A patient is taking a prenatal vitamin that supplies 600 µg folic acid, 18 mg iron, and 11 mg zinc per day. She asks whether this meets pregnancy RDAs. How should you evaluate and advise her?

• A. All three nutrients meet pregnancy RDAs and no further supplementation or monitoring is necessary unless symptoms develop
• B. Folic acid is excessive and should be reduced, while iron and zinc are adequate; recommend stopping the prenatal vitamin
• C. The prenatal is inappropriate because folic acid should be 400 µg in pregnancy and iron should be avoided to prevent constipation; advise discontinuation immediately
• D. Folic acid and zinc meet RDAs, but iron is below the pregnancy RDA (27 mg/day); advise discussing iron supplementation or monitoring with her healthcare provider to ensure adequate iron stores

Answer: (D)