Has anyone taken Rainbow Light Organic Prenatals-the green capsules?

stimpycat · June 2011

I've been taking Rainbow Light Certified Organic Prenatal, which contain ginseng. I just read somewhere that ginseng is a no-no in pregnancy. I've stopped taking them, but needless to say, I'm freaking out! I feel stupid for not scrutinizing labels more or discussing with my doctor before taking. I just assumed no company would put something in a pill that would be harmful. All the info I've found on the Web regarding ginseng is a little inconclusive. Has anyone else taken these prenatals? How worried should I be?

COmommy · June 2011

I am currently taking the Rainbow Light prenatals and have had no issues. I told my OB what I was taking and they weren't concerned. I've never heard the no ginseng while pregnant thing.

ETA: I just checked the bottle and mine doesn't have ginseng. I take the vegan prenatal one by Rainbow Light. What kind are you using?

Karmalife · June 2011

Hi there,

This was actually the first Prenatal I tried and while I loved it, I also wasn't happy about the Ginseng, so I tried something else. I think Ginseng is still on the "unsure" list of herbs to take while pregnant and as someone who works in the wellness industry I am surprised they put it in their prenatal. If anything, call the company. Find out there reasoning. Secondly, as your doctor. And of course, if you have any doubt, try a different prenatal. Their ONE-A-DAY prenatal is more affordable and just as good (without the herbs). Or if you are willing to pay a little extra, try Megafood "Baby & Me". It's 100% wholefood and you can take it on an empty stomach (it's also 4 a day).

Good luck!

MrsPhunk · June 2011

I took these during my first pregnancy and DD is 100% healthy, and I had no problems with pregnancy at all. As a vegetarian, I won't take any pills with a gelatin layer on the outside which excludes 99% other prenatals. I've never heard or read anything about ginseng and pregnancy, and my doctors have had no problem with me taking it. I've been taking the same kind again for my 2nd pregnancy, and everything's hunky-dory so far. I think there are undoubtedly bigger things to worry about ingesting while pg, like alcohol etc. than a simple herb.

LAHN · June 2011

Rainbow light is an amazing company that makes very good formulas, if I were you I'd shoot them an email (probably can find their customer service contact info online) and ask their rationale for adding ginseng. Often herbs that have been used for hundreds of years by midwives/herbalists are not classified as absolutely safe by standard medical organizations. There are clear herbs that are contraindicated during pregnancy that are recognized as such by both midwives/herbalist AND doctors so those are the ones to really stay away from.

fyi: I don't take rainbow light myself (I'm taking New Chapter prenatals) but I worked in the Whole Foods supplement department for 5 years while in grad school so I learned a ton about the industry.

stimpycat · June 2011

MrsPhunk,

That is good to hear! Did you just take this brand or these specific pills? Many people who commented just mentioned taking Rainbow Light prentals which don't contain ginseng.

Thanks!

undiscovered778 · June 2011

I started out taking Rainbow Light, but my doctor informed me that I really should take a prenatal that also contains DHA - which Rainbow Light (the kind they sold at my Target) did not contain. I threw out the bottle at about 8 weeks of pregnancy and started a brand with DHA.

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Has anyone taken Rainbow Light Organic Prenatals-the green capsules?

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