• Biotin

  • Vitamin A

  • Vitamin B2 Riboflavin

  • Vitamin B6

  • Vitamin B12

  • Vitamin D

  • Niacin

  • Iron

  • Iodine

  • Magnesium

  • Selenium

  • Zinc

  • Coenzyme Q10

  • Omega 3

  • Folate (bioactive folic acid)

Biotin

Biotin is a coenzyme required for the metabolism of glucose and amino acids. The body needs biotin to convert food into energy.

The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) recommends a
nutrient intake of biotin of 40mg/day during pregnancy

  • Unterstützung der Mutter

    • Normal energy metabolism
    • Support of the nervous system
    • Healthy hair & nails

  • Unterstützung des ungeborenen Kindes

    • Cell division & cell growth
    • Normal energy metabolism

Research Support

  • Ichihara Y, Suga K, Fukui M, Yonetani N, Shono M, Nakagawa R, Kagami S. Serum biotin level during pregnancy is associated with fetal growth and preterm delivery. J Med Invest. 2020. 10.2152/jmi.67.170
  • Mock DM, Quirk JG, MockNI. Marginal biotin deficiency during normal pregnancy. Am J Clin Nutr. 2002. 10.2152/jmi.67.170

Vitamin A

Vitamin A, a water-soluble vitamin, is essential for tissue development, cell formation and for the immune system.

Vitamin A exists in several forms, the most effective form in the body is retinol. Quantities are given in retinol equivalents.

The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) recommends a nutrient intake of vitamin A of 800mcg-RAE / day during pregnancy

  • Unterstützung der Mutter

    • Normal function of the immune system
    • Normal thyroid function
    • Maintenance of normal mucous membranes
    • Healthy skin & hair

  • Unterstützung des ungeborenen Kindes

    • Development of the nervous system
    • Cell growth and differentiation
    • Development of eyesight
    • Strengthening of bone structure

Research Support

  • Bastos Maia S, Rolland Souza AS, Costa Caminha MF, Lins da Silva S, Callou Cruz RSBL, Carvalho Dos Santos C, Batista Filho M. Vitamin A and Pregnancy: A Narrative Review. nutrients. 2019. 10.3390/nu11030681
  • Adams, JB, Kirby, JK, Sorensen, JC et al. Evidence based recommendations for an optimal prenatal supplement for women in the US: vitamins and related nutrients. matern health, neonatol and perinatol 8, 4 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40748-022-00139-9


Vitamin B2 Riboflavin

Riboflavin or vitamin B2 is a water-soluble and light-sensitive vitamin of the vitamin B group. Riboflavin is required for numerous metabolic processes.

Riboflavin is important for cell function, growth and development. In addition, it supports the function and metabolism of other B vitamins. The need for riboflavin increases during pregnancy. A deficiency can have serious consequences for the fetus, such as cleft lip and palate.

The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) recommends a nutrient intake of riboflavin of 1.1-1.4 mg / day during pregnancy.

  • Unterstützung der Mutter

    • Normal energy metabolism
    • Maintenance of normal red blood cells
    • Maintenance of normal vision
    • Reduction of tiredness & fatigue

  • Unterstützung des ungeborenen Kindes

    • Healthy growth & development
    • Support of thyroid function
    • Structure of skin and mucous membranes
    • Protects cells from oxidative stress

Research Support

  • Jaeger B, Corpeleijn W, Dijsselhof M, Goorden S, Haverkamp J, Langeveld M, Waterham H, Westerbeek E, Bosch A, M: Mind the B2: Life-Threatening Neonatal Complications of a Strict Vegan Diet during Pregnancy. neonatology. 2022; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36122554/
  • Adams, JB, Kirby, JK, Sorensen, JC et al. Evidence-based recommendations for an
    optimal prenatal supplement for women in the US: vitamins and related nutrients. matern health, neonatol and perinatol 8 , 4 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40748-022-00139-9

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6, a water-soluble vitamin, contributes to the metabolism of amino acids and proteins and supports blood formation.

Vitamin B6 can neither be manufactured nor stored by the body. A supply of vitamin B6 through food or dietary supplements is therefore necessary.

The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) recommends a nutrient intake of vitamin B6 of 1.5-1.8 mg / day during pregnancy

  • Unterstützung der Mutter

    • Regulation of hormonal activity
    • Reduction of morning sickness
    • Maintaining mental health
    • Normal homocysteine ​​metabolism

  • Unterstützung des ungeborenen Kindes

    • Development of brain function
    • Development of the nervous system
    • Support of the immune system
    • Normal red blood cell formation

Research Support

  • Ronnenberg AG, Goldman MB, Chen D, Aitken IW, Willett WC, Selhub J, Xu X. Preconception homocysteine ​​and B vitamin status and birth outcomes in Chinese women. Am J Clin Nutr. 2002 Dec 10.1093/ajcn/76.6.1385
  • Wibowo N, Purwosunu Y, Sekizawa A, Farina A, Tambunan V, Bardosono S. Vitamin B₆ supplementation in pregnant women with nausea and vomiting. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2012 Mar. 10.1016/j.ijgo.2011.09.030


Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 acts as a coenzyme in the body that contributes to cell division, blood formation and the functioning of the nervous system.

Vitamin B12 supports the normal functioning of our psyche. Vitamin B12 is one of the few vitamins that the human body cannot produce itself. Therefore, supplementation via diet & dietary supplements is necessary, especially for women who avoid products of animal origin.

The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) recommends a nutrient intake of vitamin B12 of 4.5mcg/day during pregnancy.

  • Unterstützung der Mutter

    • Normal red blood cell formation
    • Normal energy metabolism
    • Normal mental health
    • Reduction of tiredness & fatigue

  • Unterstützung des ungeborenen Kindes

    • Development of brain function
    • Development of the nervous system
    • Normal red blood cell formation
    • Support in cell division

Research Support

  • Molloy AM, Kirke PN, Troendle JF, Burke H, Sutton M, Brody LC, Scott JM, Mills JL. Maternal vitamin B12 status and risk of neural tube defects in a population with high neural tube defect prevalence and no folic acid fortification. pediatrics. 2009 Mar.10.1542 /peds.2008-1173
  • Reznikoff-Etiévant MF, Zittoun J, Vaylet C, Pernet P, Milliez J. Low vitamin B(12) level as a risk factor for very early recurrent abortion. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2002. 10.1016/s0301-2115(02)00100-8

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble vitamins that contribute significantly to the regulation of calcium levels in the blood and to bone formation.

Vitamin D is the only vitamin that can be produced by the body itself through exposure to sunlight. An adequate supply of the “sunshine vitamin” is of decisive importance for mother and child, especially during pregnancy. A lack of vitamin D during pregnancy can have serious consequences for the newborn, such as delayed motor and mental development or frequent bone fractures.

The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) recommends a nutrient intake of vitamin D of 20mcg/day during pregnancy.

  • Unterstützung der Mutter

    • Normal function of the immune system
    • Maintenance of normal muscle function
    • Maintenance of normal bones
    • Storage & utilization of calcium & phosphorus
    • Healthy pregnancy

  • Unterstützung des ungeborenen Kindes

    • Support of the immune system
    • Bone formation & maturation
    • Development of brain function
    • Reduction of low birth weight risk
    • Cell division & tissue growth

Research Support

  • Baca KM, Simhan HN, Platt RW, Bodnar LM. Low maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration increases the risk of severe and mild preeclampsia. Ann Epidemiol. 2016 Dec. 10.1016/j.annepidem.2016.09.015
  • Andersen LB, Jørgensen JS, Jensen TK, Dalgård C, Barington T, Nielsen J, Beck-Nielsen SS, Husby S, Abrahamsen B, Lamont RF, Christesen HT. Vitamin D insufficiency is associated with increased risk of first-trimester miscarriage in the Odense Child Cohort. Am J Clin Nutr. 2015. 10.3945/ajcn.114.10365

Niacin

Niacin is a water-soluble vitamin of the vitamin B group. The body needs niacin for the metabolism of protein, fat and carbohydrates.

Niacin is important for the regeneration of skin, nerves, muscles and DNA. It also helps flush toxins and pollutants out of the body.

The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) recommends a nutrient intake of niacin of 13-16mg/day during pregnancy.

  • Unterstützung der Mutter

    • Normal energy metabolism
    • Reduction of tiredness & fatigue
    • Normal mental health

  • Unterstützung des ungeborenen Kindes

    • Healthy birth weight
    • Healthy growth & development
    • Normal skin

Research Support

  • Baker H, DeAngelis B, Holland B, Gittens-Williams L, Barrett T Jr. Vitamin profile of 563 gravidas during trimesters of pregnancy. J Am Coll Nutr. 2002 Feb 10.1080/07315724.2002.10719191
  • Adams, JB, Kirby, JK, Sorensen, JC et al. Evidence-based recommendations for an optimal prenatal supplement for women in the US: vitamins and related nutrients. matern health, neonatol and perinatol 8, 4 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40748-022-00139-9

Iron

Iron is an essential trace element for blood formation, oxygen transport in the blood and many other metabolic functions.

Blood volume increases during pregnancy. As a result, a higher iron intake is required. The unborn child is supplied with iron first. If too little iron is ingested, this affects the mother. Inadequate intake only affects the unborn child when there is a massive iron deficiancy.

Regular blood tests to determine the hemoglobin level are recommended during pregnancy.

The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) recommends a nutrient intake of iron of 30 mg/day during pregnancy.

  • Unterstützung der Mutter

    • Normal function of the immune system
    • Reduction of tiredness & fatigue
    • Normal energy metabolism

  • Unterstützung des ungeborenen Kindes

    • Development of brain function
    • Normal red blood cell formation
    • Support of cell division
    • Development and growth of all organs

Research Support

  • Haider BA, Olofin I, Wang M, Spiegelman D, Ezzati M,Fawzi W W et al. Anaemia, prenatal iron use, and risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis BMJ 2013.  https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.f3443
  • Abu-Ouf NM, Jan MM. The impact of maternal iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia on child's health. Saudi Med J. 2015. 10.15537/smj.2015.2.10289

Iodine

The trace element iodine is necessary for the entire metabolism of the body, especially for the function of the thyroid gland.

During pregnancy, the need for iodine increases, which cannot be sufficiently covered with a balanced diet. The intake of iodine-containing food supplements is recommended. Pregnant women with a thyroid disease should clarify with a doctor whether products containing iodine may be taken or not.

The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) recommends a nutrient intake of iodine of 230 mcg/day during pregnancy.

  • Unterstützung der Mutter

    • Normal thyroid function
    • Normal cognitive function
    • Normal energy metabolism
    • Healthy skin

  • Unterstützung des ungeborenen Kindes

    • Development of the nervous system
    • Development of the thyroid function

Research Support

  • Mariana Dineva, Harry Fishpool, Margaret P Rayman,Jeewaka Mendis, Sarah C Bath, Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects ofiodine supplementation on thyroid function and child neurodevelopment inmildly-to-moderately iodine-deficient pregnant women,The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 112, Issue 2, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqaa071
  • Lopes-Pereira M, Roque S, Costa P et al. Impact of iodine supplementation during preconception, pregnancy and lactation on maternal thyroid homeostasis and offspring psychomotor development: protocol of the IodineMinho prospective study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 20, 693 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-020-03376-y

Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral for the human organism. Magnesium is important for bone formation and normal muscle function.

A lack of magnesium leads to muscle cramps, listlessness, constipation and increased blood pressure. Heart palpitations, cardiac arrhythmia and nervousness can also indicate a magnesium deficiency. Morning sickness, gestational diabetes and preeclampsia can be promoted by an undersupply.

The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) recommends a nutrient intake of magnesium of 300mg/day during pregnancy.

  • Unterstützung der Mutter

    • Normal bones & teeth
    • Normal muscle function
    • Reducing tiredness & fatigue
    • Mental health

  • Unterstützung des ungeborenen Kindes

    • Function of the nervous system
    • Cell division
    • Normal bones & teeth

Research Support

  • Groenen PM, van Rooij IA, Peer PG, Ocké MC, Zielhuis GA, Steegers-Theunissen RP. Low maternal dietary intakes of iron, magnesium, and niacin are associated with spina bifida in the offspring. J Nutr. 2004. 10.1093/jn/134.6.1516
  • Tarjan, A., & Zarean, E. (2017). Effect of Magnesium Supplement on Pregnancy Outcomes: A Randomized Control Trial. Advanced Biomedical Research, 6(1), 109. https://doi.org/10.4103/2277-9175.213879

Selenium

Selenium is an essential trace element that protects cells, strengthens the immune system and activates thyroid hormones.

Selenium is a trace element that cannot be produced by the body itself. Selenium must therefore be supplied through food or dietary supplements.

The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) recommends a nutrient intake of selenium of 60mcg/day during pregnancy.

  • Unterstützung der Mutter

    • Healthy skin & hair
    • Normal thyroid function
    • Protects cells from oxidative stress
    • Normal function of the immune system

  • Unterstützung des ungeborenen Kindes

    • Cell growth
    • Development of the immune system
    • Healthy birth weight
    • Development of the nervous system

Research Support

  • Joanna Pieczyńska, Halina Grajeta, The role of selenium in human conception and pregnancy, Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, Volume 29, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtemb.2014.07.003
  • John D Bogden, Francis W Kemp, Xinhua Chen, Alex Stagnaro-Green, T Peter Stein, Theresa O Scholl, Low-normal serum selenium early in human pregnancy predicts lower birth weight, Nutrition Research, Volume 26, Issue 10 , 2006. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2006.08.008

Zinc

Zinc is an important trace element that is responsible for numerous metabolic processes in the body. In addition, zinc supports the production of DNA.

Zinc cannot be produced by the body itself, so it must be obtained through diet or dietary supplements. During pregnancy, the need for zinc is increased to carry out cell division, cell differentiation and increased metabolic processes.

The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) recommends a nutrient intake of zinc of 7-9 mg/day during pregnancy.

  • Unterstützung der Mutter

    • Healthy skin, hair & nails
    • Normal cognitive function
    • Normal bones
    • Normal function of the immune system

  • Unterstützung des ungeborenen Kindes

    • Cell division and growth
    • Involvement in DNA synthesis
    • Healthy birth weight

Research Support

  • Chaffee BW, King JC. Effect of zinc supplementation on pregnancy and infant outcomes: a systematic review. Pediatr Perinat Epidemiol. 2012. 10.1111/j.1365-3016.2012.01289.x
  • Mahomed K, Bhutta Z, Middleton P. Zinc supplementation for improving pregnancy and infant outcome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007. 10.1002/14651858.CD000230.pub3

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 supports the generation of the body's own energy and is relevant for all vital, biochemical processes in the human body.

Coenzyme Q10 is a natural substance that is partly ingested through food and partly can be produced by the body itself (albeit in low concentrations with increasing age).

A lack of coenzyme Q10 during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage and an increased rate of preterm labour.

  • Unterstützung der Mutter

    • Support for energy production
    • Protects cells from oxidative stress
    • Reducing the risk of preeclampsia

  • Unterstützung des ungeborenen Kindes

    • Reduced risk of miscarriage
    • Support for energy production

Research Support

  • Teran E, Hernandez I, Nieto B, Tavara R, Ocampo JE, Calle A. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation during pregnancy reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2009. 10.1016/j.ijgo.2008.11.033

Omega 3

Omega 3 fatty acids are unsaturated "good" fatty acids that support vital bodily functions.

The human body cannot produce omega 3 fatty acids on its own, so they must be supplied through our diet.

The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) recommends a nutrient intake of EPA & DHA of 250mg/day during pregnancy

  • Unterstützung der Mutter

    • Positive course of pregnancy
    • Decreased risk of postpartum
      depression
    • Maintains normal brain function
    • Protects cells from oxidative stress

  • Unterstützung des ungeborenen Kindes

    • Development of the nervous system
    • Development of brain function
    • Development & promotion of eyesight

Research Support

Folate (bioactive folic acid)

Folic acid is a heat and light sensitive vitamin of the vitamin B group. Folic acid regulates important cellular processes such as cell growth and cell division.

Folic acid is crucial for cell division and maternal tissue growth during pregnancy. The vitamin is therefore essential for the human organism, but it cannot be produced by itself or stored over a longer period of time. Continuous supplementation is therefore required.

The formation of the neural tube - the preliminary stage of the brain and spinal cord - begins in early pregnancy. A lack of folic acid can lead to severe malformations and neural tube defects such as spina fida ("open spine") or lead to anencephaly.

IMPORTANT: The intake of folic acid must already begin before pregnancy occurs, since the malformations usually appear between the 22nd and 28th day of pregnancy.

Folic acid is a synthetic compound that must be converted by the human body into the natural form of folate. However, 50% of women suffer from a gene mutation that prevents this metabolic process or only allows it to a limited extent. Therefore, the intake of folate that is directly available to the body is of crucial importance.

The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) recommends a nutrient intake of folic acid of 550mcg / day during pregnancy.

  • Unterstützung der Mutter

    • Cell formation of blood cells
    • Maternal tissue growth process
    • Prevention of cardiovascular diseases
    • Normal function of the immune system
    • Reduction of tiredness & fatigue

  • Unterstützung des ungeborenen Kindes

    • Cell division & cell growth
    • Normal neural tube development
    • Involvement in DNA synthesis

Research Support