PAS Library
Introducing the Pure Alliance Standards Library, a repository supporting P2i-based methodologies, revolutionizing industry benchmarks. This library represents a comprehensive collection of articles, reports and statements, aiming to elevate quality, efficiency, and innovation across the prenatal to infancy sectors. It is designed to support businesses and professionals in achieving unparalleled excellence, driving forward progress, and maintaining competitive advantages in an ever-evolving market landscape. With its commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation, the Pure Alliance Standards Library stands as a pivotal resource for those striving to meet and exceed
prenatal industry norms.​​
01
Toxic chemicals and environmental contaminants
in prenatal vitamins - FIGO Statement 4.2023
Prenatal Vitamins are prescribed routinely for women before, during and after pregnancy to improve the nutritional status of the mother and improve the health of the fetus. Folic acid is known to decrease the risk of neural tube defects, and iron can improve neurologic outcomes in the fetus and decrease the risk of complications from postpartum haemorrhage in a mother. FIGO and other Ob/Gyn medical societies advise that during pregnancy a woman needs folic acid, iron, calcium, vitamin D, choline, omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and vitamin C.
03
Evidence-Based Recommendations for an Optimal Prenatal Supplement for Women in the U.S., Part Two: Minerals
The levels of many essential minerals decrease during pregnancy if un-supplemented,
including calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium, zinc, and possibly chromium and iodine. Sub-optimal
intake of minerals from preconception through pregnancy increases the risk of many pregnancy
complications and infant health problems.
04
Exposure to Toxic Environmental Agents
Reducing exposure to toxic environmental agents is a critical area of intervention for obstetricians,
gynecologists, and other reproductive health care professionals. Patient exposure to toxic environmental
chemicals and other stressors is ubiquitous, and preconception and prenatal exposure to toxic environmental agents can have a profound and lasting effect on reproductive health across the life course. Prenatal exposure to certain chemicals has been documented to increase the risk of cancer in childhood; adult male exposure to pesticides is linked to altered semen quality, sterility, and prostate cancer; and postnatal exposure to some pesticides
can interfere with all developmental stages of reproductive function in adult females, including puberty, menstruation
and ovulation, fertility and fecundity, and menopause.
05
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL FOR GAO-24-106689: Testing Results for Selected Prenatal Supplements
This supplemental material is a companion to GAO’s report GAO-24-106689 and contains laboratory testing results for the 12 prenatal supplements we selected (presented anonymously as supplement products A through L). We present graphical representations of the measured amount of each tested nutrient relative to the amount of that nutrient stated on the label—called the “percent of the label amount.” We also present a table of laboratory testing results for lots in in which heavy metal contaminants were found in measurable amounts and presents these results in a table because heavy metals were not detected in all samples. For the unprocessed laboratory testing data underlying our analysis, please see the CSV file available for download on the homepage for this supplemental material.
07
Heavy metal contamination of prenatal vitamins
Prenatal vitamins are often consumed daily during gestation and postnatally for up to 18–24 months with the belief that supplementation achieves better outcomes. Detrimental effects of gestational exposure to adverse chemical agents are gathering increasing attention. This study was designed to assess toxic element contamination in prenatal supplements.
Twenty-six commonly used prenatal vitamin brands including one prescription brand were collected from Canadian health-food outlets and pharmacies, and tested for toxic element contamination. Results were compared to established endpoints.
08
Kirkman® launches certified prenatal supplement
Portland, Oregon--(Newsfile Corp. – April 15, 2024) - Kirkman®, a premier global leader in the dietary supplement industry, has introduced the first certified prenatal supplement that follows FIGO’s (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) position and recommendation after their October 2023 FIGO Statement. https://www.figo.org/resources/figo-statements/toxic-chemicals-and-environmental-contaminants-prenatal-vitamins.
09
Testing Standards for Prenatal Vitamins
The FORUM has established initial testing protocols in line with the stringent requirements of California Proposition 65, the standards set by the United States Pharmacopeia, as well as the regulatory frameworks of the European Union and the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration. These standards also follow the FIGO list of heavy metals and toxins and the standard of de minimis levels of the hazardous metals and the listed testing detection levels of each metal contained in the October 2023 Paris document.
WhitePapers
The Pure Alliance Standards Library is expanding with additional whitepapers on toxicity and its underlying science. These documents explore the mechanisms and impacts of toxicity on health, environment, and industry. Authored by leading experts, they cover toxicological assessments, risk management, regulatory frameworks, and mitigation strategies. These whitepapers provide critical insights and advanced methodologies, serving as invaluable resources for professionals aiming to enhance safety standards, ensure compliance, and drive innovation.