This is a sponsored post by SmartyPants Vitamins.
When the weather outside gets frightful. And the fire looks so delightful. The mood may just be right for some afternoon (or evening) delight. But if you’re reading this blog on prenatal supplements, you probably already know this.
There’s a reason why more people celebrate birthdays around August or the start of September than any other time of year. Whether it’s our body’s biological need to feel warmth or the prevalence of booze and merry making during the winter holidays, this is prime baby-making season.
Along with this, there’s even evidence to suggest that the seasonality of sperm patterns could be the explanation for increased fecundability in winter. (Sperm seasonality? Keep reading.) A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology that examined more than 6,000 semen samples, found that sperm concentration increased during the winter months and decreased from spring toward summer. This study also found that the physical structure of sperm cells were the healthiest in winter and early spring months. So, maybe it isn’t just the boozy eggnog to blame.
Whatever the reason, this might just be the most wonderful time of year to get pregnant. So, whether you’re thinking about having a baby or already in the market for maternity clothes, here are some things to consider when it comes to prenatal vitamins and supplements.
Why should I consider taking a prenatal supplement?
First, it’s important to note that prenatal supplements will not get you pregnant (darn). Instead, they help women obtain the specific nutrient levels that are ideal for a healthy pregnancy.
According to the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy & Promotion, women’s needs for certain vitamins and minerals increase during pregnancy. Folate and iodine are perfect examples. When taken daily before and during early pregnancy, adequate folate and iodine intakes may help support early fetal development. *
The National Institute of Health recommends that pregnant women get 600 mcg of folate and 220 mcg of iodine per day. This is an increase from the amounts recommended for all females 14 years of age and older, which are 400 mcg of folate and 150 mcg of iodine.
When you factor in morning sickness and everything else that comes with being pregnant, making sure you eat enough of the right foods to support both your and your growing baby’s nutritional needs, can be a challenge.
Plus, we know that sometimes not everyone is perfect (we won’t mention that pint of ice cream that mysteriously disappeared). So to help fill those nutritional gaps (like when your vegetable servings come from french fries), you can always take a supplement. Yay!
When should I start taking a prenatal supplement?
You can start taking prenatal vitamins before becoming pregnant, but we recommend that you consult with your healthcare provider/OBGYN to determine if or when a prenatal supplement is right for you. Doctors recommend taking prenatal vitamins at varying times depending upon each individual’s health and nutrient status.
Why is folate important?
Folate can help support normal early fetal development by preventing serious birth defects of a baby’s brain or spine, according to the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy & Promotion. Your body also uses this B vitamin to help utilize proteins, form new blood cells and create new DNA.*
Folate is often called folic acid, but the two are not the same. Folate is the form found in plants (5-MTHF is also considered to be folate). Folic acid is the synthetic form found in most supplements and fortified foods. Your body needs to convert folic acid to methylfolate before it can be used.
At SmartyPants, our prenatal supplements include 100 percent of the recommended daily value of folate. We include folate in the premium form methylfolate because it’s what your body prefers and can easily use, without needing to convert anything.
Why is iodine important?
Don’t get salty (or do). Iodine is an essential mineral and critical for numerous metabolic functions. It also supports the nervous system and normal brain development during pregnancy.*
We include 100 percent of the daily value of iodine because some studies suggest that iodine consumption is on the decline in the US. This may be because of nutrient depletion in our soil, the increased use of sea salt or the decreased use of iodized salt (salt that has been fortified with elemental iodine). Unlike iodized salt, sea salt and the salt in many processed foods are not fortified with iodine.
What kind of prenatal supplements does SmartyPants make?
We thought you’d never ask. We have two prenatal supplements, our certified-organic and vegetarian Organics Prenatal Complete and SmartyPants Prenatal Complete.
Whether you’re looking for an all-in-one prenatal supplement that also contains probiotics or one with omega-3s from fish oil, we give you options. Both formulas are packed with vitamins and essential nutrients in premium forms that your body prefers and can easily use. All of our supplements are non-GMO and made without any synthetic colors, artificial flavors and sweeteners. They’re also free of the eight most common allergens including milk, eggs, shellfish, soy, peanuts, wheat, fish and tree nuts.
Along with this, we formulate our supplements based on the latest recommendations from the Health and Medicine Division (formerly the Institute of Medicine) and current dietary patterns. So, they fill typical nutrient gaps in the Western diet and give you more of the nutrients you want, in one easy serving.
Organics Prenatal Complete
Calling all earth mommas! Our certified-organic and vegetarian formula includes omega-3 ALA (essential fatty acids) sourced from vegan flaxseed oil, folate as methylfolate for early fetal development, probiotics (Bacillus subtilis) for digestion, vitamin D as D3 for bones and vitamin B12 as methylcobalamin to support energy production- all in one delicious gummy.*
Product Highlights
- Early fetal development – Folate in the premium form methylfolate to support early fetal development*
- Early fetal development – Iodine for thyroid health and to support normal brain development during pregnancy*
- Essential fatty acids – Omega-3 ALA from organic flaxseed oil
- Digestive Health – Probiotics (Bacillus subtilis) with a 99% survivability rate to support digestive health*
- Bone Health – Vitamin D in the premium form D3 to support strong bones and teeth*
- Energy Support – Vitamin B12 as the premium form methylcobalamin for energy*
- Biotin to help maintain healthy hair, skin and nails*
- Immune Health – Zinc in the premium form zinc citrate to support immune health*
Prenatal Complete
Special delivery! Our classic SmartyPants Prenatal formula contains a robust blend of premium ingredients and essential nutrients including omega-3 (EPA & DHA) essential fatty acids from fish oil, folate as methylfolate for early fetal development and vitamin D as D3 for bone health – all in one yummy gummy.*
Ingredient Highlights
- Early fetal development – Folate in the premium form methylfolate to support early fetal development*
- Early fetal development – Iodine for thyroid health and to support normal brain development during pregnancy*
- Essential Fatty Acids – Omega-3 (balanced EPA & DHA) sourced from sustainable stock of wild-caught small fish
- Bone health – Vitamin D in the premium form D3 to support strong bones and teeth*
- Energy Support – Vitamin B12 in the premium form methylcobalamin for energy*
- Antioxidant Support – Vitamin E (from sunflower oil), an antioxidant for the maintenance of good health*
So bring some corn for poppin.’ Make sure the lights are turned way down low. It’s time to embrace the season, and don’t forget the mistletoe!
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.