Pregnancy & Food Supplements

Supplementation remains limited to a few trace elements, as a balanced and varied diet remains the primary means of ensuring complete nutritional intake.

This routine supplementation applies to:
 

Folic acid or vitamin B9 (or folates)
 

A deficiency in this vitamin has been linked to neural tube development disorders in the foetus. Requirements for this vitamin are increased during pregnancy. Malformations arising from this deficiency occur as early as the first month of pregnancy. To prevent this abnormality in all patients, a daily supplement of vitamin B9 at a dose of 400 µg/day (one capsule) is recommended during the period surrounding conception (ideally two months before and throughout the first trimester of pregnancy). It is therefore also a fertility food supplement essential. 

Our pregnancy snacks Vanifique are rich in natural folates, thanks to our organic spinach leaf extract. In 1 square you get the equivalent folate content of a B9 food supplement designed for pregnancy (400 µg). Our pregnancy gummies also provides the necessary dose of vitamin B9. These forms of vitamin B9 are well absorbed. However, let's set aside folic acid and pregnancy, this is a form that is poorly absorbed by the body. 

Vitamin D

This vitamin, which is almost akin to a hormone, is essential for the mineralisation of the foetal skeleton. Its sources are diet and UV exposure through sunlight. Deficiency can lead to rickets (impaired mineralisation) and episodes of neonatal hypocalcaemia. This risk is higher for pregnancies ending in winter. Deficiencies also have consequences for the mother, with a risk of osteomalacia, for example.

Our vitamin D pregnancy is ideal for meeting your needs. 

Iron and Pregnancy

It is worth recalling that iron requirements increase significantly during pregnancy. This is to meet the needs of the foetus and placenta, and to anticipate blood loss at the time of delivery.

However, we distinguish two types of iron: haem iron, derived from animal products; and non-haem iron, derived from plant-based products. Their main difference lies in the fact that the former is absorbed by the maternal body at a rate of 25%, whereas the latter is absorbed at only 5%…
 

Furthermore, the body of the pregnant patient adapts to meet its increased iron requirements by enhancing its capacity to absorb both haem and non-haem iron in the intestine.
 

Iron deficiency manifests as what is known as "iron-deficiency anaemia". It is detected by means of a full blood count and a serum ferritin test (which reflects iron stores). These tests can ideally be carried out at the end of the 1st trimester of pregnancy, although screening for iron-deficiency anaemia is in any case compulsory at the 6th month of pregnancy.
 

Beyond the remarkable adaptive capacities of the foetus (which behaves, at its mother's expense, as a "selective predator" to build up its own reserves), the main risks of iron-deficiency anaemia are preterm delivery and intrauterine growth restriction.

Conversely, excessive and routine intake with a iron supplement would increase oxidative stress (production of reactive oxygen species, a corollary of normal aerobic cellular function and essential to life); however, this could be offset by multi-supplementation combining antioxidant elements such as zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E and even beta-carotene.

Iron Mama, our iron supplement for pregnant women, covers 100% of the recommended daily intake of iron in just 1 capsule. No more discomfort associated with iron capsules — with our Ferrochel™ iron bisglycinate, our capsules combine optimal absorption with digestive comfort.
 

Calcium and Pregnancy

The baby's calcium requirements are very high; together with phosphorus and vitamin D intake, they contribute to building a good-quality bone structure. Recommendations for calcium intake during pregnancy are between 1,000 mg and 1,200 mg/day. These needs are met:
- Through a varied and balanced diet (dairy products are not the only source of calcium — you can also find it in nuts, seeds, etc.).
- Through regulatory mechanisms between the foetus and the mother, including increased intestinal absorption.

Routine supplementation is therefore not justified; it may be used on an occasional basis.

To find out more, see our article on calcium and pregnancy. 
 

Iodine and Pregnancy

Iodine is a trace element essential to the proper functioning of the thyroid gland and the production of thyroid hormones. It plays a significant role in healthy brain development and the acquisition of cognitive functions and learning abilities in the unborn baby.  
 

During pregnancy, iodine requirements are therefore increased. Certain groups are at greater risk of iodine deficiency: closely spaced pregnancies, repeated low-calorie diets, vegan-type diets and pregnancy nausea and vomiting affecting food intake.
 

It is therefore recommended that all patients consume foods rich in iodine. For patients with a deficiency, an additional intake of 100 µg/day should be provided.
 

Did you know? Our savoury granola Tomato Croq is a source of iodine! Our range of pregnancy vitamins is rich in iodine. 
 

Magnesium and Pregnancy

No routine supplementation is justified. The focus should be on a varied diet including dried fruits and vegetables, wholegrains and mineral waters rich in magnesium. Supplementation at 200 mg/day may be considered in cases of confirmed deficiency, often accompanied by clinical symptoms (muscle cramps, tetany, etc.).
 

We have what you need! 

Our supplement magnesium pregnancy, based on 100% magnesium bisglycinate, to meet the needs of mothers-to-be. 

A delicious way to top up on magnesium with these magnesium broonies.
Ultra convenient in bite-sized format, each piece covers 45% of your daily needs, in a highly bioavailable glycerophosphate form of magnesium. 
 

Zinc and Pregnancy
 

Intake is covered by a varied and balanced diet rich in meat, fish and seafood. It is nonetheless important to highlight the need to supplement patients receiving folates and iron, as these reduce zinc absorption. The daily zinc dose to be provided is 30 mg.

Baby Bump, the prenatal supplement 

Our pregnancy food supplement Baby Bump covers more than 100% of requirements for all B-group vitamins, 500% of vitamin D3, nearly 100% of vitamin K and 200% of vitamin B9 in methylated form. It also covers 50% of daily zinc requirements and 133% of iodine intake. 
Bump Essentials and Bump Powder are the vegan alternatives in capsule and sachet powder form to Baby Bump. The same actives, the same benefits, the same prenatal vitamins, but without the fish oil. 

In summary, most women are supplemented with folates and vitamin D during pregnancy. For other minerals, consult a doctor to determine whether supplementation is necessary based on your medical history and test results.