Which prenatal vitamins contain the lowest levels of potentially harmful contaminants, including pesticides, heavy metals, PFAS “forever chemicals,” and phthalates? We asked our audience which prenatal supplements they were using, and then sent the top 9 products to different EPA-certified laboratories for contaminant testing. The results provide consumers with data-driven information to help evaluate and compare prenatal supplement brands based on contaminant levels. You’ve trusted Mamavation to bring you consumer studies like safest cooking oils tested for phthalates, safest water filters to filter PFAS, and safest women’s multivitamins; now join us for a consumer study testing prenatal vitamins for pesticides, PFAS “forever chemicals,” phthalates, & heavy metals.
Disclosure: This consumer study is released in partnership with Environmental Health News. Donations were provided by Environmental Health News and Mamavation community members. Note that Mamavation has only “spot-checked” the industry and thus we cannot make predictions about brands and products that we have not tested. Products and manufacturing aides can change without notice so buyer beware. This post contains affiliate links, with most to Amazon, which means Mamavation will receive a portion of those sales and we will use that to pay ourselves back for the testing. You can also give a tax-deductible donation to our consumer studies here through Environmental Health Sciences. Thank you! Copyright © 2026 Mamavation — All Rights Reserved

Table of Contents
Mamavation’s EPA-Certified Laboratory Finds Heavy Metals, PFAS, Pesticides, & Phthalates in Popular Prenatal Vitamins
Mamavation sent nine popular prenatal supplements to two EPA-certified laboratories testing for PFAS analytes, including PFOA/PFOS, phthalates, heavy metals, glyphosate, and 500+ additional pesticides. The contamination results were surprising considering how expensive most of these products were. Here’s the outcome of contaminants that were found according to our labs:
- 100% of prenatal vitamins contained ortho-phthalates. That’s 9 out of 9 products. Total phthalates ranged from 10 to 2,167 ppb.
- No prenatal vitamins had heavy metal levels (lead, arsenic, cadmium & mercury) that would require a Prop. 65 warning in California. 9 out of 9 products had lower levels of heavy metals.
- None of the prenatal vitamins we tested had detectable levels of glyphosate at the lowest standardized level. That’s 9 out of 9 products.
- None of the prenatal vitamins contained other detectable pesticides. That’s 9 out of 9 products.
- 11% of prenatal vitamins contained specific PFAS chemicals. That’s 1 out of 9 products.

Contaminants Included in Mamavation’s EPA Certified Laboratory Testing
Mamavation sent nine prenatal vitamins to two different EPA-certified laboratories looking for specific problematic contaminants that would not be listed on an ingredient panel. These ingredients are never found on an ingredient label because they are not considered “intentionally added” and would instead be considered more of a contaminant from manufacturing, transportation, storage, and/or agricultural practices. However, just because these contaminants are not “intentionally added” doesn’t mean they won’t impact your health over time and usage. With regular, long-term use, even low-level contaminants can matter for health. That’s why independent testing and transparent sourcing practices are important for both consumers and the companies they trust.
Our labs tested for the following contaminants and found some of them present in the prenatals we tested to varying degrees:
- 40 specific PFAS “forever” chemicals
- Glyphosate
- 500+ additional Pesticides
- Phthalates
- Lead — heavy metal
- Arsenic — metaloid
- Cadmium — heavy metal
- Mercury — heavy metal
PFAS “Forever Chemical” Analytes Tested, Including PFOA & PFOS
PFAS “forever chemicals” are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances used as stain-resistant, water-resistant, & oil-resistant chemicals in commerce. They have been used for decades in consumer products, manufacturing, and building materials. Here are some of the health effects associated with different PFAS “forever chemicals:”
- Reduction in immunity
- Reduced vaccination response
- Increased risk of allergies & asthma in young children
- Affected growth, learning, and behavior of infants and older children
- Increase cholesterol levels
- Metabolic diseases like obesity & diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Lowered a woman’s chance of getting pregnant
- Lowered male fertility
- Increased risk of kidney & testicular cancers
- Causes endocrine disruption
- Disrupted normal thyroid function
- Increases risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children
- Cancer
It’s also very clear based on biomonitoring evidence from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) that PFAS are in virtually all Americans. Therefore, these exposures can harm most Americans.
For this investigation, we elected to test for forty specific PFAS analytes listed below using EPA method 1633:
- Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA)
- Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA)
- Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)
- Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA)
- Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
- Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)
- Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)
- Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA)
- Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)
- Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTriA)
- Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeA)
- Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)
- Perfluoropentanesulfonic acid (PFPeS)
- Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS)
- Perfluoroheptanesulfonic Acid (PFHpS)
- Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)
- Perfluorononanesulfonic acid (PFNS)
- Perfluorodecanesulfonic acid (PFDS)
- Perfluorododecanesulfonic acid (PFDoS)
- Perfluorooctanesulfonamide (FOSA)
- NMeFOSAA
- NEtFOSAA
- 4:2 FTS
- 6:2 FTS
- 8:2 FTS
- NEtFOSA
- NMeFOSA
- NMeFOSE
- NEtFOSE
- 9Cl-PF3ONS
- HFPO-DA (GenX)
- 11Cl-PF3OUdS
- ADONA
- 3:3 FTCA
- 5:3 FTCA
- 7:3 FTCA
- NFDHA
- PFMBA
- PFMPA
- PFEESA
Glyphosate — Testing Details
Glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine] is the active ingredient in glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH) and is the most popular herbicide in the world. Its environmental presence increased sharply after the introduction of “Roundup Ready” crops in 1996, which allowed glyphosate to be sprayed onto crops such as soy, corn, and cotton without killing them. Beyond agriculture, glyphosate is extensively used in landscaping, roadside maintenance, golf courses, and vegetation control in fire-prone areas.
Glyphosate was originally patented as a chelator and an antibiotic, which means it binds minerals and interferes with microbial systems. These properties have fueled concern that long-term exposure may disrupt nutrient absorption, alter the gut microbiota, and increase antibiotic resistance.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified glyphosate as a probable carcinogen, and California lists it under Proposition 65 for cancer and reproductive harm.
Because glyphosate is not an intentionally added ingredient, it does not appear on supplement labels. However, its absence from ingredient panels does not guarantee absence from the product itself. Contamination can occur through agricultural practices, raw material sourcing, manufacturing, transportation, or storage—making independent testing a critical safeguard.
To evaluate potential exposure, Mamavation sent nine prenatal vitamins to an EPA-certified laboratory for testing. Samples were analyzed for glyphosate, glufosinate, and AMPA using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with a detection limit of 10 parts per billion (ppb), which is the lowest level routinely achievable through standardized commercial testing. While some academic laboratories may reach lower limits, those methods are not widely available or standardized for consumer product screening.

500+ Additional Pesticide Laboratory Tests for Prenatal Vitamins — Testing Details
Nine prenatal vitamins were sent to our EPA-certified lab and analyzed using two different methods, which totaled testing for 587 pesticides down to the lowest standardized level, which was mostly 10 ppb. However, there are a few chemicals where the detection limit was between 18 and 25 ppb. The first method looked at the following pesticides:
- 2,4,6-Trichloroanisole
- 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol
- 2-phenylphenol (SP)
- 8-hydroxyquinoline (SP)
- Acetochlor
- Acrinathrin
- Alachlor
- Aldrin
- Alpha Endosulfan
- Alpha-HCH
- Ametryn
- Anthraquinone
- Atrazine
- Beflubutamid
- Benalaxyl
- Benfluralin
- Beta Endosulfan
- Beta-HCH
- Bifenazate-Bifenazate Diazene
- Bifenox
- Bifenthrin
- Biphenyl
- Bitertanol
- Bromophos-ethyl
- Bromophos-methyl
- Bromopropylate
- Bupirimate
- Captan
- Captan (Sum)
- Carbophenothion
- Chinomethionat
- Chlordane (Sum)
- Chlorfenapyr
- Chlorfenson
- Chlorfenvinphos
- Chlormephos
- Chlorobenzilate+Chloro propylate
- Chlorothalonil
- Chlorotoluron
- Chlorpropham
- Chlorpyrifos
- Chlorpyrifos-methyl
- Chlorthal-dimethyl
- Chlorthion
- Cinidon-ethyl
- Cis-Chlordane
- Cyfluthrin
- Cyproconazole
- Cyprodinil
- DDD-pp+DDT-0p
- DDT (Sum)
- DEET
- delta-HCH
- Deltamethrin
- Desethyl atrazine
- Diafenthiuron
- Diazinon
- Dichlobenil
- Dichlofenthion
- Diclobutrazol
- Dicloran
- Dicofol (Sum)
- Dicofol 0,p
- Dicofol p,p
- Dicrotophos
- Dieldrin
- Dieldrin (Sum)
- Dicofol o,p
- Dicofol p,p
- Dicrotophos
- Dieldrin
- Dieldrin (Sum)
- Difenoconazole
- Diflufenican
- Dimefox
- Dimoxystrobin
- Diniconazole
- Dinobuton
- Diphenylamine
- Disulfoton (SP)
- Disulfoton (Sum)
- Disulfoton Sulfone
- Disulfoton Sulfoxide
- Ditalimfos
- Endosulfan (Sum)
- Endosulfan-Sulphate
- Endrin
- EPN
- Epsilon-HCH
- EPTC
- Ethalfuralin
- Ethion
- Ethofumesate (SP)
- Ethoprophos
- Etridiazole
- Etrimfos
- Fenarimol
- Fenazaquin
- Fenchlorphos (SP)
- Fenchlorphos (Sum)
- Fenchlorphos Oxon
- Fenitrothion
- Fenpropathrin
- Fenson
- Fenthion (SP)
- Fenthion Oxon
- Fenvalerate
- Flucythrinate
- Flumetralin
- Fluopicolide
- Fluopyram
- Fluotrimazole
- Flutamone
- Fluvalinate
- Folpet
- Folpet (Sum)
- Fonofos
- Furalaxyl
- Heptachlor (SP)
- Heptachlor (Sum)
- Heptachlor Epoxide A
- Heptachlor Epoxide B
- Heptenophos
- Hexachlorobenzene
- Hexaclorobutadiene
- Hexacanazole
- Iodofenphos
- Iprobenfos
- Iprodione
- Iprovalicarb
- Isazofos
- Isofenphos
- Isophenfos-methyl
- Kresoxim-methyl
- Lambda-Cyhalothrin
- Lindane
- Malaoxon
- Malathion (SP)
- Mefenpyr Diethyl
- Mepronil
- Metalaxyl-M (Mefenoxam)
- Methacrifos
- Methidathion
- Methacrifos
- Methidathion
- Methoxychlor
- Metribuzin
- Mevinphos
- Mirex
- Molinate
- Myclobutanil
- Naled
- Naled (Sum)
- Napropamide
- Nitrofen
- Nitrothal Isopropyl
- Nuarimol
- o,p-DDD
- o,p-DDE
- Ofurace
- Oxadixyl
- Oxychlordan
- Oxyfluorfen
- p,p-DDT
- p,p-DDE
- Paraoxon Methyl
- Paraoxon-ethyl
- Parathion Methyl (SP)
- Parathion Methyl (Sum)
- Parathion-ethyl
- Parathion-ethyl (Sum)
- Penconazole
- Pendimethalin
- Pentachloroaniline
- Pentachloroanisole
- Pentachlorobenzene
- Pentachlorobenzonitrile
- Pentachlorophenol
- Permethrin
- Phenthoate
- Phorate
- Phosalone
- Phthalimide
- Piperonyl butoxide
- Pirimiphos-ethyl
- Pirimiphos-methyl
- Procymidone
- Profenofos
- Profluralin
- Prometryn
- Propazine
- Propetamphos
- Propyzamide
- Prothiofos
- Pyrazophos
- Pyridaben
- Pyridaphenthion
- Pyrifenox
- Pyrimethanil
- Pyriproxyfen
- Quinalphos
- Quintozene
- Quintozene (Sum)
- Silthiofam
- Simazine
- Tebuconazole
- Tebufenpyrad
- Tecnazene
- Tefluthrin
- Terbacil
- Terbumeton
- Terbuthylazine
- Terbuthylazine Desethyl
- Terbutryn
- Tetrachlorvinphos
- Tetracanazole
- Tetradifon
- Tetrahydrophthalimide (THPI)
- Tetramethrin
- Tetrasul
- Thiometon
- Tolclofos-methyl
- Trans-Chlordane
- Transfluthrin
- Triadimefon
- Triadimenol
- Tri-allate
- Triamiphos
- Trifluralin
- Uniconazole
- Vinclozolin
- Zeta-cypermethrin
The second group was analyzed using the LC-MS/MS technique for 360 pesticides and included the following:
- 3-OH carbofuran (SQ)
- Abamectin
- Acephate
- Acequinocyl
- Acetamiprid
- Acibenzolar-S-methyl (SP)
- Alcarb (SP)
- Aldicarb (Sum)
- Aldicarb Sulfone
- Aldicarb Sulfoxide
- Ametroctradin
- Aminocarb
- Amitraz (SP)
- Atrizine Desisopropyl
- Azaconazole
- Azadirachtin
- Azamethiphos
- Azimsulfuron
- Azinphos-ethyl
- Azinphos-methyl
- Azocyclotin and Cyhexatin (SQ)
- Azoxystrobin
- Ben-Carb-TPN (Sum)
- Bendiocarb
- Bentazone (SP)
- Bentazones-methyl
- Benthiavalicarb
- Bioallethrin
- Bixafen
- Boscalid
- Bromacil
- Bromoxynil (SP)
- Bromuconazole
- BTS 44595
- BTS 44596
- Buprofezin
- Butachlor
- Butocarboxim
- Butoxicarboxim Sulfoxide
- Butralin
- Buturon
- Cadusafos
- Carbaryl
- Carbendazim and Benomyl
- Carbetamide
- Carboxin (SP)
- Carfentazone-ethyl (SP)
- Chloratraniliprole
- chlorbromuron
- Chlorfluazuron
- Chloridazon
- Chloroxuron
- Chlorsulfuron
- Chlorthiophos
- Clethodim (SP)
- Clethodim Sulfoxide
- Clofentezine
- Clomazone
- Clopyralid
- Clothianidine
- Coumaphos
- Crimidine
- Cyanazine
- Cyantraniliprole
- Cyazofamid
- Cyclanilide
- Cycloate
- Cycloxydim (SP)
- Cyenopyrafen
- Cyflufenamid
- Cyflumetofen
- Cyhalofop-butyl
- Cymoxanil
- Cyromazine
- Demeton S
- Demeton-S-methyl
- Demeton-S-Methylsulfone
- Demeton-S-sulfoxide
- Desmedipham
- Desmetryn
- Dialifos
- Dichiofluanid
- Dichlormid
- Dichloroprop
- Dichlorvos
- Diclofop (SP/SQ)
- Diclofop (Sum)
- Diclofo-methyl (SP/SQ)
- Diethofencarb
- Diflubenzuron
- Dimefuron
- Dimethachlor
- Dimethenamid-P
- Dimethoate
- Dimethoate (Sum)
- Dimethomorph
- Dimethylaminosulfotoluidide (DMST)
- Dinotefuran
- Diuron
- DNOC
- Dodemorph
- Dodine
- Edifenphos
- Emamectin B1a
- Epoxiconazole
- Ethaboxam
- Ethiofencarb
- Ethiofencarb sulfone
- Ethiofencarb sulfoxide
- Ethiprole
- Ethirimol
- Ethoxyquin (SQ)
- Etofenprox
- Etoxazole
- Famoxadone
- Fenamidone
- Fenamiphos (SP)
- Fenamiphos (Sum)
- Fenamiphos Sulphone
- Fenamiphos Sulphoxide
- Febnuconazole
- Fenbutatin oxide
- Fenhexamid
- Fenobucarb
- Fenoxycarb
- Fenpiclonil
- Fenpropidin (SP)
- Fenpropimorph
- Fenpyrazamine
- Fenpyroximate
- Fensulfothion
- Fensulfothion Oxon
- Fensulfothion Oxon Sulfone
- Fensulfothion Sulfone
- Fenthion (Sum)
- Fenthion Oxon Sulfone
- Fenthion Oxon Sulfoxide
- Fentin (SP/SQ)
- Fenuron
- Fipronil (SP)
- Fipronil (Sum)
- Fipronil Sulfide
- Fipronil Sulfone
- Flamprop
- Flazasulfuron
- Flonicamid (SP)
- Flonicamid (Sum)
- Florasulam
- Fluazifop-methyl (SP)
- Fluazifop-P (SP)
- Fluazifop-P-butyl (SP)
- Fluazinam
- Flubendiamide
- Fludioxonil
- Flufenacet
- Flufenacet (Sum)
- Flufenacet ESA
- Flufenacet OA
- Flufenoxuron
- Flumioxazin
- Fluometuron
- Fluoxastrobin
- Flupyradifurone
- Fluquinconazole
- Fluoxypyr (SP)
- Fluroxypyr-meptyl
- Fluroxypyr-meptyl
- Flusilazole
- Flutolanil
- Flutriafol
- Fluxapyroxad
- Foramsulfuron
- Forchlorfenuron
- Formetanate (SP)
- Formothion
- Fosthiazate
- Fuberidazole
- Halosulfuron methyl
- Haloxyfop (Sum)
- Haloxyfop-2-ethoxyethyl
- Haloxyfop-methyl (SP)
- Haloxyfop-R (SP)
- Hexaflumuron
- Hexazinone
- Hexythiazox
- Imazalil
- Imazapic
- Imazappic
- Imazapyr
- Imidacloprid
- Indaziflam
- Indoxacarb
- Iodosulfuron-methyl (SP)
- Ioxynil (SP)
- Isocarbophos
- Isoprocarb
- Isoprothiolane
- Isoproturon
- Isopyrazam
- Isoxaben
- Isoxathion
- Ivermectin
- Lenacil
- Linuron
- Lufenuron
- Mandipropamid
- Matrine
- MCPA (SP)
- Mecarbam
- Mepanipyrim
- Meptyldinocap
- Mesosulfuron-methyl
- Mesotrione
- Metaflumizone
- Metamitron
- Metazachlor (SP)
- Methiocarb (Sum)
- Methoprotyne
- Methoxyfenozide
- Metobromuron
- Metolachlor and S-Metolachlor
- Metolcarb
- Metoxuron
- Metrafenone
- Metsulfuron-methyl
- Milbemectin SQ (Sum)
- Milbemycin A3 (SQ)
- Milbemycin A4 (SQ)
- Monocrotophos
- Monolinuron
- monuron
- Neburon
- Nicosulfuron
- Nitenpyram
- Norflurazon
- Novaluron
- Omethoate
- Oxadiargyl
- Oxydiazon
- Oxamyl
- Oxasulfuron
- Oxathiapiprolin
- Oxycarboxin
- Paclobutrazol
- Pencycuron
- Penthiopyrad
- Phenmedipham
- Phorate (Sum)
- Phorate Oxon
- Phorate Oxon Sulfone
- Phorate Oxon Sulfoxide
- Phorate Sulfone
- Phorate Sulfoxide
- Phosmet (SP)
- Phosmet (Sum)
- Phosmet oxon
- Phosphamidon
- Phoxim
- Picolinafen
- Picoxystrobin
- Pinoxaden
- Pirimicarb
- Pirimicarb Desmethyl
- Pirimicarb Desmethyl Formamide
- Prochloraz (SP)
- Prochloraz (Sum)
- Promecarb
- Propachlor
- Propamocarb (SP)
- Propanil
- Propaquizafob
- Propargite
- Propham
- Propiconazole
- Propoxur
- Proquinazid
- Prosulfocarb
- Prosulfuron
- Prothiocaonazole
- Pydiflumetofen
- Pymetrozine
- Pyracarbolid
- Pyraclostrobin
- Pyraflufen
- Pydiflumetofen
- Pymetrozine
- Pyracarbolid
- Pyraclostrobin
- Pyraflufen
- Pyraflufen-ethyl (SP)
- Pyraflufen-ethyl (Sum)
- Pyridalyl
- Pyridate (SP)
- Quinclorac
- Quinoxyfen
- Quizalofop-ethyl (SP)
- Rimsulfuron
- Rotenone
- Saflufenacil (SP)
- Sebuthylazine
- Sethoxydim
- Spinetoram
- Spinosad
- Spirodiclofen
- Spiromesifen
- Spirotetramat (SP)
- Spirotetramat (Sum)
- Spirotetramatenol-glucoside
- Spirotetramat-enol
- Spirotetramat-ketohydroxy
- Spirotetramat-monohydroxy
- Spiroxamine
- Sulcotrione
- Sulfosulfuron
- Sulfotep
- Sulfoxaflor
- Tebufenozide
- Teflubenzuron
- Tepraloxydim (SP)
- Terbufos
- Terbufos (Sum)
- Terbufos Sulfone
- Terbufos Sulfoxide
- TFNA
- TFNG
- Thiabendazole
- Thiacloprid
- Thiamethoxam
- Thiamethoxam (Sum)
- Thidiazuron
- Thifensulfuron-methyl
- Thiobencarb
- Thiocyclam
- Thiodicarb
- Thiofanox
- Thiofanox Sulfone
- Thiofanox Sulfoxide
- Thiophanate-methyl
- Tolfenpyrad
- Tolylfluanid (SP)
- Tolyfluanid (Sum)
- Triasulfuron
- Triazophos
- Triazoxide
- Trichlorfon
- Tricresyl phosphate
- Tricyclazole
- Tridemorph
- Trifloxystrobin
- Triflumizole (SP)
- Triflumizole (Sum)
- Triflumizole FM-6-1
- Triflumuron
- Triforine (SQ)
- Triticonazole
- Vamidothion
- Zoxamide
Phthalates — Testing Details
Phthalates are linked to a range of adverse health effects in numerous studies involving both animals and humans. They are especially concerning because phthalates are associated with disruption of the endocrine hormone system. Hormones act at extremely low concentrations and play essential roles in development–determining how cells, tissues, and organs form–as well as in metabolism, reproduction, and immune function; even small disruptions can therefore have outsized biological consequences. Epidemiological studies have shown that phthalate exposure can alter hormone levels in ways that interfere with these critical processes. Several health outcomes associated with phthalate exposure are summarized below.
- Weight gain & obesity
- Shorter height
- Precocious puberty
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Lower IQ
- Social impairment
- Type II diabetes and insulin resistance
- Poor cardiovascular health
- Thyroid function and increased risk of thyroid cancer
- Females: pregnancy loss and preterm birth, low birth weight, earlier menopause
- Males: genital development, semen quality, reduced “masculine” play, Inhibits testosterone production, Shortened anogenital distance, or shortened “taint” , Shortened length of penis
Mamavation’s EPA-certified lab tested for the following phthalates. This is not a complete list of all the phthalates that are allowed to be present as an indirect food additive according to the FDA, however, this list goes above and beyond what is already restricted by the European Union or the State of California.
- Diethyl phthalate (DEP)
- Di-n-propyl phthalate (DPP)
- Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP)
- Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
- Dihexyl phthalate (DnHP)
- Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP)
- Dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP)
- Diisononyl phthalate (DINP)
- Di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP)
- Diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP)
- bis(2-Ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP)
- Dimethyl phthalate (DMP)
- Bis(2-propylheptyl) Phthalate (DPHP)
- Didecyl phthalate (DDP)
Heavy Metals: Lead, Cadmium, Mercury & Arsenic — Testing Details
Our EPA-certified laboratory tested each prenatal vitamins for the following metals:
- lead,
- arsenic,
- cadmium,
- mercury
Mamavation then adjusted the lab results to align with California’s Proposition 65 by converting them into micrograms per day (ug/day) based on typical serving sizes. California uses some of the most health-protective exposure limits in the country. Instead of banning products outright, Proposition 65 requires companies to warn consumers when exposure to certain harmful chemicals exceeds established safety thresholds.
Proposition 65 has set “safe harbor” levels for several heavy metals tested in this study, including arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. When exposures go above these levels, companies selling products in California must provide a warning label to inform consumers of potential risks related to cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
This approach is designed to put information directly in consumers’ hands, enabling informed choices about what they use and encouraging companies to reduce harmful contaminants whenever possible.
Here are the No Significant Risk Levels (NSRL) and the Maximum Allowable Dose Levels (MADL) established by the State of California for the heavy metals we tested:
- Arsenic: 0.06 ug/day (inhalation), 10 ug/day (except inhalation)
- Cadmium: 0.05 ug/day (inhalation), 4.1 ug/day (oral)
- Lead: 0.5 ug/day level for reproductive toxicity, 15 ug/day (oral) for carcinogens
- Mercury: no established levels in California, so the Federal maximum contaminant level for mercury would be followed instead.
Mamavation’s Raw Data From Our EPA-Certified Laboratory Ranked
Mamavation sent three sets of nine prenatal vitamins to different EPA-certified laboratories looking for traces of contaminants:
- 500+ pesticides (which is more comprehensive than other testing we’ve seen)
- Glyphosate
- 40 PFAS “forever chemical” analytes like PFOA & PFOS. (This is different from our other studies where we measured total organic fluorine.)
- Heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, & arsenic)
- Phthalates
If you would like to donate to our efforts, you can do so by giving a tax-deductible donation here through Environmental Health Sciences. You can also support our efforts by shopping our affiliate links. Please note that links below are affiliate in nature and any purchases will pay us back for the testing and allow us to do more testing in the future.
Product Brands We Tested
To help our community make safer choices, Mamavation sent multiple popular prenatal supplement brands to EPA-certified laboratories for contaminant testing. We also included several additional products selected by our community to give consumers a broader picture of what families are already purchasing. We evaluated all products for pesticides, PFAS, glyphosate, heavy metals, and phthalates.
Below is the complete list of prenatal vitamin brands included in our investigation.
Prenatal Vitamins Tested by Mamavation
- FullWell Optimal Nutrients for Women Before, During, & After Pregnancy Prenatal Dietary Supplement
- Garden of Life Organics Prenatal Once Daily Whole Food Multivitamin
- MaryRuth’s Organic Prenatal & Postnatal Multivitamins Gummies
- MegaFood Prenatal Multi Baby & Me 2 Dietary Supplement
- Needed Prenatal Multi Capsules Dietary Supplements
- New Chapter Advanced Perfect Prenatal Multivitamin Formulated for Absorption
- Nordic Naturals Prenatal Multivitamin Dietary Supplements
- Pure Encapsulations PreNatal Nutrients Dietary Supplement
- SmartyPants Sugar Free Prenatal Multi & Omegas Dietary Supplement
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Not Our Favorite Prenatal Vitamins
These prenatal supplements were found to have quantifiable amounts of PFAS "forever chemicals" OR they had high amounts of phthalates or pesticides present.
- Garden of Life Organics Prenatal Once Daily Whole Food Multivitamin
- Ingredients: Vitamin A (as Beta Carotene from Organic Food Blend) 1,300 mcg, Vitamin C (from Organic Food Blend) 120 mg, Vitamin D (D3 from Lichen) 18.8 mcg (900 IU), Vitamin E (From Organic Food Blend) 19 mg, Vitamin K (from Saccharomyces cerevisiae) 90 mcg, Thiamin (Vitamin B1 from Organic Food Blend) 1.5 mg, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 from Organic Food Blend) 1.7 mg, Niacin (From Organic Food Blend) 20 mg, Vitamin B6 (from Organic Food Blend) 9 mg, Folate (from Organic Food Blend) 600 mcg DFE, Vitamin B12 (as Methylcobalamin from Saccharomyces cerevisiae) 3 mcg, Biotin (from Organic Food Blend) 160 mcg, Pantothenic Acid (from Organic Food Blend) 7 mg, Iron (from Organic Food Blend) 18 mg, Iodine (from Organic Food Blend) 145 mcg, Zinc (from Organic Food Blend) 3 mg, Selenuim (from Organic Food Blend) 42 mcg, Manganese (from Organic Food Blend) 0.6 mg, Chrominum (from Organic Food Blend) 78.8 mcg.
- Additional Ingredients: Organic Food Blend: Organic Murraya Koenigii (Curry Leaf), Organic Emblic (Amla, Phyllanthus Emblica) (Fruit) Extract, Organic Sesbania Grandiflora (Leaf), Organic Sea Kelp, Organic Psidium Guajava (Guava Fruit & Leaf), Organic Apple (Fruit), Organic Lemon (Peel), Organic Annatto (Fruit & Seed), Organic Ocimum Sanctum (Holy Basil Leaf), Organic Mushroom (Agaricus Bisporus), Organic Moringa Oleifera (Moringa Leaf), Organic Strawberry (Fruit), Organic Cherry (Fruit), Organic Blackberry (Fruit), Organic Blueberry (Fruit), Organic Raspberry (Fruit), Organic Beet (Root), Organic Broccoli (Stalk & Flower), Organic Carrot (Root), Organic Spinach (Leaf), Organic Tomato (Fruit), Organic Green Bell Pepper (Fruit), Organic Brussels Sprout (Leaf), Organic Ginger (Root), Organic Garlic (Bulb), Organic Green Onion (Bulb), Organic Parsley (Leaf), Organic Cauliflower (Flower & Stem), Organic Red Cabbage (Leaf), Organic Asparagus (Flower & Stem), Organic Celery (Stalk), Organic Cucumber (Gourd), Organic Kale (Leaf). Other Ingredients: Clean Tablet Technology Blend (Patent Pending), Organic Dextrose, Organic Gum Arabic, Organic Coating (Organic Sunflower Lecithin, Organic Tapioca Maltodextrin, Organic Palm Oil, Organic Guar Gum), Organic Brown Rice, Organic Potato Starch.
- PFAS "forever chemicals": 0.45 ng/g 4:2FTS
- Heavy Metals: All values under Prop. 65. No warning needed. 0.099 ug/g lead, 1.34 ug/g arsenic, 0.046 ug/g cadmium, & 0.003 ug/g mercury.
- Phthalates: 740 ppb
- 500+ Pesticides: Non-detect
- Glyphosate: Non-detect
- MegaFood Baby & Me 2 Prenatal Vitamins Dietary Supplement
- Ingredients: Vitamin A (as beta carotene) 575 mcg RAE, Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid) 100 mg, Vitamin D3 (as fermented cholecalciferol) 25 mcg, Vitamin E (as d-alpha tocopherol from sunflower seed oil) 19 mg, Vitamin K (as phytonadione) 90 mcg, Thiamin (as thiamine hydrochloride) 1.4 mg, Riboflavin (as riboflavin) 1.6 mg, Niacin (as niacinamide) 17 mg NE, Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxal-5-phosphate) 2 mg, Folate (as L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate) 500 mcg DFE (294 mcg L-5 MTHF), Vitamin B12 (as cyanocobalamin) 2.8 mcg, Biotin (as biotin) 35 mcg, Pantothenic Acid (as d-calcium pantothenate) 7 mg, Iron (as fermented iron bisglycinate) 9 mg, Choline (as choline bitatrate) 200 mg, Iodine (as fermented iodine glycinate) 290 mcg, Zinc (as fermented zinc bisglycinate) 12 mg, Selenium (as fermented selenium glycinate) 70 mcg, Copper (as fermented copper bisglycinate) 2.6 mg, GTF Chromium (as fermented chromium glycinate, nicotinate, glutamate) 50 mcg, Molybdenum (as fermented molybdenum bisglycinate) 45 mcg, Boron (as fermented boron glycinate) 15 mcg, Vitamin K2 (as menaquinone-7) 15 mcg, Lutein 2 mg, Organic Moringa Leaf (moringa oleifera) 500 mg, Food Blend (Organic orange, Organic brown rice, carrot, cabbage, Organic broccoli) 135 mg
- Additional Ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, ferment media (rice protein, organic rice protein, autolyzed yeast extract, yeast (inactive), rice protein, stearic acid, silicon dioxide, autolyzed yeast hypromellulose.)
- PFAS "forever chemicals": Non-detect
- Heavy Metals: All values under Prop. 65. No warning needed. 0.06 ug/g lead, 0.03 ng/g arsenic, 0.07 ng/g cadmium, & 0.002 ug/g mercury
- Phthalates: 2,167 ppb
- 500+ Pesticides: Non-detect
- Glyphosate: Non-detect
- New Chapter Advanced Perfect Prenatal Multivitamin Formulated for Absorption (or buy on Grove Collaborative / Thrive Market)
- Ingredients: Vitamin A (100% as beta-carotene from ferment media) 1300 mcg, Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid from ferment media) 75 mg, Vitamin D3 (as vegan cholecalciferol from pine [pinus taeda]), Vitamin E (as d-alpha-tocopheryl acetate from ferment media) 20.9 mg, Vitamin K (as phylloquinone [K] from ferment media and as menaquinone-7 [K2] 90 mcg, Thiamin (as thiamine hydrochloride from ferment media) 1.4 mg, Riboflavin (from ferment media) 1.6 mg, Niacin (as niacinamide from ferment media) 18 mg, Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxine hydrochloride from ferment media) 5 mg, Folate (as L-5-methyfolate) 680 mcg DFE, Vitamin B12 (as methylcobalamin) 10.6 mcg, Biotin (from ferment media) 35 mcg, Pantothenic Acid (as calcium D-pantothenate from ferment media) 7 mg, Calcuim (from organic algae Lithothamnion spp.) 75 mg, Iron (as ferrous fumarate from ferment media) 20 mg, Iodine (as potassium iodine from ferment media) 150 mcg, Magnesium (as magnesium oxide from ferment media and from organic algae Lithothamnion spp.) 15 mg, Zinc (as zinc oxide from ferment media) 6.5 mg, Selenium (as selenium yeast from ferment media) 70 mcg, Copper (as copper sulfate anhydrous from ferment media) 0.65 mg, Manganese (as manganese chloride from ferment media) 2.6 mg, Chromium (as chromium chloride from ferment media) 45 mcg, Molybdenum (as sodium molybdate from ferment media) 20 mcg
- Additional Ingredients: Prenatal Herbal Blend Organic Fermented Brown Rice Powder, Organic Fermented Oat Seed Powder, Organic Blueberry (fruit), Organic Blackberry (fruit), Organic Flame Raisin (fruit), Organic Raspberry (fruit), Organic Rose Hip (fruit), Organic Lavender Extract (aerial parts), Organic Lemon Balm (leaf), Organic Peppermint (leaf), Organic Clove (bud). Breast Support Blend. Organic Broccoli (sprout), Organic Cauliflower (sprout), Organic Kale (sprout), Organic Daikon Radish (sprout), Organic Cabbage (sprout), Organic Mustard (sprout). Other ingredients: Ferment media (organic soy flour, organic Saccharomyces cerevisiae, organic orange peel powder, organic carrot powder, papain [deactivated], bromelain [deactivated], lactic acid bacteria [L. acidophilus, B. bifidum, L. rhamnosus], organic alfalfa powder), organic gum acacia, organic maltodextrin, hydrated silica; Less than 2% of: organic coating (organic maltodextrin, organic sunflower lecithin, organic palm oil, organic guar gum).
- PFAS "forever chemicals": Non-detect
- Heavy Metals: All values under Prop. 65. No warning needed. 0.06 ug/g lead, 0.07 ug/g arsenic, 0.07 ug/g cadmium, & non-detect mercury
- Phthalates: 1,492 ppb
- 500+ Pesticides: Non-detect
- Glyphosate: Non-detect
Better Prenatal Vitamins
These prenatal vitamins just had higher phthalate levels than the "best" brands. This category had over 100 ppb of phthalates, but they did not have detectable pesticides or PFAS.
- FullWell Optimal Nutrients for Women Before, During, & After Pregnancy Prenatal Dietary Supplement (or buy on Amazon)
- Ingredients: Vitamin A (as retinyl palmitate & beta carotene) 1500 mcg, Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid) 275 mg, Vitamin D (Vitamin D3 as Cholecalciferol) 100 mcg (4000 IU), Vitamin E (as D-Alpha tocopheryl succinate) 100 mg, Thiamin (as thiamine HCI) 5 mg, Riboflavin (as riboflavin & riboflavin-5-Phosphate) 10 mg, Niacin 25 mg NE, Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxal-5-phosphate) 20 mg, Folate (as L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate Calcuim & Calcium folinate) 1,360 mcg DFE, Vitamin B12 (as Methylcobalamin & Adenosylcobalamin) 150 mcg, Biotin 500 mcg, Panthothenic Acid (as D-Calcium Pantothenate) 150 mg, Choline (as choline bitartrate) 300 mg, Calcium (as dicalcium malate) 400 mg, Iodine (from kelp) 250 mg, Magnesium (as magnesium bisglycinate chelate buffered) 300 mg, Zinc (as zinc bisglycinate chelate) 20 mg, Selenium (as L-Selenomethionine) 200 mcg, Copper (as copper bisglycinate chelate) 750 mcg, Manganese (as manganese bisglycinate chelate) 5 mg, Chromium (as chromium nicotinate glycinate chelate) 120 mcg, Molybdenum (as molybdenum glycinate chelate) 100 mcg, Potassium (as potassium citrate) 100 mg, Myo-insitol 150 mg, Betaine Hydrochloride 150 mg, Vitamin K2 (as Menaquinone-7) (MK-7) 100 mcg,
- Additional Ingredients: vegetable capsule (hypromellose, water), microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, silica
- PFAS "forever chemicals": Non-detect
- Heavy Metals: All values under Prop. 65. No warning needed. 0.06 ug/g lead, 0.01 ug/g arsenic, 0.03 ug/g cadmium, & .0004 ug/g mercury
- Phthalates: 319 ppb
- 500+ Pesticides: Non-detect
- Glyphosate: Non-detect
- Needed Prenatal Multi Capsules Dietary Supplements
- Ingredients: Vitamin A (as 50% beta-carotine & 50% retnyl palmitate) 1500 mcg RAE, Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid) 300 mg, Vitamin D (Vitamin D3 as cholecalciferol) 100 mcg (4000 IU), Vitamin E (as d-alpha-tocopherol from mixed tocopherols) 30 mg, Thiamin (Vitamin B1 as thiamine hydrochloride) 5 mg, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 as 50% riboflavin 5-phosphate 50% riboflavin) 20 mg, Niacin (Vitamin B2 as niacinamide) 25 mg, Vitamin B12 (as pyridoxal 5-phosphate) 40 mg, Folate (as L-methylfolate, glucosamine salt) 918 mcg DFE, Vitamin B12 (as 50% adenosylcobalamin, 50% methylcobalamin) 200 mcg, Biotin 350 mcg, Pantothenic Acid (as calcium D-pantothenate) 150 mg, Chline (as chline bitatrate) 400 mg, Calcium (as di-calcium malate) 200 mg, Iodine (as potassium iodide) 200 mcg, Magnesium (as magnesium bisglycinate)(TRAACS) 290 mcg, Magnesium (as magnesium bisglycinate) 200 mg, Zinc (as zinc bisglycinate) 25 mg, Selenium (as L-selenomethionine) 200 mcg, Copper (as copper bisglycinate) 1 mg, Manganese (as manganese bisglycinate) 5 mg, Chromium (as chromium picolinate) 120 mcg, Molybdenum (as molybdenum glycinate chelate) 100 mcg, Potassium (as potassium citrate) 100 mg, Mixed tocopherols 67 mg, Vitamin K2 (as menaquinone-7) 90 mcg, d-gamma-tocopherol 36 mg, d-sigma-tocopherol 30 mg, d-delta-tocopherol 0.6 mg, d-beta-tocopherol 0.4 mg, Lutein (from marigold) 6 mg, Zeaxanthin 1.2 mg
- Additional Ingredients: Vegetable capsule (modified cellulose) and organic rice hulls
- PFAS "forever chemicals": Non-detect
- Heavy Metals: All values under Prop. 65. No warning needed. 0.13 ug/g lead, 0.006 ug/g arsenic, 0.01 ug/g cadmium, & non-detect mercury
- Phthalates: 665 ppb
- 500+ Pesticides: Non-detect
- Glyphosate: Non-detect
- Nordic Naturals Prenatal Multivitamin Dietary Supplements
- Ingredients: Vitamin (as b-carotene, retinol palmitate) 1,100 mcg RAE, Vitamin C (as Calcium ascorbate, magnesium ascorbate) 120 mg, Vitamin D3 (as cholecalciferol) 50 mcg (2000 IU), Vitamin E (as RRR-alpha tocopherl acid succinate) 15 mg, Vitamin K2 (MK-7) 150 mcg, Thiamin (as thiamin HCI) 5 mg, Riboflavin (as riboflavin-5 phosphate sodium) 5 mg, Niacin (as inositol hexaniacinate, niacinamide) 25 mg NE, Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxal-5 phosphate, pyridoxine HCI) 20 mg, Folate (as 5-MTHF) Quatrefolic 1,275 mcg DFE, Vitamin B12 (as methylcobalamin) 60 mcg, Biotin 375 mcg, Pantothenic Acid (as calcium D-pantothenate 7mg, Choline (as choline citrate) 150 mg, Calcium (as dibasic calcium phosphate dihdrate, calcium ascorbate, calcium D--pantothenate) 80 mg, Iron (as Ferrochel Ferrous bisglycinate chelate) 22mg, Phosphorus (as calcium phosphate) 50 mg, Iodine (as potassasium iodide) 170 mcg, Magnesium (as TRAACS magnesium bisglycinate, magnesium ascorbate) 50 mg, Zinc (as TRAACS zinc bisglycinate chelate) 12 mg, Selenium (as Albion selenium glycinate complex) 100 mcg, Copper (as TRAACS copper bisglycinate chelate) 0.8 mg, Manganese (as TRAACS manganese bisglycinate chelate) 3 mg, Chromium (as TRAACS chromium nicotinate glycinate chelate) 80 mcg, Molybdenum (as TRAACS molybdenum glycinate chelate) 50 mcg, Sodium (naturally occurring) 15 mg, Potassium (as potassium bicarbonate, Albion potassium glycinate complex) 75 mg, Boron (as Albion boron glycinate complex) 80 mcg,
- Additional Ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, silica, sodium stearyl fumarate, magnesium stearate
- PFAS "forever chemicals": Non-detect
- Heavy Metals: All values under Prop. 65. No warning needed. 0.05 ug/g lead, 0.02 ug/g arsenic, 0.01 ug/g cadmium, & non-detect mercury
- Phthalates: 218 ppb
- 500+ Pesticides: Non-detect
- Glyphosate: Non-detect
- Pure Encapsulations Prenatal Nutrients Dietary Supplement
- Ingredients: Vitamin A (as beta carotene) 2,400 mcg, Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid) 70 mg, Vitamin D (as cholecalciferol D3) 25 mcg, Vitamin E (as d-alpha tocopherol succinate) 12 mg, Vitamin K (as Vitamin K1) 90 mcg, Thiamin (as thiamin HCI)(B2) 1.6 mg, Riboflavin (as vitamin B2) 1.7 mg, Niacin (as niacinamide) 20 mg, Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxine HCI) 2.2 mg, Folate (as Metafolin, L-5-MTHF) 1,667 mcg DFE, Vitamin B12 (as methylcobalamin) 2.6 mcg, Biotin 300 mcg, Panthoenic acid (as calcium pantothenatel) 6 mcg, Choline (as choline bitartrate 100 mg, Calcium (as di-calcium malate) 200 mcg, Iron (as iron glycinate) 27 mg, Iodine (as potassium iodide) 150 mcg, Magnesium (as magnesium citrate) 15 mg, Selenium (as selenomethioninel) 70 mcg, Copper (as copper glycinate) 1 mg, Manganese (as manganese citrate) 2 mg, Chromium (as chromium polynicotinate) 120 mcg, Molybdenum (as TRAACS molybdenum 75mcg, Proprietary mixed carotenoid blend as lutein, lycopene, zeaxanthin 450 mcg
- Additional Ingredients: vegetarian capsule (cellulose, water) ascorbyl palmitate
- PFAS "forever chemicals": Non-detect
- Heavy Metals: All values under Prop. 65. No warning needed. 0.04 ug/g lead, 0.01 ug/g arsenic, 0.04 ug/g cadmium, & non-detect mercury
- Phthalates: 334 ppb
- 500+ Pesticides: Non-detect
- Glyphosate: Non-detect
Best Prenatal Vitamins
These prenatal vitamins were free from PFAS "forever chemicals," pesticides, and levels of heavy metals that are low enough that they do not require a Prop. 65 Warning in California. Each supplement had phthalates, so we put the ones below 100 ppb here. Unfortunately, no Vitamin D supplements were free from phthalates.
- MaryRuth's Organic Prenatal & Postnatal Multivitamins Gummies Strawberry (Use discount code "LEAHSEGEDIE" for 15% off products!) (Or buy on Amazon / Thrive Market)
- Ingredients: Vitamin A (as Retinyl Palmitate) 1,000 mcg, Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) 20 mg, Vitamin D (as Cholecalciferol) 3 mcg (120 IU), Thiamin (as thiamine mononitrate) 0.3 mcg, Riboflavin 0.35 mg, Niacin (as niacinamide) 3 mg, Folate (as calcium L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate) 800 mcg DFE, Vitamin B12 (as Methycobalamin) 8.4 mxf, Biorin (as D-Biotin) 35 mcg, Pantothenic Acid (as Calcium D-Panthothenate) 3.5 mg, Iodine (as potassium iodide) 44 mcg, Zinc (as zinc citrate) 3 mg, Sodium 20 mg, Inositol 150 mcg,
- Additional Ingredients: Organic glucose syrup, organic cane sugar, purified water, pectin, citric acid, organic maltodextrin, organic vegetable juice color, organic sunflower oil, natural flavor, sodium citrate, and organic carnauba wax.
- PFAS "forever chemicals": Non-detect
- Heavy Metals: All values under Prop. 65. No warning needed. 0.004 ug/g lead, 0.001 ug/g arsenic, 0.0007 ug/g cadmium, & non-detect mercury
- Phthalates: 10 ppb
- 500+ Pesticides: Non-detect
- Glyphosate: Non-detect
- SmartyPants Sugar Free Prenatal Multi & Omegas Dietary Supplement
- Ingredients: Vitamin A 270 mcg, Vitamin C 48 mg, Vitamin D 30 mg (1200 IU), Vitamin E 14.3 mg, Vitamin K 40 mcg, Thiamin 0.14 mg, Riboflavin 0.16 mg, Niacin 9 mg, Vitamin B6 2 mg, Folate (as L-methylfolate, calcium salt) 600 mcg DFE, Vitamin B12 4.7 mcg, Biotin 17.5 mcg, Choline 11 mg, Iodine 290 mcg, Zinc 3.9 mg, Selenium 14 mcg, Sodium 15 mg, Organic flaxseed oil 100 mg, Omega 3s 49 mg, Omega 9 11 mg, Inositol 2.5 mg
- Additional Ingredients: Soluble tapioca fiber, allulose, chicory root fiber (inulin), pectin, citric acid, Natural flavors, organic sunflower oil, organic carnauba wax, lo han guo (monk fruit) extract.
- PFAS "forever chemicals": Non-detect
- Heavy Metals: All values under Prop. 65. No warning needed. 0.009 ug/g lead, 0.001 ug/g arsenic, non-detect cadmium, & non-detect mercury
- Phthalates: 13 ppb
- 500+ Pesticides: Non-detect
- Glyphosate: Non-detect









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