Blackmores Pregnancy + Breast Feeding Capsule

Blackmores Pregnancy + Breast Feeding Capsule (60s) is a multivitamin, mineral and fish oil supplement from Blackmores, marketed in Malaysia as Blackmores Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding Gold. It is formulated to provide supplemental nutritional support for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and combines omega-3 fish oil with B-group vitamins, vitamins C, D3 and E, betacarotene and key minerals in a single soft capsule. Each pack contains 60 capsules, which is a 30-day supply at the recommended intake of one capsule twice a day.

Each capsule provides 250mg of fish oil containing 125mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and 25mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), together with 200mcg folic acid, 75mcg iodine, 5mg iron, 120mg calcium, 52.5mg magnesium, 6mg zinc and 200 IU vitamin D3. At the recommended two capsules a day, this adds up to 250mg DHA, 400mcg folic acid, 150mcg iodine, 10mg iron and 400 IU vitamin D3 daily. Folic acid contributes to normal maternal tissue growth during pregnancy, iodine is needed for normal thyroid hormone production, iron is involved in normal red blood cell formation, and DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid found in high amounts in the brain and retina.

Because it contains fish oil, this product is not suitable for people with a fish allergy. The iron, calcium and vitamin D content are moderate, so some women may still need separate supplements prescribed or recommended by their doctor based on blood tests or their antenatal plan. It is intended to complement a balanced diet and regular antenatal care, not to replace either, and it is best to check with your doctor or pharmacist before combining it with other prenatal products to avoid doubling up on nutrients such as folic acid, iodine or iron.

Swallow one capsule whole with a glass of water twice a day, preferably with meals (for example, one with breakfast and one with dinner). Taking the capsules with food may help reduce fishy aftertaste or mild stomach discomfort. Do not chew or open the capsules. Always read the product label and follow the directions for use, or use as directed by your doctor.

Adults (pregnant or breastfeeding women): 1 capsule twice a day (2 capsules daily), or as directed by your doctor.

Do not exceed the recommended daily intake. If you miss a dose, take it with your next meal, but do not take extra capsules to make up for it. If you are already taking another multivitamin, folic acid, iron, iodine or fish oil supplement, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product as well.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed after each use and refer to the product label for any specific storage temperature. Keep out of reach of children, as iron-containing supplements can be harmful to young children if swallowed accidentally.

• Common: Fishy aftertaste, burping or fish-flavoured breath from the fish oil content.
• Common: Mild stomach upset, nausea, constipation or loose stools, which may be linked to the iron and mineral content.
• Common: Darker stools, which can occur with iron-containing supplements and is usually harmless.
• Serious: Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing, especially in people sensitive to fish. Stop taking the product and seek medical help immediately.
• Serious: Severe or persistent abdominal pain, vomiting or unusual bleeding or bruising. Stop use and consult a doctor.

• People with a known allergy to fish, fish oil or any ingredient in the product.
• People with iron overload conditions such as haemochromatosis, or those advised by a doctor to avoid iron.
• People with high blood calcium levels (hypercalcaemia) or a history of calcium-containing kidney stones, unless advised by a doctor.
• Not intended for children; this product is formulated for adult women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Thyroid medicines (e.g. levothyroxine): Iron, calcium and magnesium can reduce absorption; take the thyroid medicine at least 4 hours apart from this supplement. The iodine content may also be relevant if you have a thyroid condition, so inform your doctor.
• Certain antibiotics (tetracyclines such as doxycycline, and quinolones such as ciprofloxacin): Minerals can bind to these antibiotics and reduce their absorption; separate doses by at least 2–4 hours or follow your doctor’s or pharmacist’s advice.
• Anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicines (e.g. warfarin, aspirin): Fish oil may add to the effect on bleeding; inform your doctor before use.
• Separate iron or calcium supplements: Calcium can reduce iron absorption when taken at the same time; if your doctor has prescribed an additional iron supplement, ask how best to space the doses.
• Other prenatal or multivitamin products: Avoid duplicating folic acid, iodine, iron, vitamin D or fish oil from several products unless your doctor has advised it.
• Tea, coffee and dairy: Tea and coffee taken with the dose can reduce iron absorption; taking the capsule with a meal rather than with tea or coffee is preferable.

• Take one capsule with breakfast and one with dinner to make the twice-daily routine easier to remember.
• Bring the bottle to your antenatal check-up so your doctor can see exactly what you are taking alongside any prescribed iron or calcium.
• Check the labels of other supplements to avoid doubling up on folic acid, iodine, iron or fish oil.
• Space this supplement at least 4 hours apart from thyroid medicines and 2–4 hours apart from tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics.
• If you notice a fishy aftertaste, try taking the capsule in the middle of a meal.
• Store the bottle tightly closed and well out of reach of children because it contains iron.

Precautions: This product contains fish oil and is not suitable for people with a fish allergy. It contains iodine, so women with a thyroid condition (such as an overactive or underactive thyroid) or who take thyroid medicines should check with their doctor before use. It also contains iron; accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of poisoning in young children, so keep the bottle out of their reach. Women with a bleeding disorder, those taking blood-thinning medicines, or those scheduled for surgery or delivery by caesarean section should inform their doctor that they take a fish oil supplement. Do not combine with other prenatal multivitamins unless advised, to avoid excessive intake of folic acid, iodine, iron or vitamin D.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Speak to your doctor before starting if you have anaemia, gestational diabetes, a thyroid condition, kidney disease, a history of kidney stones, or are taking any regular medicines. Seek medical advice if you experience persistent nausea, vomiting, constipation or stomach pain, signs of an allergic reaction, or unusual bleeding or bruising. If a child accidentally swallows any capsules, seek medical help immediately even if there are no symptoms.