Nutritional FAQs

Eight capsules may seem like a lot, especially compared to many other prenatal supplements on the market, but there are a few important reasons for this protocol. FullWell Prenatal contains more choline, magnesium, and calcium than most prenatal options. These three critical nutrients are necessary for pregnancy, but it can be difficult to reach healthy thresholds in our diet. In fact, approximately 90%–95% of pregnant women consume less choline than the Adequate Intake (AI) levels.* Our mission in creating FullWell Prenatal was not to compromise on the amounts, forms, or quality of the nutrients we know are supportive for fertility health. And the good news: FullWell Prenatal is made to be very well-tolerated and can be taken in divided doses, or as recommended by your healthcare practitioner.

It’s by careful design. Iron needs and tolerance vary significantly by individual. Getting enough iron is critical for a healthy pregnancy, and iron needs to increase as a pregnancy progresses.* But not all women will need to supplement with iron to keep their levels in a healthy range, and it may be best to match the form and dose of iron to your specific needs. Because of this, we suggest that you monitor your iron status with your healthcare practitioner and if you do need supplemental iron, take it separately in appropriate doses at their recommendation. This will help avoid unnecessary digestive distress or result in consuming too much or too little iron overall.

We have carefully calibrated our levels based on a combination of the best available evidence, safety, and ability of the body to absorb the nutrient. In fact, the percent daily values set may not align with typical recommendations on the amount of the nutrient needed during pregnancy, either because a level has not been reliably established, or because it is based on outdated RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) levels. Many nutrients also rely on optimal digestive functioning to be absorbed well.The amount of the nutrient that can be absorbed by an average, healthy person may also be limited by normal factors affecting digestive health. (For example, only about 10 mcg of a 500 mcg oral vitamin B-12 supplement is actually absorbed by healthy people.* In cases where the amount of the nutrient exceeds the RDA, it has been safe at the level included.

We believe the stability of DHA is compromised when mixed into a multivitamin, that’s why we’re working hard to create our own! In it, you’ll find DHA and EPA together, because research shows that there is a strong benefit for both mom and baby. We recommend that you purchase our Prenatal and Fish Oil Bundle to ensure you are receiving the proper nutrients.

Yes, the forms of B vitamins included in our formula were strategically selected for their ability to be bioavailable and well-tolerated.

Vitamin D can help optimize l fertility and support fetal development and pregnancy outcomes . A double-blind, randomized clinical trial found Vitamin D supplementation of 4,000 IU/day for pregnant women safe and the most effective way to achieve sufficiency in all women and their babies regardless of race or climate (even the sunniest climates).*

For unopened bottles, the shelf-life is two years from the manufacture date. There is no need to refrigerate your prenatal, but we do recommend storing them in a cool, dry place.

The serving size is just 2 small, easy-to-swallow capsules daily. Each bottle contains 60 capsules, giving you a one-month supply. 

We recommend taking it in the morning or early afternoon as some people find that CoQ10 gives them energy.

Like your other FullWell supplements, store this bottle in a cool, dark place away from sunlight. It is highly stable, but like most high-quality supplements, heat and light will degrade it over time. During warmer months, consider storing your bottle in the refrigerator. 

Yes, it can be taken simultaneously with any of our products. 

It’s never too soon, but ideally, at least 3-6 months before trying to conceive, undergoing fertility treatment, or freezing eggs or sperm. Fertility is increasingly being recognized as a biomarker for overall health, so you can also take it over more extended periods to preserve your fertility for the future.

It depends! If you are taking it in preparation for egg or sperm freezing, continue to take it until after your retrieval/collection. If you are actively trying for a family, continue taking it until you have a confirmed positive pregnancy test. Finally, if you want to preserve your fertility for the future, you can take it for the long run! We recommend working with your healthcare practitioner to evaluate your individual needs.

Yes, it is safe to take while breastfeeding.

Yes, it is vegan and vegetarian-friendly.

We recommend you discuss with your healthcare practitioner whether it can be taken alongside your current medication. 

We use a Coenzyme Q10 phytosome, which is bound to a plant-based extract known to help improve the absorption of CoQ10 by allowing it to be more efficiently used by the body.

The role of fertile, healthy sperm goes beyond just conception. Sperm quality, motility (movement), and morphology (shape and size) all contribute to overall healthy pregnancy and the health of the baby over the long term. FullWell’s Vitality + Virility is an evidence-based formula designed to support optimal sperm production, hormone health, and overall male fertility. Several of the nutrients can work synergistically to support sperm parameters (motility, quality, and structure), healthy free-radical defenses, hormone levels, and overall wellness.

In order to better prepare your body and sperm for conception, you should ideally start taking Vitality + Virility at least three to six months prior to trying to conceive. The average man produces 50-100 million sperm daily, but it takes about 2-3 months for them to fully mature. During this period, it’s critical to support developing spermatids with optimal nutrients that support free-radical defenses.* This is a supportive formula for men’s preconception, but can also be used to continue to support overall health and vitality over the long term.*

The serving size is 1.4 ml or approximately 2 dropperfuls. Each 2-ounce bottle has approximately 42 servings.

A dropperful is the amount of liquid that fills the glass tube when the rubber bulb is squeezed and released. One dropperful is equivalent to half a serving for the Nourished Nerves tincture.

1 serving (2 individual squeezes of the dropper bulb) 1-3 times daily or as recommended by your health practitioner. If you need more sleep support, Nourished Nerves can be taken as 2 droppersful 1 hour before bedtime and 1 dropperful just before bedtime or if you wake during the night. Alternative dosing strategies may be recommended by your qualified herbalist or health practitioner.

This product is supportive for both short & long term use as needed to help support stress & sleep.

Nourished Nerves can be helpful anytime of day, whether you’re looking to calm an excited nervous system or looking to help support a smooth transition to bedtime.

Our tincture can be taken in a variety of ways—straight into your mouth, in a bit of sparkling or still water, in hot water as a tea, or in your favorite beverage. Feel free to experiment.

Nourished Nerves, when stored properly, will stay fresh for 2 years. To keep your tincture safe from bacterial contamination, do not place the dropper directly on the tongue and then return it to the bottle.

It is recommended to store the bottle in a cool, dark place, to ensure quality and longevity. The small amount of alcohol included in this tincture acts not only to extract the herbal constituents but also as a natural preservative.

Nervines are herbs that may support the nervous system. There are three categories of nervines: (1) Nervine stimulants that enliven and awaken the nervous system, like ginger, (2) Nervine relaxants that calm the nerves, like lemon balm and chamomile, and (3) Nervine tonics that nourish and support the nervous system, like milky oats.*

A tincture is a concentrated liquid extract of an herb that is made by soaking plant material in alcohol for a period of time. For our Nourished Nerve tincture, we infuse dried herbs in organic high proof alcohol for one month.

The alcohol is needed to help extract the supportive herbal constituents from the herbs and to help preserve the formula. Ultimately, Nourished Nerves contains less alcohol than most breads, juices, and ripe bananas.

Yes, it is certified organic and derived from sugarcane.

Yes, all of our herbs are certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF).

Yes, our raw ingredients are GMO-free.

Our glycerin is sustainably sourced from flaxseed.

Yes, it is both vegetarian and vegan.

Most of our herbs are grown organically and sustainably in the United States. All of our herb suppliers must go through a rigorous verification process to be approved.

Yes, our tincture is safe to use during pregnancy. However, as with any supplement, it is recommended that you consult with a trained herbalist or other qualified health practitioner to determine if this product is appropriate for you.

Yes, the amount of alcohol in the finished product is less alcohol than most breads, juices, and ripe bananas.

We recommend that you discuss with your healthcare provider whether Nourished Nerves can be taken along with your medication. If you are taking thyroid medication, use caution with taking any dietary supplements at the same time as your medication as they may interfere with their effectiveness. While lemon balm can interact with thyroid medication at large doses, the amount of lemon balm included in our blend is not expected to alter the effectiveness of your thyroid medication.

No, our fish oil is ethically and sustainably sourced from anchovies and sardines and is delivered in a bovine-derived gelatin capsule. While there are vegan essential fatty acid products available, we chose to utilize this natural, bioavailble fish oil from a trusted and highly vetted source.

Yes, it can be taken at the same time as your prenatal without any negative impact on absorption. It also can be taken separately, with or without food or as recommended by your healthcare provider.

No, our fish oil is flavorless and odorless.

FullWell fish oil is free of soy, corn, nuts, dairy, wheat, gluten, rice, sweeteners, artificial colors or flavors. FullWell Fish Oil should not be taken by those with a seafood allergy. Consult with your physician if you are allergic to iodine or are taking blood thinner medications.

We third-party test each batch through a reputable, certified lab to ensure that mercury and other heavy metals, dioxins, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are all below detectable levels. This is a non-negotiable on every batch to ensure quality and safety.

We recommend that you discuss with your healthcare provider whether FullWell Fish Oil can be taken along with your medication. If you are taking blood thinning medications, use caution as fish oil may decrease platelet activity.

If you have a fish allergy, we recommend speaking with your healthcare provider before taking a FullWell Fish Oil.

Store your fish oil in a cool, dark place. It is highly stable but like all fresh, fish oil products, heat and light will degrade it over time. During warmer months, consider storing your bottle in the refrigerator. Please note: it is not necessary to ship this product on ice, even to very warm climates. We recommend checking your tracking and retrieving your package within 24 hours of delivery. This is the responsibility of the customer.

Our Fish Oil has a 2 year shelf life and you can find the expiration date on the bottom of the bottle.

Ideally before trying to conceive. Research shows that 80% of U.S. women of childbearing age have low levels of omega-3 fatty acids for a variety of reasons - diet, genetics, and chronic illness to name a few. Because moms are the primary source of EPA and DHA, getting enough before, during, and after pregnancy is important. EPA and DHA promote a happy and healthy pregnancy, support fetal and newborn development, and offer much-needed mood and immune support for moms in the postpartum period.*

FullWell Fish Oil contains an optimal essential fatty acid profile with a daily serving size of 120mg of EPA and 430mg of DHA.

EPA and DHA play different roles. Much of the research supporting DHA in pregnancy and lactation are related to baby’s brain and early visual development.* However, newer research shows that EPA is needed to help DHA pass through the placenta to baby.* FullWell Fish Oil achieves that balance with two gelcaps daily. Additionally, both DHA and EPA coexist together in nature. Rather than isolate just DHA, research supports the importance of having a combination of both of these fatty acids.

The needs for omega-3 fatty acids are higher in pregnancy than other periods of life because moms are the primary source for developing babies. Research shows that consuming omega-3s during pregnancy can increase the length of pregnancy and birth weight by altering the balance of eicosanoids involved in labor and promoting fetal growth by improving placental blood flow*.

Yes! Omega-3 fatty acids are important for both female and male fertility.* For men, a higher intake of omega-3s is positively related to sperm morphology and concentration.*

The short answer is yes! If you are still breastfeeding, your nutrient needs for omega-3 fatty acids are higher for you and baby.* Studies show that higher levels of DHA in breast milk are easily absorbed by babies and raise their DHA levels.* So optimal amounts of DHA and EPA mean that you have sufficient amounts for your health and recovery during the postpartum period, and the growing needs of baby.* At birth, the average baby's brain is about a quarter of the size of the average adult brain, so getting enough omega-3s can help support baby’s brain development during those early months and years.*

Yes! There’s supporting evidence showing that omega-3s help with mood, especially during the postpartum period.* Omega-3s have also been researched to show benefits for heart health, immune and inflammatory responses, metabolism, and the health of skin, hair, nervous system, joints, eyes, and brain.*

Taking fish oil with a high-fat meal may improve bioavailability of omega-3 fatty acids and increase tolerance.

Store your fish oil in a cool, dark place. FullWell Fish Oil is highly stable but like all fresh, fish oil products, heat and light will degrade it over time. During warmer months, consider storing your bottle in the refrigerator. Please note: it is not necessary to ship this product on ice, even to very warm climates. We recommend checking your tracking and retrieving your package within 24 hours of delivery. This is the responsibility of the customer.

Our Fish Oil has a 2 year shelf life and you can find the expiration date on the bottom of the bottle.

We recommend taking Iron Bump away from your prenatal.  

Iron w/ Prenatal

9:00am Prenatal + Fish Oil 

12:00pm Iron Bump (1 hour before eating or 2 hours after eating, preferably)

5:00pm Prenatal

The serving size is just 1 small, easy-to-swallow capsule daily. Each bottle contains 30 capsules, giving you a one-month supply.  Your health practitioner may suggest a custom dose for you. Always defer to your qualified health practitioner’s recommendation.

1 capsule taken with or without food earlier in the day away from your prenatal. 

Iron Bump is ideally taken on an empty stomach, at least an hour before meals or 2 hours after, as many foods and drinks contain inhibitors of iron absorption. Digestive discomfort is rare, but if this does happen, take Iron Bump with a meal or snack. Iron absorption is reduced by milk, calcium, and magnesium products and by proton pump inhibitors. Also, coffee, tea, and cereal products negatively affect the uptake of iron. 

• Non-pregnant women should take it in the morning or afternoon. This is when hepcidin is the lowest. Hepcidin naturally declines during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. 
• If you’re an athlete or doing high-intensity exercise, take Iron Bump 3 hours before or after training to avoid taking it during a phase of inflammation when hepcidin is highest.

Alternate-day dosing for iron refers to a dosing regimen in which iron supplements are taken every other day instead of daily. The rationale behind this strategy is that it allows for a slower and more gradual increase in iron levels in the body, potentially reducing the incidence or severity of side effects. It also gives the body additional time to absorb and utilize large doses of iron, as studies have shown that larger doses can stimulate an increase in hepcidin. This hormone helps you control how your body uses its iron supply, which in turn interferes with the absorption of an iron dose taken later in the day. 

Before deciding to use the alternate-day dosing regimen, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional. This dosing may not be suitable for everyone, and certain factors, such as the severity of iron deficiency, individual tolerance to iron supplements, and specific medical conditions, should be considered. While alternate-day dosing can help manage side effects, it may prolong the time required to achieve optimal iron levels. Regular monitoring of iron status through blood tests, like serum ferritin levels, is crucial to ensure that iron levels are being replenished properly.

According to The American Society of Hematology, most people with iron deficiency need 150-200 mg per day of elemental iron (2 to 5 mg of iron per kilogram of body weight per day).  However, it is important to note that there is no universal dosage recommendation and that you should work with your health practitioner to tailor your dosage to your needs.

The adult maximum oral dose of iron is 5 mg/kg or no more than 270 mg/kg of elemental iron daily. We’d recommend seeking the advice of your healthcare practitioner regarding individual dosing for Iron Bump.. We’d recommend seeking the advice of your healthcare practitioner regarding individual dosing for Iron Bump.

Iron may interfere with the absorption of many different medications. For this reason, it’s best to take iron supplements at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking medications. 

Iron, for example, inhibits the absorption of thyroid medication, and hence it is best to take the thyroid medications in the morning and the first iron pill around noon. Iron absorption is also reduced by proton pump inhibitors and antacids. Below is a sample iron supplement schedule: 

Iron w/ thyroid medication

6:00am Thyroid medication

9:00am Prenatal +Fish Oil + Breakfast

1:00pm Lunch

3:00pm Iron Bump  (1 hour before eating or 2 hours after eating, preferably)

5:00pm Prenatal + Dinner

Evaluating, at minimum, your hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels 1-2 months after beginning Iron Bump supplementation is recommended, particularly if you have significant symptoms or a clear diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia. This helps ensure that the anemia or iron lab values are improving. Check out our blog post for more details on iron and testing.

Taking an iron supplement immediately before getting tested for iron levels is generally not recommended, as it may affect the accuracy of the test results. In most cases, it is recommended to avoid iron supplements for a certain period before the test, typically 24 to 48 hours, to allow your iron levels to stabilize and provide a more accurate reflection of your iron status. Iron supplements can rapidly increase the iron levels in your blood, potentially leading to falsely elevated results.

It's important to communicate with your healthcare provider about any supplements you are taking or plan to take, as they can guide you on the appropriate timing and ensure accurate test results for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Different formulas often require different forms of nutrients. In this case, Ascorbic Acid was the most well-researched and well-sized form of vitamin C for our comprehensive Prenatal formula. For Iron Bump, we were able to choose a vitamin C from Acerola fruit extract without driving up the serving size or compromising the overall formula.

The capsules are a standard 00 size.

Our Prenatal Multivitamin and Vitality + Virility products both contain Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin). The "flavin" component to riboflavin is a bright yellow color and responsible for the change in urine color. So what you are seeing is a normal and natural bi-product of this water-soluble B vitamin. It does not mean that you are not absorbing the nutrients you need, or that it is too much for you. In fact, this is not harmful in any way.

All of our products are manufactured in the United States at a FDA, GMP, and UL-certified facility. These facilities are operating with the highest safety standards and quality control that are seen in the industry, anywhere in the world. In other words, we don't mess around. We only work with the best, and are involved in every step of the process.

We test every lot in house and then verify those results via an independent, certfied, 3rd party lab and, as always, we are happy to share the COA for your product upon request. Please get in touch through our contact form and include your product lot number list on the bottom of your bottle or on the label itself.