New Research Reveals Toxic Chemicals in Prenatal Vitamins

PORTLAND, Ore. - EntSun -- New Research Reveals Toxic Chemicals in Prenatal Vitamins – Global Health Leaders Introduce a First-Ever Safety Standard

PORTLAND, Oregon – February 14, 2025 – For years, prenatal vitamins have been trusted as essential supplements for maternal and fetal health. However, new research has revealed a troubling reality: many of these products contain toxic chemicals, including pesticides and heavy metals, posing risks to fetal development and long-term health. In response to this under-recognized danger, a coalition of global health leaders has introduced a groundbreaking new safety standard to ensure prenatal vitamins meet the highest level of purity and safety.

A 2018 study found that every tested prenatal vitamin contained toxic contaminants, with over half exceeding safe levels of lead. Follow-up research in 2023 confirmed similar findings across brands labeled as both pure and synthetic. The presence of these contaminants has been linked to serious health risks, including neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and ADHD, as well as future infertility and cancer. Yet, despite these alarming findings, regulatory oversight remains insufficient to guarantee the safety of prenatal supplements.

Recognizing this critical gap, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) issued a 2023 statement at the World Congress in Paris, calling for a new global safety standard for prenatal vitamins. Leading this charge, Dr. Jeanne Conry, immediate past president of FIGO and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and Dr. Nate DeNicola, FIGO's Chair of Environmental Health, have spearheaded an initiative known as "Preconception to Infancy" (P2i) to develop a trusted, verifiable certification of minimal toxicity.

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In collaboration with the Forum Institute, a leading nonprofit focused on childhood neurodevelopment, and experts from chemical manufacturing, distribution, and laboratory testing, the Pure Alliance has now introduced the P2i safety label—a first-of-its-kind certification ensuring that prenatal supplements meet rigorous safety testing.

A New Standard for Prenatal Safety

The P2i certification requires prenatal vitamins to pass comprehensive testing for:

• 24 heavy metals
• 120 environmental contaminants
• 9 allergens
• Microbes and bacteria, including E. coli, salmonella, and listeria
• Yeast and mold

As of January 2025, Kirkman, a subsidiary of Functional Brands Inc. has become the first and only prenatal vitamin brand in the U.S. to achieve P2i certification. Eric Gripentrog, CEO, stated, "we are honored to contribute to this groundbreaking initiative, setting a new standard for safety in prenatal health and advancing public well-being".  This milestone demonstrates that a higher standard of safety is not only necessary but achievable.

"This is a turning point in maternal and child health," said Dr. Conry. "For too long, parents have unknowingly been exposed to harmful toxics in products meant to protect them. With the P2i label, we can finally offer a clear, science-backed solution that ensures safety at the highest standard."

Dr. DeNicola added, "The medical community now has a path forward to ensure that pregnancy and early childhood are no longer compromised by hidden toxic ingredients. The P2i certification is a first step, and we urge all prenatal vitamin manufacturers to meet this standard."

Dr. Lee Grossman, CEO of the Forum Institute, emphasized the broader impact of this initiative on children's health, "For decades, we have struggled to address the environmental contributors to chronic disease and neurodevelopmental delays in children. The P2i certification represents a long-overdue shift toward preventive action."

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Dr. Grossman added, "By reducing toxic exposures from the very beginning of life, we can significantly improve long-term health outcomes and help every child reach their fullest potential. This is not just an advancement in prenatal care—it is an investment in the future of public health."

Upcoming Press Event & Clinical Training Seminar

To officially introduce the P2i safety standard, a press event will take place in Portland, Oregon, on February 14, 2025. The event will feature Dr. Jeanne Conry, Dr. Nate DeNicola, Dr. Lee Grossman, and key stakeholders from the Pure Alliance. Media representatives are invited to attend for exclusive insights into this critical new certification and what it means for the future of maternal and child health.

Additionally, on February 15, 2025, a clinical training seminar on environmental health will be held for clinicians interested in understanding the impact of toxic exposures in pregnancy and early childhood. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to participate in this educational curriculum, which will provide essential knowledge and guidance on implementing safer practices for maternal and infant health.  To register at no cost:  https://forump2i.com/

A Call to Action

The leaders behind P2i believe that every vitamin formulated for preconception and prenatal care can and should meet these safety standards. This announcement does not promote one brand – rather it sets a new industry benchmark that protects the health of future generations.

For more information on the P2i safety label or to RSVP for the press event, please contact:

David Humphrey
The Forum Institute

503-297-3636

dkhumphrey@gmail.com