Global effort provides free prenatal vitamins to support moms' health

A global nonprofit and its network of partners are expanding access to prenatal vitamins, aiming to curb gaps in prenatal care for mothers who lack insurance or reliable access. In South Carolina, a state with a high share of uninsured women of reproductive age, Stephanie, a 32-year-old first-time mother, faced challenges obtaining prenatal vitamins until a local diaper bank connected her with Vitamin Angels.

Vitamin Angels distributes prenatal vitamins through community clinics, diaper banks, and other trusted providers across the United States and internationally. The program reaches more than 1 million underserved pregnant women in the United States who miss prenatal services, and it serves about 74 million women and children annually in 65 countries. The effort is funded by donors and corporate partners, including Prevagen, which supports the program as a philanthropic collaborator rather than a vitamin maker. The approach ensures women access vitamins through providers they already know and trust, increasing the likelihood they will take the supplements.

Stephanie's second pregnancy, at age 41, benefited from free prenatal vitamins provided through Power in Changing, a local diaper bank. She says taking the vitamins helped her feel healthier during the pregnancy and aided faster postpartum recovery for her and her baby.

Ty’hara, a Florida resident, faced difficulty finding prenatal care that accepted her Medicaid coverage. She found help at Bond Community Health Center, where prenatal vitamins from Vitamin Angels were available through the center’s network. She attributes the vitamins with supporting the baby's development and improving her iron and mineral levels.

Across India, a pregnant woman named Santoshini received Vitamin Angels supplements through a program partner working with the Indian government to integrate nutrition education, immunizations, and other services. She says the supplements helped her daily energy levels during pregnancy while caring for an active two-year-old child.

Vitamin Angels notes that inadequate nutrition during pregnancy can contribute to complications such as preterm birth and adverse developmental outcomes, and that improving maternal nutrition has benefits for both mother and child. The organization reports that the program’s reach has global impact, including helping to prevent irreversible conditions that can arise from poor early nutrition.

The effort is supported by individuals and corporate partners who view prenatal vitamins as a prudent investment in maternal and child health. A senior leader at Vitamin Angels frames the cost effectiveness, noting that a donation can fund a full course of prenatal vitamins for several women. A representative from Prevagen’s parent company echoes the commitment to expanding access to essential nutrition for mothers and children.

These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The vitamins are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The program underscores how modest donations can translate into meaningful health benefits, especially for women with limited resources.