Food supplements before pregnancy

Food supplements before pregnancy: The period leading up to pregnancy is crucial for the health of the mother-to-be and her baby. Vitamin and mineral supplementation plays an important role in preparing the body. Food supplements can help to make up for nutritional deficiencies and support the proper functioning of the immune system and metabolism.

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The importance of vitamin D and other vitamins in food supplements before pregnancy

Vitamin D is essential for bone development and the immune system. Other vitamins, such as vitamin C, vitamin A and B vitamins (particularly B12 and folic acid), are just as crucial. They help prevent anaemia, support the nervous system and improve the absorption of essential nutrients.

Role of folic acid

Pregnancy is a period when nutritional requirements increase significantly, particularly where folic acid is concerned. Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, plays a crucial role in preventing congenital malformations of the brain and spinal cord, such as spina bifida. It is therefore essential for mothers-to-be and those who are already pregnant to ensure a sufficient intake of this essential vitamin. However, not all forms of folic acid are equal in terms of efficacy and bioavailability.

Among the different forms of folic acid, 5-MTHF folate (methyltetrahydrofolate) is often considered the optimal choice for supplementation during pregnancy. Here’s why:

Superior bioavailability: 5-MTHF is the most active and bioavailable form of folate. Unlike synthetic folic acid, which has to be converted to 5-MTHF in the body before it can be used, 5-MTHF is ready to use straight away. This form is particularly beneficial for women with genetic variations (such as an MTHFR mutation) that affect the conversion of folic acid into its active form.

Reduced risk of congenital malformations: 5-MTHF plays a crucial role in the neurological development of the foetus. Adequate supplementation reduces the risk of neural tube defects, ensuring safer and healthier development of the baby.

Improved Absorption: Pregnant women or those planning a pregnancy may have difficulty absorbing synthetic folic acid. Because 5-MTHF is already in its active form, it is more easily absorbed and used by the body, making it more effective in preventing deficiencies.

Support for maternal metabolism: During pregnancy, the mother’s metabolism undergoes numerous changes. 5-MTHF supports amino acid metabolism and helps maintain healthy levels of homocysteine, thus contributing to the mother’s cardiovascular health.

Benefits for foetal development : As well as preventing malformations, 5-MTHF promotes the healthy development of the foetal brain and spine. This is crucial for the overall development and well-being of the unborn baby.

Mums-to-be or women who are already pregnant should choose a dietary supplement containing 5-MTHF folate as it offers numerous benefits.

Food supplements before pregnancy: The role of minerals

Minerals play a crucial role in a woman’s health and in preparing her for a healthy pregnancy. Here are the ones you should pay attention to:

Calcium
- Bone health: Calcium is essential for the development and maintenance of strong bones, which is crucial before pregnancy to support the extra weight and physiological changes during gestation.
- Nerve and muscle transmission: It also plays a role in the transmission of nerve signals and muscle contraction, which is important for maintaining overall health.
Iron
- Haemoglobin formation: Iron is vital for the formation of haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Iron deficiency can lead to anaemia, reducing the blood’s ability to carry oxygen.
- Foetal health: A good iron reserve before pregnancy is important to prevent maternal anaemia and support foetal development.
Iodine
- Thyroid function: Iodine is essential for thyroid health. A functional thyroid is crucial for regulating metabolism and supporting foetal brain development.
- Neurological development: Iodine deficiency can compromise a baby’s neurological development.
Magnesium
- Metabolism and Energy: Magnesium helps in more than 300 enzymatic reactions, particularly in energy production, which is essential for maintaining energy levels during pregnancy.
- Muscle and Nerve Health: It contributes to muscle relaxation and nerve function, helping to manage cramps and stress.
Zinc
- Immune System and Cellular Repair: Zinc is important for immune system function and plays a role in cell repair and growth.
- Reproductive Health: It is also essential for reproductive health, contributing to egg and sperm quality.
Selenium
- Antioxidant protection: Selenium has antioxidant properties that protect cells from damage.
- Thyroid function: It also supports thyroid function, which is crucial for metabolism and foetal development.

A good supply of minerals before and during pregnancy is essential to prepare the body for gestation, support foetal development and maintain maternal health. A balanced diet, possibly supplemented with supplements, is recommended to ensure an adequate intake of these essential minerals.

Choosing the right food supplements before pregnancy: capsules, tablets, capsules

Food supplements before pregnancy come in a variety of forms – capsules, tablets and capsules. The form in which supplements are taken can have an impact on their effectiveness, absorption and ease of use, especially for pregnant women or those wishing to become pregnant. Let’s compare capsules, tablets and capsules to understand why capsules may be a more appropriate choice:

Absorption and Bioavailability
- Capsules and tablets: They can sometimes be difficult to digest, especially if the pregnant woman suffers from nausea or gastrointestinal sensitivity. In addition, tablets in particular may contain binders and fillers that slow down the absorption of nutrients.
- Capsules: These generally offer better bioavailability. The ingredients inside capsules are often in liquid or powder form, which allows for faster and more complete absorption.

Ease of use and flexibility
- Capsules and Tablets: These are generally designed to be swallowed whole, which can be a challenge for some women, especially if they experience swallowing difficulties or nausea during pregnancy.
- Capsules: The advantage of capsules is that they can be easily opened to release their contents. Women who have difficulty swallowing pills can open the capsules and sprinkle the nutrients directly into their mouths or mix them with food. This allows more comfortable consumption without altering the integrity of the ingredients.

Purity of ingredients
- Capsules and tablets: These sometimes contain additives to maintain their shape or extend their shelf life, which can be a cause for concern for some pregnant women.
- Capsules: Capsules often contain fewer additives and are perceived as a ‘purer’ form of supplementation. This is particularly important during pregnancy, when minimising exposure to additives is preferable.

Taste and Comfort
- Capsules and tablets: They can have an unpleasant taste and be difficult to ingest for some women, particularly those suffering from morning sickness.
- Capsules: Being able to open capsules and mix their contents with food or drink can help overcome problems of taste or nausea.

Capsules offer superior flexibility, bioavailability and purity, making them particularly suitable for pregnant women or those trying to conceive. Their ability to be opened and mixed with food or drink makes them more convenient, especially for women who have difficulty swallowing pills or suffer from morning sickness. It is for these reasons that all Plusbaby food supplements are offered in capsule form, providing an optimal method of supplementation for women during this crucial phase of their lives. Plusbaby is committed to providing products that are not only effective but also easy to consume, to best support women’s health and well-being during preconception, pregnancy and beyond.

Nutrition and a balanced diet

Although food supplements are important, they are not a substitute for a balanced diet. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as fruit and vegetables, pulses, dairy products and fortified foods should form the basis of the diet.

Impact on the immune and nervous systems

Food supplements help to strengthen the immune system and support the nervous system. Amino acids, omegas and fatty acids play a key role in these processes.

Understanding nutrient doses and absorption

Understanding the recommended doses and optimal absorption of nutrients is crucial. An overdose of certain vitamins can be harmful, while a deficiency can lead to significant health problems.

Specific supplements for pregnant women

Pregnant women have specific nutritional needs. Some supplements are specially formulated to meet these needs, offering an appropriate balance of vitamins and minerals.

Effects of food supplements before pregnancy on metabolism and energy

Supplements can improve energy metabolism, providing the tone and vitality needed during pregnancy. They also play a role in preventing certain conditions such as osteoporosis and anaemia.

The key to a healthy pregnancy

Proper supplementation before pregnancy can have a significant impact on the health of both mum-to-be and baby. It is important to choose the right supplements and maintain a balanced diet to ensure a healthy and happy pregnancy.

Plusbaby food supplements before pregnancy and for your fertility

1. Supplements for Fertility and Pregnancy
  - +fertimen (male) and +fertiwomen (female): These vegan multivitamins are formulated to optimise male and female fertility. They contain metabolically active folic acid (5-MTHF), Q10, amino acids and other essential nutrients.
  - +mum: Intended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, this supplement also contains 5-MTHF folic acid, vitamin D3 extracted from algae, and other essential nutrients to support pregnancy and breastfeeding.
  - +maca: A supplement specially designed to improve fertility and vitality. Maca, a nutrient-rich superfood, is known for its properties in supporting fertility and hormonal balance.
  - +omega 3 vegan: A vegan omega-3 fatty acid supplement, essential for foetal brain and eye development, as well as cardiovascular health and immune system support.
Plusbaby products offer complete support for men and women at every stage of fertility and pregnancy, with particular attention to the quality and effectiveness of the ingredients.

1. Optimal nutrition and absorption
  - All supplements are designed to offer maximum absorption of nutrients, essential for the proper functioning of the immune and nervous systems, as well as foetal development. They are free from undesirable substances such as gluten, sugar and sodium, and are suitable for vegan diets.
2. Support for metabolism and cardiovascular health
  - The supplements provide key nutrients for metabolism and cardiovascular health, such as magnesium, calcium and omega fatty acids. These elements contribute to the formation of red blood cells and healthy cardiovascular function.
3. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
  - Plusbaby products are rich in essential vitamins (vitamins A, B, C, D and E) and minerals (zinc, selenium and iron), which are needed to make up for nutritional deficiencies and support a balanced diet.
4. Immune and Nervous Support
  - Plusbaby supplements help to strengthen the immune system and support the nervous system, thanks to the presence of antioxidants, vitamin C and other essential nutrients.
5. Deficiency prevention and overall support
  - By providing a complete range of nutrients, Plusbaby helps to prevent deficiencies and supports the overall functioning of the body, contributing to the vitality and general well-being of users.
6. Ease of use
  - The supplements are available in capsules to make them easier to take and ensure optimum absorption and assimilation.
7. Natural and healthy approach
  - Plusbaby is committed to offering 100% natural products, without additives or preservatives, reflecting a holistic and healthy approach to supplementation.
Plusbaby offers a comprehensive range of food supplements before pregnancy designed to meet the specific needs of men and women during the preconception, pregnancy and postnatal phases, with a focus on the quality, efficacy and safety of their products.