Oxidative stress is natural and happens throughout placental and fetal development. However, if mom is low in antioxidants such as Selenium, Vitamins A, C, E, Copper, and Manganese, oxidative stress can increase tissue damage and increase the risk of miscarriage, slow fetal growth, preeclampsia, and even diseases later in life for baby such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Getting enough antioxidants, especially preconception and in the first trimester, is important for a healthy pregnancy. Study here and here and here

Vitamin A functions as an antioxidant in the body which is necessary to prevent oxidative stress and tissue damage. Low levels of vitamin A have been associated with secondary infertility and adequate levels are necessary for healthy reproduction and embryo development.

Critical for growth of most cells and organs including eyes, heart, and lungs. Low vitamin A during pregnancy is associated with night blindness and anemia in mothers. Infants born to mothers with low vitamin A have increased risk for severe vision problems, heart defects, orofacial defects, delayed growth, and impaired lung function.

We combine two forms of vitamin A:

• Mixed carotenoids (the family of vitamin A compounds found in nature including beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, etc.)
• Preformed vitamin A, palmitate, which is easily absorbed. 

Some people have a difficult time converting carotenoids to palmitate vitamin A, but too much of the palmitate can become toxic. We use a bit of both to meet the increased needs of vitamin A in pregnancy for all women while staying within a safe level for baby.

Dosage Facts
Retinol levels decrease steadily during pregnancy when not supplemented and the average intake of vitamin A is below the RDA. Original recommendations of 750mcg of retinol were found to be insufficient for women in the US to increase levels to those of non-pregnant women. Mix carotenoids alone are helpful but not sufficient to keep levels in an optimal range, so you need active vitamin A (we chose palmitate). To keep levels within a healthy range and reduce risk of above mentioned issues, it's recommended to supplement with 1,200 mcg of active vitamin A (palmitate) and 1,000mcg of mixed carotenoids.

B12 is a water soluble vitamin that works in partnership with other B vitamins, especially folate, to support fertility. B12 is critical for reducing risk of infertility, miscarriage, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm birth. Deficiency is associated with low birth weight, neural tube defects, serious heart defects, and childhood diabetes. It's needed for the formation of red blood cells, cellular metabolism, and synthesis of DNA and myelin. 

Women with high homocysteine (an amino acid) have been shown to experience worse reproductive outcomes. Low B12 in the setting of high homocysteine can increase the risk for miscarriage, and long-term deficiency is associated with infertility due to changes in ovulation. B12, along with folate, can help to reduce homocysteine to healthy levels.

Dosage Facts
B12 levels decrease during pregnancy when not supplemented well above the RDA and blood levels have been found to be 20% lower than non-pregnant women. Some women have very poor absorption of B12 or do not eat nearly enough from their diet (vegetarian/vegans are at highest risk here) and will require very high doses. No upper tolerable limit has been established and high doses are safe.

B6, also known as pyridoxine, is a water soluble vitamin that works in concert with the B-vitamin complex to support the brain, nervous, and immune systems. B6 deficiency is associated with increased risk of preterm birth, nausea/vomiting during pregnancy, cleft lip/palate in infants, and neurodevelopmental behavior problems. 

Dosage Facts
Critical for over 100 enzymatic reactions in the body including production of neurotransmitters and hormones.

Levels decrease significantly during pregnancy if not supplemented and also with the standard RDA recommendation. Research showed you needed at least 10mg/day to maintain normal pre-pregnancy B6 levels, and even then some women had low levels. It is recommended to supplement with at least 10mg/day for normal levels, and some women need more. Tolerable upper limit is 100mg/day, so going higher makes sense for those who need a bigger dose while staying well within a safe range. 

In addition to folate, B vitamins include B1 (Thiamin), B2 (Riboflavin), B3, B5, B6, B7 (Biotin) and B12. Research shows that regular use of a multivitamin preconception that contains the spectrum of B vitamins may decrease the risk of ovulatory infertility. Low B12 levels have been associated with low birth weight and preterm birth. B vitamins are also needed to support detoxification, DNA regulation, energy production, proper metabolism, and much more throughout pregnancy. B vitamins are especially important for strict vegetarians and vegans who often lack in one or more of these vitamins.

Copper is an essential nutrient that works together with iron to build red blood cells. This is especially important when your blood supply increases for baby. Copper is also needed for neurohormone regulation, proper gene expression, brain development, and immune function. Low levels of copper and zinc early in the early part of pregnancy has been associated with complications during labor. Only a small amount is stored in the body and we need a safe balance of copper and zinc. When supplementing zinc, adding a small amount of copper can help maintain that balance because zinc competes with copper for absorption in the stomach.

Chromium plays a role in metabolic health by supporting blood sugar control by helping the body make more insulin receptors. This is especially important during pregnancy when the chances of becoming insulin resistant increase, or if a woman develops gestational diabetes. Chromium may also have antioxidant effects.

Otherwise known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is one of the body’s major antioxidants and works to increase levels of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide relaxes smooth muscle to increase blood flow which is key for supplying blood to the baby throughout pregnancy. Vitamin C also helps to trigger healthy ovulation and plays a role in all phases of wound healing, so this nutrient is important preconception, throughout pregnancy, and postpartum.

Choline is essential for your baby’s spinal cord and brain development, gene expression, and tissue production as well as possibly reducing risk of neural tube defects, autism, and Down syndrome. Getting enough choline, especially in the third trimester, may actually boost your baby’s cognitive function later in life.

We have chosen to use a microencapsulated form of choline because this form enhances bioavailability and allows for a higher rate of absorption compared to non-microencapsulated. This can also cut down on the strong smell and taste often associated with choline.

Dosage Facts
The majority of women are consuming inadequate choline in their diet. The demand for choline is highest in late pregnancy, when levels can be at their lowest if not supplemented. NHANES data showed average US women aged 20-39 were eating an average of 285mg/day which is much less than the recommended 450mg/day. This is why it's recommended for supplements to contain at least 350mg to make up the difference and supply a bit more as demands grow through pregnancy. 

Vitamin D is key! Critical for bone growth and immune function Vitamin D is needed for calcium absorption for both mom and baby along with optimal immune function for mom. Vitamin D supplementation helps reduce the risk of miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, infection, gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, secondary hyperparathyroidism, low birth weight, pre-term birth, and post-partum depression. It also increases infant mental and psychomotor scores.

Many women are low or deficient in vitamin D, especially those living at higher altitudes, women following a vegan diet, those with darker skin pigmentation, and obesity. Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy is associated with higher risk for miscarriage, preterm birth, c-section, childhood asthma, language difficulties, and autism.
Study here

Dosage Facts
Vitamin D levels significantly decrease at start of pregnancy and remain low if not supplemented. Blood level of 40ng/ml or higher results in a 57% lower risk of preterm birth compared to women with levels lower than 20 ng/ml. 

Supplementation with up to 4,000IU/day resulted in higher blood levels than the original recommended 400IU/day. NHANES data found the average dietary intake of vitamin D aged 20-39 was 136IU/day compared to the RDA of 600IU/day. 

Oxidative stress is natural and happens throughout placental and fetal development. However, low levels of antioxidants including Vitamin E can increase the risk of tissue damage, miscarriage, slow fetal growth, and preeclampsia. Vitamin E has also been shown to improve egg quality by protecting against oxidative damage and support the development of the uterine lining, making this nutrient especially important preconception and throughout pregnancy.

We use mixed tocopherols rather than just one form of Vitamin E because this is more similar to how Vitamin E is found in nature. 

Iodine is a mineral needed to support optimal thyroid function and regulate body metabolism. Mild to moderate iodine deficiency is common among women of childbearing age and low iodine levels may reduce chances of pregnancy. Requirements for iodine increase during pregnancy. Once pregnant, iodine is needed by the baby to produce thyroid hormone and support proper brain development. This makes iodine important pre-conception and throughout pregnancy.

Inositol (myo-inositol) is similar to a B vitamin, but is it truly a carbohydrate that plays a role in the signaling of hormones, neurotransmitters, and impacts fertility by improving the body’s ability to use insulin. Inositol is especially effective at improving the rate of pregnancy in women with a history of infertility and those undergoing IVF treatment (in vitro fertilization). It has also been shown to improve the quality of embryos. This carbohydrate is most effective at supporting fertility if taken before and during the process of trying to get pregnant.

Iron is needed to make red blood cells and carry oxygen to all of mom’s and baby’s body tissues. Pregnant women need at least double the amount of iron compared to non-pregnant women, and many women of childbearing age are low or deficient in iron. Having enough iron throughout pregnancy is important for the health and safety of both mom and baby

We have upgraded the form of iron we use to Ferrochel Iron Bisglycinate Chelate because it has a very high absorption rate and it is extremely well tolerated by the gastrointestinal system, making it less likely to cause constipation or upset stomach.

Vitamin K actually refers to a grouping of fat soluble vitamins that play a role in blood clotting/wound healing, bone metabolism, regulating blood calcium levels, and impacts levels of DHEA and testosterone which play a role in fertility. Vitamin K is needed by the baby to support proper bone growth, protein formation in the liver, and to prevent bleeding in the baby after birth which can happen in the setting of vitamin K deficiency. It is also important for mom post-delivery to ensure proper healing. This makes vitamin K especially important throughout pregnancy and postpartum.

Magnesium is a cofactor for more than 300 enzymatic processes throughout the body. These enzymes regulate protein synthesis, muscle/nerve function, blood sugar control, blood pressure, and more. Magnesium deficiency is very common among women of childbearing age, and needs increase during pregnancy. Deficiency puts both mom and baby at risk for issues such as preeclampsia, poor fetal growth and low birth weight. Even with a healthy and diverse diet, our soil and food has become so depleted of magnesium, most women require some supplementation to get enough.

When Magnesium is chelated with the amino acid bisglycinate, it increases the absorption. This form is also less likely to cause gastrointestinal symptoms compared to other forms of magnesium. That is why we chose magnesium bisglycinate chelate. 

Manganese is a trace mineral that has many functions in the body. It plays a key role in the releasing of an egg from the ovary during a woman’s menstrual cycle, so low manganese levels can therefore contribute to infertility. Manganese is also part of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) which is one of the most important antioxidants and thus protects mom and baby against oxidative stress. Manganese also works together with calcium, zinc, copper, and others to support bone mineral density.

Folate is necessary for DNA synthesis and methylation needed for gene expression and essential for normal cell growth and replication. Folate supplementation during pregnancy is proven to reduce risk of neural tube disorders and megaloblastic anemia, reduces other birth defects, preterm birth, and (if taken preconception) small-for-gestational-age. Lower levels associated with higher rates of autism and food allergies.

Women also need folate for healthy ovulation and egg development. Folate helps prevent miscarriages, spinal cord, and fetal brain injuries. Around 40% of the population has a variation to their MTHFR gene which makes it difficult to process the synthetic form of folate, known as folic acid. This can make supplements that contain the synthetic form dangerous for some women. Methylfolate is the active form that can be easily used by the body to protect both mom and baby before, during, and after pregnancy. Study here

We use Ca-5MTHF which is the predominant naturally occurring folate in foods. It is more stable and bioavailable compared to other methylfolates on the market. 

Dosage Facts
Folate levels decrease significantly during pregnancy unless supplemented. Getting the RDA is insufficient for some people due to genetic variations to their MTHFR gene, dietary intake (some people have low folate intake), absorption issues, chronic conditions and use of certain meditations. The tolerable upper limit is 1,000mcg folate which we fall within but provide higher than average recommended doses to account for those who require more folate. 

Around 70% of pregnant women will experience some degree or nausea with or without vomiting, commonly referred to as ‘morning sickness.’ This is due to excess sulfite production which can become a problem if foods and liquids are difficult to keep down. Research indicates that molybdenum may help alleviate nausea by breaking down sulfite to sulfate which is then excreted from the body or reused.

Niacin (B3) is required to make NAD which allows mom to convert fat, protein, and carbohydrates into energy. Variations to genes that signal the production of NAD can lead to birth defects especially in the setting of low niacin levels. Niacin (B3) is required to make NAD which allows mom to convert fat, protein, and carbohydrates into energy. Variations to genes that signal the production of NAD can lead to birth defects especially in the setting of low niacin levels. Research has shown that at least one third of women may have low levels of niacin in their first trimester and by the third trimester, 60% of women had insufficient levels. This indicates that women may need more niacin than originally estimated and low levels can interfere with baby’s proper organ development. The form of niacin (niacinamide) found in WeNatal for Her does not cause a flushing sensation that is common with niacin supplementation.

Pantothenic acid, B5, is part of the b-complex vitamins and is needed to convert fat, protein, and carbohydrates into energy. Blood levels of B5 significantly decrease during pregnancy and deficiency has been associated with low birth weight.

In addition to folate, B vitamins include B1 (Thiamin), B2 (Riboflavin), B3, B5, B6, B7 (Biotin) and B12. Research shows that regular use of a multivitamin preconception that contains the spectrum of B vitamins may decrease the risk of ovulatory infertility. Low B12 levels have been associated with low birth weight and preterm birth. B vitamins are also needed to support detoxification, DNA regulation, energy production, proper metabolism, and much more throughout pregnancy. B vitamins are especially important for strict vegetarians and vegans who often lack in one or more of these vitamins.

Selenium is a trace mineral that functions as a potent antioxidant in the body. It also plays a role in thyroid hormone metabolism, DNA synthesis, and can significantly impact fertility. Low selenium levels has been linked to increase risk of miscarriage as well as damage to the nervous and immune systems of the developing baby. Selenium also supports healthy follicles within the ovaries which play a role in the development and release of the egg. This makes selenium especially important both preconception and during pregnancy.

WeNatal contains High Selenium Yeast 2000 which is known as a superior, better tolerated form of selenium. 

In addition to folate, B vitamins include B1 (Thiamin), B2 (Riboflavin), B3, B5, B6, B7 (Biotin) and B12. Research shows that regular use of a multivitamin preconception that contains the spectrum of B vitamins may decrease the risk of ovulatory infertility. Low B12 levels have been associated with low birth weight and preterm birth. B vitamins are also needed to support detoxification, DNA regulation, energy production, proper metabolism, and much more throughout pregnancy. B vitamins are especially important for strict vegetarians and vegans who often lack in one or more of these vitamins.

Zinc has antioxidant-like properties that can help reduce oxidative stress and also plays a key role in the immune system and supporting gut health. Many women of childbearing age have mild or moderate zinc deficiency and over 80% of women do not get enough zinc in their diet. Zinc supplementation during pregnancy has been associated with a reduction in preterm birth and lower risk of infections.

We chose zinc bisglycinate chelate because when zinc is bound to glycine, it is well tolerated and absorbed intact which means it does not compete with other minerals for absorption.