Vitamin A

as 50% beta carotene and as 50% retinyl palmitate

1,500mcg RAE total, 750mcg RAE of each form (Powder/Capsules)

750mcg RAE total (Essentials)

(RAE, retinol activity equivalents, standardizes the dose of Vitamin A between the two forms as their absorption rates differ significantly)

How it supports mama:

  • immune function
  • healthy skin and vaginal tissues 

  • thyroid function

  • production of hormones like estrogen and progesterone

  • pregnancy viability (embryo implantation)

  • placenta development

  • adequate milk supply 

How it supports baby:

  • adequate birth weight

  • fetal facial development including ears and eyes
  • full-term gestation

Most pregnant and nursing women aren’t meeting their baseline needs

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) Pregnant & Nursing:

1,300mcg RAE

Many mamas avoid the “active” forms of Vitamin A, like Retinyl Palmitate.

Why this form?

Retinyl palmitate is an active form that is more readily usable by the body. It is otherwise found in animal foods, especially liver and dairy products. 

Beta Carotene is the form of Vitamin A found in plants. It is often poorly absorbed and inefficiently converted into the active (ready-to-be used) form after absorption. And, many women have a genetic variation that prevents the conversion completely.

Why this dose?

The combination provides enough retinyl palmitate to be effective, especially for those that don’t eat enough meat or dairy, or have Beta Carotene conversion difficulty, while still being safe for all mamas and mamas-to-be.

Additional information to note

There is a lot of internet chatter around avoiding active forms of Vitamin A like Retinyl Palmitate in supplements during pregnancy. This caution exists because Vitamin A is a fat soluble nutrient which means that it is not readily eliminated and can bioaccumulate. However, we think instructions to entirely avoid Retinyl Palmitate are misguided. Though toxicity can occur at very high levels*, avoidance of Retinyl Palmitate has led to a high rate of Vitamin A deficiency in pregnancy and in newborns, which can be damaging as well.  

*The WHO says 10,000IU (equivalent to 3,000mcg) a day of the active form of Vitamin A is the upper limit. However, other research suggests that no risk has been observed at 30,000IU / 9.000mcg a day. Beta Carotene does not apply towards the upper limit, as there is no research to suggest that Beta Carotene can cause Vitamin A toxicity.

Vitamin C

as Ascorbic Acid

300mg (Powder/Capsules) / 75mg (Essentials)


How it supports mama:

  • immune function
  • antioxidant - prevents cell damage
  • healthy connective tissues and skin (collagen synthesis)
  • iron absorption
  • mental health as a component of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine
  • metabolism and healthy energy levels

How it supports baby:

  • immune function
  • cell division, i.e. how baby grows
  • building cartilage, tendons, bones, teeth, blood vessels, and skin

Most pregnant and nursing women aren’t meeting their baseline needs

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) Pregnant & Nursing:

85 mg / 120 mg
  • Degrades quickly after fresh produce is picked and with cooking
  • Intake of fruit rich in Vitamin C is reduced due to sugar content concerns
  • RDA is grossly inadequate
  • Limited amounts in most prenatals

RDAs often provide far less nutrition than what you need. They are set by a government body with levels anchored by the minimum nutritional amounts necessary to avoid disease conditions, not to support you optimally before, during, and after pregnancy. Learn more here.

Why this form?

Ascorbic acid is the main form of Vitamin C found naturally in fruit and other foods.

Why this dose?

This is a highly efficacious dose of Vitamin C to support mama in pregnancy and postpartum as delivery and labor use extraordinary amounts of Vitamin C. 

Vitamin D

as D3 Cholecalciferol

4,000IU (Powder/Capsules) / 2,000IU (Essentials)


How it supports mama:

  • immune function
  • calcium and phosphorus absorption
  • bind and eliminate toxins
  • a healthy inflammatory response
  • healthy blood pressure
  • a healthy full-term pregnancy

How it supports baby:

  • immune function
  • cell division, i.e. how baby grows
  • forming bones and teeth
  • respiratory function

Most pregnant and nursing women aren’t meeting their baseline needs

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) Pregnant & Nursing:

600 IU/15 mg

50% of women critically deficient* despite taking a prenatal vitamin. 90%+ of women are deficient.

RDAs often provide far less nutrition than what you need. They are set by a government body with levels anchored by the minimum nutritional amounts necessary to avoid disease conditions, not to support you optimally before, during, and after pregnancy. Learn more here.

*Critically deficient defined here as 37.5 -80 nmol/L or less of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (circulating Vitamin D in the body and the best measure of Vitamin D supply). Many practitioners in our community prefer to see levels closer to 125 - 200 nmol/L (50 - 80 ng/ml) and even in sunny Southern California see deficiency rates upwards of 90% for women that do not appropriately supplement with Vitamin D.

Why this form?

Vitamin D3 is technically not a vitamin, but a prohormone. Prohormones are the building blocks of fully formed hormones. Your skin produces Vitamin D3 when it is exposed to sunlight. But, most mamas don't get enough sun and Vitamin D is difficult to get from food. In addition, many women contain genetic variations that predispose them to lower levels of Vitamin D. Vitamin D3 is more readily used by the body than Vitamin D2.

Why this dose?

Our dose provides enough to be effective, while still being safe for all mamas and mamas-to-be. Most prenatal supplements will add 2,000 IU of Vitamin D3 at most. Through research and clinical practice of our practitioner partners we do not think 2,000 IU is enough. 4,000 IU is more effective and highly safe. As one example, a 2011 well designed placebo and randomized controlled study on Vitamin D3 supplementation in pregnant women evaluated this dose. At 4,000 IU per day 82% of women reached proper blood levels of vitamin D and no participants had side effects of excessive blood levels of Vitamin D3. In addition, women taking 4,000 IU had far lower rates of pregnancy complications compared to those taking a lower dose. 

Additional information to note

Additional Vitamin D3 beyond 4,000 IU may be required for some mamas whose levels are especially low. 

Vitamin E

as mixed tocopherols from rapeseed

67 mg (30mg as d-alpha tocopherol that can be applied towards Vitamin E claim)

30mg (Powder/Capsules) / 10mg (Essentials)

 

How it supports mama:

  • healthy skin
  • anti-aging
  • healthy neurological function
  • normal cardiac function
  • healthy lipid profiles
  • normal inflammatory responses
  • fertility

How it supports baby:

  • healthy neurological function
  • normal cardiac function
  • promoting healthy lipid profiles
  • normal inflammatory response
  • healthy body weight
  • optimal cognitive development

Most pregnant and nursing women aren’t meeting their baseline needs

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) Pregnant & Nursing:

15mg

The potent antioxidant properties of Vitamin E benefit women at all stages of mamahood.

1 RDAs often provide far less nutrition than what you need. They are set by a government body with levels anchored by the minimum nutritional amounts necessary to avoid disease conditions, not to support you optimally before, during, and after pregnancy. Learn more here.

Why this form?

Tocopherols are antioxidants that occur naturally in foods such as nuts, seeds, and leafy green vegetables. We source ours from rapeseed oil rather than the more commonly found soybean oil. We provide 67mg of mixed tocopherols overall, with 30mg from d-alpha tocopherols declared as Vitamin E. 

Why this dose?

This dose provides extra antioxidant support to meet the needs of pregnant and nursing mamas. It is also very supportive for conception.  

Thiamin (Vitamin B1)

as Thiamine HCI

5mg (Powder/Capsules) / 1mg (Essentials)


How it supports mama:

  • cardiovascular function
  • energy generation
  • managing stress levels
  • carbohydrate metabolism
  • healthy neurological function

How it supports baby:

  • neurological development
  • healthy cognitive function
  • healthy cardiovascular function
  • motor skill development

Most pregnant and nursing women aren’t meeting their baseline needs

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) Pregnant & Nursing:

1.4 mg

Thiamine deficiency may be driven by deficiencies in the soil & consumption of whole grain products. 

RDAs often provide far less nutrition than what you need. They are set by a government body with levels anchored by the minimum nutritional amounts necessary to avoid disease conditions, not to support you optimally before, during, and after pregnancy. Learn more here.

Why this form?

Thiamin HCl is the most commonly used form of Thiamin in prenatal vitamins. Other forms of Thiamin may be better absorbed, but are not therapeutically indicated for pregnant women.

Why this dose?

Our dose provides enough to be effective, while still being safe for all mamas and mamas-to-be. 

Additional information to note

Thiamine supplementation in pregnant women with prolonged vomiting should be initiated, to avoid development of Wernicke’s encephalopathy - a rare complication of hyperemesis gravidarum. Early thiamine replacement will reduce maternal morbidity and fetal loss rate.

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

as riboflavin 5-phosphate and riboflavin

20mg (Powder/Capsules) / 5mg (Essentials)


How it supports mama:

  • energy ATP production
  • antioxidant involved in glutathione metabolism
  • metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, fats
  • healthy stress response
  • healthy mood postpartum
  • healthy immune and inflammatory response

How it supports baby:

  • healthy growth and development
  • energy (ATP) production
  • healthy skin and mucous membranes
  • healthy thyroid function
  • normal heart development and function
  • healthy immune and inflammatory response

Most pregnant and nursing women aren’t meeting their baseline needs

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) Pregnant & Nursing:

1.4 mg (pregnancy) 1.6 mg (nursing)

Vegans, vegetarians & mamas with meat aversions can be deficient as it is primarily found in meat sources.

RDAs often provide far less nutrition than what you need. They are set by a government body with levels anchored by the minimum nutritional amounts necessary to avoid disease conditions, not to support you optimally before, during, and after pregnancy. Learn more here.

Why this form?

The Riboflavin family are the precursors of the coenzymes, flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and flavin mononucleotide (FMN). We use both forms to support production of both coenzymes as Riboflavin contributes the flavin to FAD and Riboflavin-5-Phosphate is synonymous to FMN. 

Why this dose?

Despite being statistically rare in the USA, deficiency is observed in clinical practice, particularly in vegan and vegetarian mamas.

Niacin (Vitamin B3)

as niacinamide

25mg (Powder/Capsules) / 10mg (Essentials)


How it supports mama:

  • decreases likelihood of pre-eclampsia
  • postpartum weight loss
  • involved in cellular energy metabolism
  • reduces inflammation and oxidative stress
  • promoting healthy lipid profiles
  • healthy skin

How it supports baby:

  • fetal growth & development
  • healthy skin
  • promoting healthy birth weight and growth

Most pregnant and nursing women aren’t meeting their baseline needs

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) Pregnant & Nursing:

18 mg

Niacin is found in many animal proteins, but achieving optimal amounts through diet is difficult.  

1 RDAs often provide far less nutrition than what you need. They are set by a government body with levels anchored by the minimum nutritional amounts necessary to avoid disease conditions, not to support you optimally before, during, and after pregnancy. Learn more here.

Why this form?

Niacinamide is the active form of Vitamin B3 and a component of NAD, a coenzyme that acts as an electron carrier in numerous reactions in the body. 

Why this dose?

This dose is especially supportive for mamas on vegan or vegetarian diets, while being safe for all. Similar to Vitamin B3 dose in other prenatals and therapeutic to prevent deficiency, particularly in those on vegan or vegetarian diets. 

Additional information to note

Niacin is the generic name for nicotinic acid, nicotinamide and niacinamide. Niacin in higher therapeutic doses can cause flushing, but Niacinamide does not have this effect. On labels, it is sometimes listed as Niacin Equivalent (NE) which is equal to 1 mg of Niacin.

Vitamin B6

as Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate

40mg (Powder/Capsules) / 15mg (Essentials)


How it supports mama:

  • minimizes nausea
  • blood sugar balance
  • healthy mood through production of several key neurotransmitters
  • increasing Magnesium absorption

  • protein utilization, by interconverting amino acids

How it supports baby:

  • DNA synthesis

  • brain and nervous system development
  • adequate birth weight
  • healthy skin

Most pregnant and nursing women aren’t meeting their baseline needs

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) Pregnant & Nursing:

2mg

58% of mamas have suboptimal blood levels at delivery, despite 75% meeting RDA through supplements

1 RDAs often provide far less nutrition than what you need. They are set by a government body with levels anchored by the minimum nutritional amounts necessary to avoid disease conditions, not to support you optimally before, during, and after pregnancy. Learn more here.

Why this form?

Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate is bioavailable and ready to be used by the body. It's only found in animal products. Many, due to a common genetic variation, are inefficient converters of B6 Pyridoxine into the active form. 

Why this dose?

Our dose is especially supportive for mamas, including for mood imbalance and nausea, and is highly safe. Many mamas are low in B6, as hormonal birth control significantly depletes the body of it.  

Folate

as L-methylfolate, glucosamine salt Quatrefolic®

918 mcg DFE 

(DFE, daily folate equivalents, standardizes the dose of Folate between the different forms as their absorption rates differ significantly) 

How it supports mama:

  • mood imbalances, as it helps produce several key neurotransmitters
  • heart health
  • healthy red blood cells
  • immune support
  • detoxification

How it supports baby:

  • normal neural tube development
  • normal midline development including the mouth
  • DNA and red blood cell synthesis
  • cell division, i.e. how baby grows

Most pregnant and nursing women aren’t meeting their baseline needs

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) Pregnant & Nursing:

600 mcg DFE

40% to 60% of women carry a gene variant that prevents the conversion of Folic Acid1

1 RDAs often provide far less nutrition than what you need. They are set by a government body with levels anchored by the minimum nutritional amounts necessary to avoid disease conditions, not to support you optimally before, during, and after pregnancy. Learn more here.

Why this form?

Methylfolate paired with Glucosamine Salt is bioavailable and ready to be used by the body. Glucosamine is a natural compound endogenously formed throughout the human body. Glucosamine Salt improves the bioavailability of 5MTHF over the more common Calcium Salt version. We avoid Folic Acid, as it is unusable or harmful for many mamas. The unmethylated Folate form found in plants is not readily converted into the usable 5MTHF form. 

Why this dose?

Our dose provides enough Folate to be effective, especially for those with conversion difficulty, while still being safe for all mamas and mamas-to-be. While too little Folate can lead to mood imbalances, so can too much Folate.   

 

Vitamin B12

as 50% Adenosylcobalamin and 50% Methylcobalamin

200mcg (Powder/Capsules) / 100mcg (Essentials)


How it supports mama:

  • energy levels
  • healthy metabolism
  • cognitive health
  • managing stress

How it supports baby:

  • DNA and red blood cell synthesis
  • conduction of nerve impulses
  • works synergistically with folate to support normal neural tube development
  • cognitive development

Most pregnant and nursing women aren’t meeting their baseline needs

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) Pregnant & Nursing:

2.8mcg RAE

The RDA for Vitamin B12 is grossly inadequate (by a 70x factor) and it’s difficult to get enough from food

RDAs often provide far less nutrition than what you need. They are set by a government body with levels anchored by the minimum nutritional amounts necessary to avoid disease conditions, not to support you optimally before, during, and after pregnancy. Learn more here.

Why this form?

Methylcobalamin and Adenosylcobalamin are two active coenzyme forms that are readily usable by the body. Adenosylcobalamin specifically supports energy levels and a healthy metabolism, and is often missing in prenatals. Cyanocobalamin, the more common (cheap and man-made) form of B12, consists of Cobalamin (B12) attached to a cyanide molecule, a harmful compound that requires additional processing for safe removal from the body. We avoid this form.

Why this dose?

Our combination provides enough Vitamin B12 to be highly supportive, while still being safe for all mamas and mamas-to-be. 

Additional information to note

Some mamas may need to supplement with additional B12. We considered a higher dose for this Prenatal Multi as it could benefit many mamas. However, a recent study has raised some questions about the safety of high doses of B12 in relation to risk of developing autism. This is likely due to 1) supplementation with Cyanocobalamin, which like Folic Acid, is thought to have a negative impact on methylation or 2) high unprocessed B12 levels can be a sign of chronic inflammation. 

Biotin

350 mcg (Powder/Capsules) / 25mcg (Essentials)


How it supports mama:

  • active in energy metabolism
  • cofactor for enzymes involved in many metabolic pathways 

  • plays a role in fatty acid and carbohydrate metabolism

  • formation of keratin and development of epidermal cells and hair and nails, improving their condition

How it supports baby:

  • essential for normal cell division and development
  • essential component of many metabolic processes
  • healthy skin, hair, eyes
  • healthy gut and immune function
  • healthy neurological function

Most pregnant and nursing women aren’t meeting their baseline needs

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) Pregnant & Nursing:

None Available. Adequate Intake (AI) for Biotin = 30-35 mcg

An RDA does not exist because there is not enough evidence to suggest a daily amount needed by most healthy people.

RDAs often provide far less nutrition than what you need. They are set by a government body with levels anchored by the minimum nutritional amounts necessary to avoid disease conditions, not to support you optimally before, during, and after pregnancy. Learn more here.

Why this form?

Bioactive form used as a coenzyme for many metabolic reactions.

Why this dose?

Rapidly dividing fetal cells require Biotin so needs increase during pregnancy.

The body breaks down Biotin more rapidly during pregnancy and even marginal Biotin deficiency may be implicated in birth defects.

Additional information to note

Evidence suggest even marginal biotin deficiency may be teratogenic during pregnancy

Maternal alcohol intake can inhibit placental biotin transport to baby.

Pantothenic Acid

as calcium d-pantothenate

150mg (Powder/Capsules) / 10mg (Essentials) 


How it supports mama:

  • cortisol (important stress hormone) and acetylcholine production (important neurotransmitter)

  • formation of coenzyme A, a metabolic cofactor for 100+ metabolic processes, including the production of cortisol, melatonin and acetylcholine

  • healthy sleep cycles

  • healthy cardiovascular function

  • supplementation in combination with Vitamin D supports a health microbiome

  • healthy immune response

How it supports baby:

  • supports healthy energy production, growth rates, and motor skills

  • promotes development of healthy gastrointestinal flora and GI health

  • supports healthy cardiovascular function

  • promotes a healthy immune response and sleep cycle

Most pregnant and nursing women aren’t meeting their baseline needs

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) Pregnant & Nursing:

6-7 mg

Deficiency is reported during pregnancy and lactation.

RDAs often provide far less nutrition than what you need. They are set by a government body with levels anchored by the minimum nutritional amounts necessary to avoid disease conditions, not to support you optimally before, during, and after pregnancy. Learn more here.

Why this form?

Most stable and bioactive form of pantothenic acid.

Why this dose?

Intake needs are increased during pregnancy and lactation, especially in those consuming lower calorie diets. 

Additional information to note

Pantothenic acid is supplied in food and by the normal intestinal bacteria.

Choline

as Choline L(+) Bitartrate (VitaCholine™)

400mg (Powder/Capsules) / 150mg (Essentials)


How it supports mama:

  • healthy metabolism
  • normal liver function
  • efficient uptake of Omega-3 DHA
  • memory and sleep-wake cycle function, due to its role in synthesizing the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine
  • healthy cell membranes
  • healthy blood pressure

How it supports baby:

  • normal neural tube development
  • optimal brain development, including cognitive performance
  • proper DNA synthesis
  • countering some of the adverse effects of prenatal stress
  • transporting Omega-3 DHA from mama to baby

Most pregnant and nursing women aren’t meeting their baseline needs

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) Pregnant & Nursing:

550mg

95%+ aren’t meeting their needs for Choline

RDAs often provide far less nutrition than what you need. They are set by a government body with levels anchored by the minimum nutritional amounts necessary to avoid disease conditions, not to support you optimally before, during, and after pregnancy. Learn more here.

Why this form?

Choline Bitartrate is an optimal form for providing a concentrated dose that’s easily absorbed. 

Why this dose?

Our Prenatal Multi Powder and Capsules plus our Prenatal Omega-3+ Vegan includes a combined dosage of 500mg of Choline. Some research suggests daily Choline intake above 900mg is optimal. 400-500mg of supplemental choline is optimal in a single serving. More choline can be taken at a different time of day to achieve a higher intake goal. We offer a Choline add-on for those that need it. On average, pregnant mamas consume just 320mg of Choline in their diet (eggs are the most common dietary source), so our dosage helps to fully fill in what's needed. Most prenatal vitamins contain only 0-55mg of Choline as it’s a bulky nutrient that can be difficult to formulate with. 

Additional information to note

Choline’s RDA was not set until 1998, unlike most other nutrient RDAs that were established in 1941. RDAs are set by a government body with levels anchored by the minimum nutritional amounts necessary to avoid disease conditions, not to support you optimally before, during, and after pregnancy. 

Vitamin K

As K2 menaquinone-7

90mcg (Powder/Capsules) / 45mcg (Essentials)


How it supports mama:

  • bone health, especially with skeletal remodeling to prepare for birth
  • blood sugar balance
  • normal blood clotting
  • a normal inflammatory response
  • protecting skin elasticity
  • utilizing Vitamin D3  

How it supports baby:

    • forming and strengthening bones and teeth
    • cardiovascular health
    • normal blood clotting

Most pregnant and nursing women aren’t meeting their baseline needs

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) Pregnant & Nursing:

75-90 mcg (RDA does not distinguish between K1 & K2)

Vitamin K2 is not readily found in most foods. Our practitioners note high deficiency in clients.

RDAs often provide far less nutrition than what you need. They are set by a government body with levels anchored by the minimum nutritional amounts necessary to avoid disease conditions, not to support you optimally before, during, and after pregnancy. Learn more here.

Why this form?

Vitamin K2 as MK-7 (Menaquinone-7). MK-7 is found in fermented vegetables like natto and produced by healthy colonic bacteria. It lasts longer in the body than other forms of Vitamin K2. 

Why this dose?

90mcg. This dose provides enough to be effective, while still being safe for all mamas and mamas-to-be.

Additional information to note

Newborns often receive Vitamin K1 injections because 1) very little transfers from mama to baby through the placenta, 2) breast milk has very tiny amounts, and 3) baby does not have enough bacteria in their colons to make Vitamin K2.

Calcium

as Di-Calcium Malate (DimaCal™) and naturally occurring

200mg (Powder/Capsules) / 100mg (Essentials)

How it supports mama:

  • healthy blood pressure
  • cardiac function
  • healthy bones
  • production of hormones like insulin
  • muscle relaxation

How it supports baby:

  • forming and strengthening bones and teeth
  • growing a healthy heart, nerves and muscles
  • full-term gestation

Most pregnant and nursing women aren’t meeting their baseline needs

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) Pregnant & Nursing:

1,000 mg

Inadequate consumption of complementary nutrients: Vitamin D3, Vitamin K2, and Magnesium.

RDAs often provide far less nutrition than what you need. They are set by a government body with levels anchored by the minimum nutritional amounts necessary to avoid disease conditions, not to support you optimally before, during, and after pregnancy. Learn more here.

Why this form?

Di-Calcium Malate is absorbed significantly better than other forms of Calcium, such as Calcium Citrate or Carbonate.  

Why this dose?

The RDA for Calcium is 1,000mg. However, Calcium is best taken throughout the day, rather than in a single large dose. And, too much Calcium at once can impact Iron absorption. So, we account for dietary intake of Calcium when setting our dose. Calcium is available in a wide variety of foods including broccoli, dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, fish, and dairy. Plant based sources of Calcium are poorly absorbed. And, many fortified sources are not in the optimal form. Our dosage is supportive for filling in gaps in mama’s diet, especially if she is not consuming dairy products.

 

 

 

Additional information to note

Vitamin D, Vitamin K2, and Magnesium are required for your body to optimally process and utilize calcium. There is more often a shortage of D, K2, or Magnesium than Calcium. 

Taking calcium can inhibit iron absorption by as much as 62%, but this depends on the dose of calcium. This interaction is of greatest concern for younger women, as they are the most likely to suffer iron deficiency. 

Iodine

as potassium iodide

290mcg (Powder/Capsules) / 150mcg (Essentials)

 

How it supports mama:

  • normal thyroid function
  • pregnancy viability
  • thyroid function

How it supports baby:

  • brain development
  • full-term gestation
  • normal thyroid development

Most pregnant and nursing women aren’t meeting their baseline needs

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) Pregnant & Nursing:

290 mcg

The need for Iodine is heightened during pregnancy and lactation.

RDAs often provide far less nutrition than what you need. They are set by a government body with levels anchored by the minimum nutritional amounts necessary to avoid disease conditions, not to support you optimally before, during, and after pregnancy. Learn more here.

Why this form?

Potassium Iodide is a well absorbed and reliable source of Iodine. Studies have found wide variations in the content of Iodine sourced from kelp. 

Why this dose?

This matches the RDA for nursing women. Too little and too much Iodine is harmful. This dose provides enough to be effective, while still being safe for mamas and mamas-to-be that may be getting more from diet. 

Additional information to note

Observational studies have shown associations between both mild maternal iodine deficiency and mild maternal thyroid hypofunction and decreased child cognition.

Magnesium

as Magnesium Bisglycinate

200mg (Powder/Capsules) / 100mg (Essentials)

How it supports mama:

  • healthy blood pressure

  • highly supportive for back pain, constipation, headaches, hypertension, impaired insulin metabolism, leg cramps, and nausea

  • promotes relaxation and improved sleep quality

How it supports baby:

  • formation of teeth and bones

  • adequate birth weight

  • DNA synthesis

Most pregnant and nursing women aren’t meeting their baseline needs

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) Pregnant & Nursing:

400 mg

50% of mamas don't meet the RDA

RDAs often provide far less nutrition than what you need. They are set by a government body with levels anchored by the minimum nutritional amounts necessary to avoid disease conditions, not to support you optimally before, during, and after pregnancy. Learn more here.

Why this form?

Magnesium Glycinate, specifically Magnesium Bisglycinate, is a mineral chelate where the Magnesium is bound to two glycine amino acids. This form is better absorbed and gentler to digest than other forms of Magnesium. Some other forms, like Magnesium Oxide, can be so poorly absorbed that they can cause loose stools and inhibit the absorption of other nutrients. 

Why this dose?

Most women are deficient, and baseline needs are elevated during pregnancy. Magnesium content in food is very low due to depletion from soil. And, it's a critical nutrient missing from most prenatals. We include a supportive dose of 200mg of Magnesium Bisglycinate, a gentle and well absorbed form. Our Hydration Support and Sleep + Relaxation Support provide additional Magnesium, if needed. We do not recommend taking more than 400mg at once, as higher dosages may slow the nutrient’s absorption.

Additional information to note

Additional Magnesium can be added at night to promote restful sleep. 

Zinc

as Zinc Bisglycinate chelate (TRAACS™)

25mg (Powder/Capsules) / 15mg (Essentials)


How it supports mama:

  • immune function
  • protein synthesis 

  • pregnancy viability

How it supports baby:

  • DNA snythesis

  • cell division i.e. how baby grows
  • adequate birth weight
  • full-term gestation

Most pregnant and nursing women aren’t meeting their baseline needs

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) Pregnant & Nursing:

11-13 mg

80% of pregnant women worldwide have inadequate zinc intake.

RDAs often provide far less nutrition than what you need. They are set by a government body with levels anchored by the minimum nutritional amounts necessary to avoid disease conditions, not to support you optimally before, during, and after pregnancy. Learn more here.

Why this form?

Zinc Bisglycinate. This chelated form of Zinc bound to Glycine is easily absorbed and gentle on the stomach.

Why this dose?

This dose provides enough to be effective, while still being safe for all mamas and mamas-to-be.

Additional information to note

Zinc supplementation along with copper helps balance absorption of both nutrients. Many alternative and integrative practitioners recommend a ratio of 15 mg of zinc to 1 mg of copper.

Selenium

as Selenomethionine

200mcg (Powder/Capsules/Essentials)


How it supports mama:

  • fertility and conception
  • healthy thyroid function

How it supports baby:

  • healthy birth weight

  • full-term pregnancy

  • immune system development

  • healthy neurological development

Most pregnant and nursing women aren’t meeting their baseline needs

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) Pregnant & Nursing:

60-70 mcg 

Selenium levels are lower in pregnant women than in non-pregnant women.

RDAs often provide far less nutrition than what you need. They are set by a government body with levels anchored by the minimum nutritional amounts necessary to avoid disease conditions, not to support you optimally before, during, and after pregnancy. Learn more here.

Why this form?

Selenomethione is the most well-absorbed form of selenium.

Why this dose?

Selenium needs are significantly increased in pregnancy.

Copper

as copper bisglycinate chelate (TRAACS ™)

1mg (Powder/Capsules) / 0.5mg (Essentials)


How it supports mama:

  • healthy full-term pregnancy

  • promoting normal red and white blood cell profiles

  • healthy immune response

  • blood sugar balance

How it supports baby:

  • healthy fetal growth

  • energy production (ATP)

  • healthy gastrointestinal function

  • cognitive development

  • healthy immune response

Most pregnant and nursing women aren’t meeting their baseline needs

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) Pregnant & Nursing:

1,300 mcg 

Copper is an essential element required for the formation of many enzymes.

RDAs often provide far less nutrition than what you need. They are set by a government body with levels anchored by the minimum nutritional amounts necessary to avoid disease conditions, not to support you optimally before, during, and after pregnancy. Learn more here.

Why this form?

Bisglycinate chelates of copper are the most well-absorbed

Why this dose?

Copper needs are highest during pregnancy, but you don’t want too much as it competes with Zinc. A Zinc:Copper ratio of 25:1 is optimal.

Additional information to note

Copper is an important cofactor for many redox enzymes involved in numerous metabolic processes.

Manganese

as bisglycinate chelate (TRAACS ™)

5mg (Powder/Capsules) / 1mg (Essentials)


How it supports mama:

  • healthy full-term pregnancy

  • decreased risk for preeclampsia

  • cofactor for many enzymes involved in many metabolic processes

  • healthy immune response

  • normal blood clotting

How it supports baby:

  • healthy fetal bone growth

  • normal birth weight

  • cofactor for many enzymes involved in many metabolic processes

  • healthy immune response

  • normal blood clotting

  • healthy hair and skin

Most pregnant and nursing women aren’t meeting their baseline needs

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) Pregnant & Nursing:

2.0-2.6 mg 

Manganese plays a significant role in female reproduction and fetal development.

RDAs often provide far less nutrition than what you need. They are set by a government body with levels anchored by the minimum nutritional amounts necessary to avoid disease conditions, not to support you optimally before, during, and after pregnancy. Learn more here.

Why this form?

Bisglycinate chelates are the most well-absorbed form.

Why this dose?

Provides adequate level to meet mama and baby’s requirements. Excessive Manganese is associated with maternal hypertension.

Additional information to note

Elevated manganese levels have been associated with hypertension and low birth weight in pregnancy.

Chromium

as Chromium Picolinate

120mcg (Powder/Capsules) / 45mcg (Essentials)


How it supports mama:

  • healthy glucose homeostasis

  • healthy lipid profiles

  • may support healthy weight postpartum

How it supports baby:

  • supports glucose homeostasis in preterm infants
  • fetal facial feature development including eyes and ears
  • thyroid function
  • adequate birth weight
  • full-term gestation
  • healthy skin

Most pregnant and nursing women aren’t meeting their baseline needs

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) Pregnant & Nursing:

None Available. Adequate Intake (AI) for Chromium= 25-45 mcg

Lactating women lose 50% more chromium in the urine than age-matched nonpregnant control women.

1 RDAs often provide far less nutrition than what you need. They are set by a government body with levels anchored by the minimum nutritional amounts necessary to avoid disease conditions, not to support you optimally before, during, and after pregnancy. Learn more here.

Why this form?

Chromium Picolinate is a well-absorbed and well-studied form. 

Why this dose?

Mamas need higher intakes to due chromium losses during pregnancy and lactation.

Additional information to note

Pregnancy and Lactation typically drains chromium stores so supplementation is key.

Molybdenum

as molybdenum glycinate chelate (TRAACS ™)

100mcg (Powder/Capsules) / 10mcg (Essentials)


How it supports mama:

  • healthy glucose homeostasis 

  • cardiovascular health

  • activates metalloenzymes to breakdown toxins and sulfites

How it supports baby:

  • healthy glucose homeostasis in preterm infants

  • activates metalloenzymes to breakdown toxins and sulfites

Most pregnant and nursing women aren’t meeting their baseline needs

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) Pregnant & Nursing:

50 mcg 

Molybdenum is an essential trace nutrient in the human diet.

RDAs often provide far less nutrition than what you need. They are set by a government body with levels anchored by the minimum nutritional amounts necessary to avoid disease conditions, not to support you optimally before, during, and after pregnancy. Learn more here.

Why this form?

Glycinate mineral chelates are very well absorbed.

Why this dose?

Anyone following a dairy-free, grain-free, lentil, or bean-free diet may be deficient. 

Additional information to note

Molybdenum cofactor deficiency is a very rare genetic condition in which babies are born without the ability to make molybdenum cofactor, which leads to brain abnormalities and developmental delays in early infancy.

Potassium

as Potassium Citrate

100mg (Powder/Capsules) / 0mg (Essentials)


How it supports mama:

  • helps prevent fluid accumulation in extremities

  • prevents electrolyte imbalance

  • healthy immune function

  • may help with restless legs or leg cramps

  • hormone balance

  • may help maintain normal blood pressure

How it supports baby:

  • healthy bone and muscle growth

  • optimal cellular function

  • organ and tissue health

  • healthy blood pressure

Most pregnant and nursing women aren’t meeting their baseline needs

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) Pregnant & Nursing:

2,500-2,900 mg 

Potassium helps mama maintain proper electrolyte balance

1 RDAs often provide far less nutrition than what you need. They are set by a government body with levels anchored by the minimum nutritional amounts necessary to avoid disease conditions, not to support you optimally before, during, and after pregnancy. Learn more here.

Why this form?

Potassium Citrate is a well-absorbed form of potassium.

Why this dose?

Though potassium is readily available in foods, dietary surveys consistently show that people in the United States consume substantially less Potassium than recommended. This dose provides a bit of extra support, especially with blood volume expansion in pregnancy.

Additional information to note

High potassium (hyperkalemia) during pregnancy is dangerous and can lead to cardiovascular complications.

Boron

none

Most pregnant and nursing women aren’t meeting their baseline needs

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) Pregnant & Nursing:

None

No RDA for Boron since an essential biological role for it has not been identified.

RDAs often provide far less nutrition than what you need. They are set by a government body with levels anchored by the minimum nutritional amounts necessary to avoid disease conditions, not to support you optimally before, during, and after pregnancy. Learn more here.

Additional information to note

Boron has been linked to helping make Vitamin D receptors more efficient, which is helpful. However, we already consume about a milligram of Boron daily, mostly from fruit and vegetables. And, we are otherwise unintentionally taking in Boron in drinking water or through other means as it is used regularly in glass, detergents, and agriculture. At high doses, Boron has been found to be a developmental and reproductive toxin in animals. For these reasons, we do not include Boron in our Prenatal Multi and suggest you avoid supplements that contain it.