Research has shown that certain nutrients like folate, choline, and iron are essential for a healthy pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins including these key nutrients are recommended for women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or who are breastfeeding.

Folate

Women of childbearing age are recommended to consume folate/folic acid if they intend to or are not actively preventing pregnancy. Pregnant women are encouraged to consume folate/folic acid at least through the first trimester, and ideally through the entire pregnancy. Due to genetic variations and common polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene C677, we have formulated with the active form of folic acid, methylfolate.

Demands for folate increase during pregnancy because of its role in nucleic acid synthesis, which is especially important during periods of rapid cell growth (2). Women who consume healthful diets with adequate folate throughout their childbearing years may reduce their risk of having a child with a birth defect of the brain or spinal cord (3).

Choline

Choline is vital to methylation and cell membrane health of all cells within the body. It is also vital for healthy neurotransmitter production: acetylcholine and liver health in regards to lipid packaging and transport.

Most Americans don’t get enough in diet alone, and supplementation is highly suggested. 90%–95% of pregnant women under consume choline, getting less than the USDA’s adequate intake level. Choline has been shown to influence methylation, specifically of neural development, making it essential of pregnancy* (4,5).

Iron

Iron is an essential mineral serves many important functions in the human body. In addition to its many other functions, iron is essential for growth & development, normal cellular functioning, and synthesis of some hormones and connective tissue* (6,7).

During pregnancy, there is a dramatic increase in red blood cell production creating an expansion of plasma volume and red cell mass. Due to this, iron needs are significantly increased. According to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, substantial numbers of women who are capable of becoming pregnant, including adolescent girls, are at risk of iron deficiency anemia due to low intakes of iron (6,7,8).