malaysia, pregnant mothers are usually given one of three antenatal supplements: folic acid, New Obimin or Zincofer. Which one is right for you depends on your stage of pregnancy and your haemoglobin (HB) reading.

What Is Folic Acid?

Folic acid matters from the pre-pregnancy phase through the first trimester. Its main job is to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida in the baby. That is why it is recommended early — before pregnancy if possible — so your body is fully prepared for the baby’s development.

New Obimin: A Multivitamin for Healthy HB Readings

New Obimin is a prenatal multivitamin containing B-complex, vitamin C, calcium and a moderate amount of iron. It suits mothers whose blood haemoglobin is at an excellent level — 11.5 g/dL or above. For mothers with healthy HB readings, this supplement tops up daily nutrient needs without an unnecessary iron overload.

Zincofer and Iberet Folic: The Choice for Anaemia

When your haemoglobin is low, your body needs more iron to make red blood cells. Zincofer and Iberet Folic are reserved for treating low haemoglobin (anaemia). Zincofer contains a high level of elemental iron, which makes it more effective at raising HB levels — but it can cause side effects for some mothers. For a full strategy on raising your HB through both food and supplements, see the guide to increasing haemoglobin levels during pregnancy.

Managing Nausea from Supplements

Some mothers feel nauseous when taking iron supplements such as Zincofer. The good news is this can be managed:

• Take the supplement exactly as your doctor or clinic advises — never double your dose on your own.
• If the nausea is severe, talk to your doctor.
• Store the supplement in a dry place, out of children’s reach.

When to See Your Doctor

If Zincofer triggers severe nausea, ask your doctor about switching to a controlled-release form (such as Iberet) or a chewable version. Do not stop or change your supplement on your own without medical advice. Mothers diagnosed with gestational diabetes (GDM) may need closer monitoring of their supplement regimen — discuss this with your healthcare team.

References

• Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM) Health Guidelines.

This article is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or midwife.