How We Designed Our Prenatal Supplements

Our Prenatal formulation is based on the groundbreaking research of Dr. James B. Adams of the Neurological Health Foundation who aggregated insight from 350+ research papers to distill recommendations for the optimal supplementation levels for key vitamins and minerals to reduce pregnancy complications and infant health problems. 

The result is the most comprehensive prenatal supplement program available and we’re so proud to share it with you. 

Here’s what makes our prenatal the gold standard in prenatal supplementation:

Backed by Research

Dr. Adams and his team conducted extensive reviews of hundreds of research studies on how nutritional deficiencies were associated with pregnancy complications and infant health problems, as well as reviews of many clinical trials of the benefits of supplementation. 

Dr. Adams and his team grounded their recommendation against The Recommended Daily Amount (RDA), which establishes a minimum recommended level from all sources, as well as The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which establishes average intake from foods. The difference is what needs to be consumed in a supplement, on average, and the Neurological Health Foundation generally recommends more than the difference between the RDA and the NHANES based on the standard American diet and the high Tolerable Upper Limits of most vitamins and minerals.

In some cases, our recommendations will exceed the RDA based on additional research studies and clinical trials which demonstrated an increased need for those nutrients during pregnancy and benefits from higher levels of those vitamins and minerals.

    Customized by Trimester

    The levels of many essential minerals decrease during pregnancy if un-supplemented, while simultaneously your and baby’s nutrient needs change every trimester as their body and brain rapidly developing. We’ve designed our prenatal with custom formulations for each trimester to meet these changing needs. 

    Two Complete Daily Servings

    Our Prenatal is delivered in two cartons: Serving 1 of 2, which we recommend taking with your first meal and 8oz of water and Serving 2 of 2, which we recommend taking with a meal and 8oz of water later in the day.

    But why so many pills? 

    We know it’s not easy to take so many pills, but one pill barely contains enough for the body’s need for calcium, let alone all the other vitamins and minerals.  Prenatals with only 1 pill generally have low amounts of the vitamins and minerals needed in large amounts, such as calcium, magnesium, choline, and DHA. Breaking our recommended daily amounts over two servings not only ensures that you are receiving optimal amounts of key nutrients, but also helps with absorption by spacing intake throughout the day.

    Bioavailable Forms of Vitamins and Minerals

    ‘Bioavailabilty’ refers to the ease with which your body is able to absorb vitamins and minerals. It may come as a surprise to learn that vitamins come in many forms, some forms more bioavailable than others. Supplement makers are generally pressured to cut costs by using cheaper and less bioavailable forms of vitamins and nutrients, thereby limiting their absorption and efficacy in the body. Our Prenatal formulation, however, is made with premium nutrients for your body to absorb with ease and put to good use.

    Below, is a comprehensive look at each and every vitamin and mineral included in our prenatal.

    Vitamin B9 (Folate)

    [As Calcium L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate]

    Folate supplementation during pregnancy has been shown to reduce the rate of other birth defects, preterm birth, and autism. Folic acid is an artificial form of folate, and people vary greatly in their ability to convert it to the bioavailable forms, so we always use the most bioavailable form - 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF).

     1st Trimester Level 2nd Trimester Level 3rd Trimester Level 4th Trimester Level
    Serving 1 of 2 300 mcg DFE
    257 mcg DFE
    267 mcg DFE    		 267 mcg DFE
    Serving 2 of 2 300 mcg DFE 343 mcg DFE 333 mcg DFE N/A

     

    Iron

    [as Iron Bisglycinate]

    About 50% of women enter pregnancy iron deficient. Iron plays a critical role in transporting oxygen to baby’s brain via red blood cells during pregnancy, the brain being the highest oxygen-consuming organ in the body.

     1st Trimester Level 2nd Trimester Level 3rd Trimester Level 4th Trimester Level
    Serving 1 of 2 15 mg
    19.29 mg
    26.67 mg    		 26.67 mg
    Serving 2 of 2 15 mg 25.71 mg 22.22 mg N/A

     

    Choline

    [as Choline Bitartrate]

    Choline aids in the production of key components of cell membranes and neurotransmitters involved in muscle control, memory, cognition, and cardiovascular regulation. Choline is also important for optimal fetal brain development.

     1st Trimester Level 2nd Trimester Level 3rd Trimester Level 4th Trimester Level
    Serving 1 of 2 175 mg
    150 mg
    266.67 mg    		 266.67 mg
    Serving 2 of 2 175 mg 200 mg 333.33 mg N/A

     

    Vitamin D3

    [as Cholecalciferol]

    Vitamin D supports bone growth and immune function. Supplementing vitamin D during pregnancy can reduce the incidence of preterm birth, infection. It’s also found to increase infant mental and psychomotor scores.

     1st Trimester Level 2nd Trimester Level 3rd Trimester Level 4th Trimester Level
    Serving 1 of 2 25 mcg (1,000 IU)
    21.4 mcg (856 IU)
    22.2 mcg (888 IU)    		 22.2 mcg (888 IU)
    Serving 2 of 2 25 mcg (1,000 IU) 28.6 mcg (1,144 IU) 27.8 mcg (1,112 IU) N/A

     

    DHA

    [Docosahexaenoic Acid]

    DHA is an essential building block in the development of the membrane of every cell, as well as the development of the brain and eyes. DHA is especially important for reducing the risk of preterm birth and preeclampsia, and for treating gestational diabetes. 

     1st Trimester Level 2nd Trimester Level 3rd Trimester Level 4th Trimester Level
    Serving 1 of 2 N/A
    N/A
    N/A    		 250 mg
    Serving 2 of 2 500 mg 500 mg 500 mg N/A

     

    Vitamin B12 

    [As Methylcobalamin]

    Vitamin B12 is involved in the formulation of red blood cells, cellular metabolism, and the synthesis of both DNA and myelin. B12 is important for reducing the risk of infertility, miscarriage, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm birth for the mother. 

     1st Trimester Level 2nd Trimester Level 3rd Trimester Level 4th Trimester Level
    Serving 1 of 2 9 mcg
    10.3 mcg
    16 mcg     		16 mcg
    Serving 2 of 2 9 mcg 13.7 mcg 20 mcg N/A

     

    Inositol

    Inositol assists in controlling fat and sugar metabolism, nervous system cellular function, and gene expression. Proper supplementation can lower the incidence of neural tube defects.

     

     1st Trimester Level 2nd Trimester Level 3rd Trimester Level 4th Trimester Level
    Serving 1 of 2 250 mg
    214 mg
    222 mg    		 222 mg
    Serving 2 of 2 250 mg 286 mg 277 mg N/A

     

    Calcium

    [as Calcium Carbonate]

    Calcium is a building block for baby’s bones, nerves, and muscles. Levels of total calcium and bone density decline throughout pregnancy, so calcium supplementation is important! Calcium also works synergistically with Vitamin D to increase absorption. 

     1st Trimester Level 2nd Trimester Level 3rd Trimester Level 4th Trimester Level
    Serving 1 of 2 162.5 mg
    111.43 mg
    155.56 mg     		155.56 mg
    Serving 2 of 2
    162.5 mg     		148.57 mg 194.44 mg N/A

     

    Magnesium

    [as Magnesium Bisglycinate and Magnesium Malate]

    Magnesium is a key player in a variety of development processes including cell signaling, energy production, and synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins. Overall, U.S. women have average magnesium intake that is 22% less than the RDA.

     1st Trimester Level 2nd Trimester Level 3rd Trimester Level 4th Trimester Level
    Serving 1 of 2 90 mg
    111.43 mg
    155.56 mg     		155.56 mg
    Serving 2 of 2 90 mg 148.57 mg 194.44 mg N/A

     

    Vitamin A

    [As natural Beta Carotene and Retinyl Palmitate]

    Vitamin A, also known as retinol, is crucial for the growth of most cells and organs, including the eyes, heart, and lungs. It also helps prevent anemia and night blindness in mothers. Beta-carotene is a carotenoid that converts to vitamin A once ingested. Since vitamin A can be stored in the body for a long period of time, high doses of vitamin A used in medications to treat conditions such as acne and psoriasis should be stopped at least 6-12 months before getting pregnant.

     1st Trimester Level 2nd Trimester Level 3rd Trimester Level 4th Trimester Level
    Serving 1 of 2 1600 mcg
    1157 mcg
    1222 mcg     		978 mcg
    Serving 2 of 2 1600 mcg 1543 mcg 978 mcg N/A

     

    Vitamin B1

    [as Thiamine Hydrochloride]

    Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, helps the body metabolize food for energy and plays an important role in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular and nervous system. It is important during pregnancy to reduce the risk of maternal gestational diabetes and supports healthy weight gain and brain development in baby. 

     1st Trimester Level 2nd Trimester Level 3rd Trimester Level 4th Trimester Level
    Serving 1 of 2 3 mg
    2.57 mg
    2.67 mg     		2.67 mg
    Serving 2 of 2 3 mg 3.43 mg 3.33 mg N/A

     

    Vitamin B2

    [as Riboflavin]

    Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, is important for the production of thyroid hormones, producing immune cells and red blood cells, and supports healthy vision. It also supports healthy weight gain, as well as heart and limb development in baby. When combined with other supplements, such as iron and folate, Riboflavin works in conjunction with other supplements, such as iron and folate, to reduce the risk of anemia during pregnancy. 

     1st Trimester Level 2nd Trimester Level 3rd Trimester Level 4th Trimester Level
    Serving 1 of 2 1 mg
    0.86 mg
    0.89 mg     		0.89 mg
    Serving 2 of 2 1 mg 1.14 mg 1.11 mg N/A

     

    Vitamin B3

    [as Niacin and Niacinamide]

    Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is needed for many functions in the body, including energy production and development of the nervous system, digestive system, and skin. Niacin helps prevent neural tube and heart defects. 

     1st Trimester Level 2nd Trimester Level 3rd Trimester Level 4th Trimester Level
    Serving 1 of 2 15 mg
    15 mg
    17.78 mg     		17.78 mg
    Serving 2 of 2 15 mg 20 mg 22.22 mg N/A

     

    Pantothenic Acid

    [as D-Calcium Pantothenate]

    Pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5, is needed to produce Coenzyme A, which has many functions in the body, including energy production from fats, carbohydrates, and protein. Pantothenic acid during pregnancy supports healthy fetal weight gain.

     1st Trimester Level 2nd Trimester Level 3rd Trimester Level 4th Trimester Level
    Serving 1 of 2 5 mg
    4.29 mg
    4.44 mg     		4.44 mg
    Serving 2 of 2 5 mg 5.71 mg 5.56 mg N/A

    Vitamin B6

    [as Pyridoxine Hydrochloride]

    Pyridoxine, also known as vitamin B6, affects over 100 enzymatic reactions in the body, including the production of important neurotransmitters and hormones. Pyridoxine supplementation can help decrease the severity of nausea during pregnancy, reduce the risk of cardiovascular malformation, reduce the risk of preeclampsia, and improve birth weight.

     1st Trimester Level 2nd Trimester Level 3rd Trimester Level 4th Trimester Level
    Serving 1 of 2 5 mg
    4.29 mg
    4.44 mg     		4.44 mg
    Serving 2 of 2 5 mg 5.71 mg 5.56 mg N/A

     

    Biotin

    Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is necessary for several enzymes involved in energy metabolism from fats and carbohydrates. Biotin helps to reduce the risk of birth defects and miscarriage. Since biotin transport across the placenta is limited, a mild biotin deficiency in a pregnant mother can lead to a more severe biotin deficiency in her baby.

     1st Trimester Level 2nd Trimester Level 3rd Trimester Level 4th Trimester Level
    Serving 1 of 2 50 mcg
    42.9 mcg
    44.4 mcg     		44.4 mcg
    Serving 2 of 2 50 mcg 57.1 mcg 55.6 mcg N/A

     

    Vitamin C

    [as Calcium Ascorbate]

    Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that supports the production of collagen, carnitine, and neuropeptides. During pregnancy, vitamin C is important for the growth and repair of collagen and helps maintain strong bones and teeth. A deficiency in vitamin C during pregnancy may lead to premature rupture of membranes (PROM), preeclampsia, and urinary tract infections in the mother. Low vitamin C may cause low birth weight, orofacial clefts, and decreased pulmonary functioning for infants.

     1st Trimester Level 2nd Trimester Level 3rd Trimester Level 4th Trimester Level
    Serving 1 of 2 75 mg
    75 mg
    89 mg     		89 mg
    Serving 2 of 2 75 mg 100 mg 111 mg N/A

     

    Vitamin E

    [as Natural Mixed Tocopherol]

    Vitamin E is an important antioxidant; however, women in the U.S. consume only about half the RDA of vitamin E. Low maternal intake is associated with an increased risk of infant wheeze, orofacial clefts, and heart defects.

     1st Trimester Level 2nd Trimester Level 3rd Trimester Level 4th Trimester Level
    Serving 1 of 2 12.5 mg
    8.57 mg
    6.67 mg     		6.67 mg
    Serving 2 of 2 12.5 mg 11.43 mg 8.33 mg N/A

     

    Vitamin K 

    [as Phytonadione [Vitamin K1] and Menaquinone-7 [Vitamin K2]]

    Vitamin K aids in blood clotting and the building strong bones. Vitamin K deficiency in pregnancy is common, in both the mother and infant shortly after birth. Preterm infants are especially at risk for excessive bleeding after birth

     1st Trimester Level 2nd Trimester Level 3rd Trimester Level 4th Trimester Level
    Serving 1 of 2 45 mcg
    38.6 mcg
    40 mcg    		 40 mcg
    Serving 2 of 2 38.6 mcg 51.4 mcg 50 mcg N/A

     

    Iodine

    [from Potassium Iodide] 

    Iodine supplementation is strongly recommended for pregnant women to decrease the rate of hypothyroidism in the mother and intellectual disability in the child.  Iodine deficiency needs to be corrected very early in pregnancy, as low levels after mid-gestation may result in neurodevelopmental delays.

     1st Trimester Level 2nd Trimester Level 3rd Trimester Level 4th Trimester Level
    Serving 1 of 2 110 mcg
    94.3 mcg
    97.8 mcg    		 97.8 mcg
    Serving 2 of 2 110 mcg 125.7 mcg 122.2 mcg N/A

     

    Zinc

    [from Zinc Sulfate and Zinc Amino Acid Chelate] 

    Zinc has many roles in the body, including immune function, growth and development, nerve function, vision, and fertility. Zinc is recommended for reducing the risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women and reducing the risk of preterm birth as well as asthma in infants.

     1st Trimester Level 2nd Trimester Level 3rd Trimester Level 4th Trimester Level
    Serving 1 of 2 10 mg
    10.71 mg
    13.33 mg     		13.33 mg
    Serving 2 of 2 10 mg 14.29 mg 16.67 mg N/A

     

    Potassium 

    [From Potassium Chloride]

    Potassium plays a central role in balancing fluids and electrolytes, while also enhancing nerve and muscle communication.

     1st Trimester Level 2nd Trimester Level 3rd Trimester Level 4th Trimester Level
    Serving 1 of 2 50 mg
    42.86 mg
    44.4 mg     		44.4 mg
    Serving 2 of 2 50 mg 57.14 mg 56.6 mg N/A

     

    Selenium

    [from Selenium Amino Acid Chelate] 

    Selenium supplementation has been shown to reduce hypothyroidism, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and preeclampsia, as well as postpartum depression, in pregnant women.

     1st Trimester Level 2nd Trimester Level 3rd Trimester Level 4th Trimester Level
    Serving 1 of 2 25 mcg
    25.7 mcg
    31.1 mcg     		31.1 mcg
    Serving 2 of 2 25 mcg 34.3 mcg 38.9 mcg N/A

     

    Copper

    [from Copper Bisglycinate] 

    Copper is needed for several functions, including iron absorption, formation of connective tissue, energy metabolism, oxidative stress, and brain development. Copper is recommended to prevent miscarriages and is necessary to prevent anemia because copper-based enzymes are needed for iron absorption.

     1st Trimester Level 2nd Trimester Level 3rd Trimester Level 4th Trimester Level
    Serving 1 of 2 0.65 mg
    0.51 mg
    0.49 mg     		0.49 mg
    Serving 2 of 2 0.65 mg 0.69 mg 0.61 mg N/A

     

    Manganese

    [from Manganese Amino Acid Chelate] 

    Manganese is vital for healthy brain and nervous system function as well as maintaining metabolism and hormone production. Manganese is an essential mineral, but an excessive amount can cause neurological disorders.

     1st Trimester Level 2nd Trimester Level 3rd Trimester Level 4th Trimester Level
    Serving 1 of 2 0.5 mg
    0.43 mg
    0.44 mg    		 0.44 mg
    Serving 2 of 2 0.5 mg 0.57 mg 0.56 mg N/A

     

    Chromium

    [from Chromium Picolinate]

    Chromium plays an important role in controlling glucose and insulin levels during pregnancy, and a deficiency in chromium is associated with gestational diabetes. Our formulation includes chromium in the form of chromium picolinate for its superior absorbability to chromium chloride.

     1st Trimester Level 2nd Trimester Level 3rd Trimester Level 4th Trimester Level
    Serving 1 of 2 50 mcg
    42.9 mcg
    11.1 mcg     		44.4 mcg
    Serving 2 of 2 50 mcg 42.9 mcg 13.9 mcg N/A

     

    Molybdenum

    [from (Molybdenum Glycinate] 

    Molybdenum is an essential co-factor for three enzymes, and our bodies use molybdenum to process proteins, genetic material and break down toxic substances that enter the body. Molybdenum deficiency is rare.

     1st Trimester Level 2nd Trimester Level 3rd Trimester Level 4th Trimester Level
    Serving 1 of 2 12.5 mcg
    10.7 mcg
    11.1 mcg    		 11.1 mcg
    Serving 2 of 2 12.5 mcg 14.3 mcg 13.9 mcg N/A

     

    References 

    1. Adams JB, Kirby JK, Sorensen JC, Pollard EL, Audhya T. Evidence based recommendations for an optimal prenatal supplement for women in the US: vitamins and related nutrients. Matern Health Neonatol Perinatol. 2022;8(1):4. Published 2022 Jul 11. doi:10.1186/s40748-022-00139-9
    2. Adams JB, Sorenson JC, Pollard EL, Kirby JK, Audhya T. Evidence-Based Recommendations for an Optimal Prenatal Supplement for Women in the U.S., Part Two: Minerals. Nutrients. 2021;13(6):1849. Published 2021 May 28. doi:10.3390/nu13061849
    3. Environmental Working Group (EWG). 1:16 / 22:26 "10 Americans" By Environmental Working Group.; 2012. https://youtu.be/0-kc3AIM_LU. Accessed October 4, 2022.
    4. Neurological Health Foundation (NHF) - Unlock Your Child's Potential. Neurological Health Foundation (NHF). https://neurologicalhealth.org. Published 2022. Accessed October 4, 2022.