The Science Behind Our Prenatal Multivitamin

Optimal nutrients for women before, during and after pregnancy.

  • Provides 4,000 IU of Vitamin D, a critical nutrient in supporting healthy pregnancies and bone development in babies
  • An optimal combination of B vitamins designed to support women’s fertility, suitable for vegetarians and omnivores
  • Our clinical doses of chelated minerals are bound to essential amino acid glycine, for superior absorption
BETAINE HCI

Benefits

This nutrient helps improve digestion, absorption, and tolerance to other supplemental ingredients.

Ayla’s Take

“This ingredient is one of the reasons why so many women report feeling less nauseous and better overall tolerance to taking FullWell Prenatal as compared with other brands. It supports total absorption of all of the important nutrients in our formula—everything to support mom and baby.”

BIOTIN

Benefits

This water-soluble vitamin supports metabolism of fatty acids, glucose, and amino acids. It also plays a key role in gene regulation and cell signaling. FullWell Prenatal includes plenty of biotin—because we know that at least one-third of pregnant moms develop biotin deficiency, even though they exceed adequate intake. No upper limit has been established for biotin, because there is no evidence in humans that biotin is toxic at high intakes.

Ayla’s Take

“Biotin deficiency in pregnant and lactating women is common, despite the fact that we tend to meet Adequate Intake (AI) levels through diet. This suggests that needs are higher than estimated, and that the current AI for pregnant and breastfeeding women may not be set high enough.”

CALCIUM

Benefits

It’s important to consume adequate amounts of calcium in pregnancy to support baby’s musculoskeletal, nervous, and circulatory systems development. Generally, women who do not consume sufficient amounts of calcium are at greater risk of developing osteoporosis later in life. In addition, pregnant and breastfeeding moms need 1,000 mg of calcium per day.

Ayla’s Take

“If you eat dairy every day, along with other good sources of calcium like leafy greens, you can meet your required intake. But since this nutrient is so critical, and so many moms need to avoid dairy due to tolerance issues, we include more calcium than most prenatal supplements.”

CHOLINE

Benefits

About 90-95% of pregnant moms consume less choline than AI levels. That means that while the body can synthesize choline, the amount we take in is not sufficient to meet our needs at any time—especially during pregnancy. For baby, choline is needed for brain development, placental function, and preventing neural tube defects.

Ayla’s Take

“Choline is arguably the most undervalued nutrient when it comes to fertility, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Minimum requirements during pregnancy are 450mg/daily but newer research indicates that closer to 1000mg/daily may be needed from supplements and diet combined. This is a nutrient to pay special attention to because it affects all aspects of your journey to baby from your ability to conceive, the health of the placenta (what nourishes your baby during pregnancy), prevention of serious pregnancy complications, and baby’s brain development.”

CHROMIUM

Benefits

This nutrient supports carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism by improving insulin sensitivity. It is important for everyone, but may be particularly helpful for women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), due to its positive impact on glycemic control and reduced lipid levels.

Ayla’s Take

“Ample research, in addition to my clinical experience, shows that chromium supplementation has a positive effect on glycemic control—critically important for preventing and managing infertility, PCOS, gestational diabetes, and other mom/baby health challenges. This is a very safe nutrient to supplement, since no adverse effects have been linked to high intakes of chromium from food or supplements.”

COPPER

Benefits

Another essential trace mineral needed in increased amounts in pregnancy, copper is essential for forming red blood cells, the heart, blood vessels, and skeletal and nervous systems in baby. It is involved in energy production, synthesis of iron metabolism connective tissues, and neurotransmitter synthesis. It should be balanced with zinc, as high doses of supplemental zinc (60 mg/day for several weeks) will deplete copper. People with celiac disease are at an increased risk for copper deficiency.

Ayla’s Take

“Copper helps maintain healthy iron levels, both during and beyond pregnancy. So, when we discuss iron-deficient anemia in relation to pregnancy, we must also ensure that other minerals like copper are considered and in good supply. We do not need a lot of copper, so FullWell Prenatal incorporates just enough to complement dietary intake and support the increased needs of pregnancy.”

FOLATE

Benefits

“Health professionals agree that adequate folate is vital to healthy pregnancy outcomes—however, the form of this nutrient matters just as much as the need. Regardless of your genetics, it is actually folate (not the more commonly used folic acid) that is vital in healthy prenatal vitamins. We expertly combine evidence-based doses of highly bioavailable methyltetrahydrofolate and calcium folinate (folinic acid) in ours. You will never see problematic folic acid in our supplements.”

Ayla's Take

This critical nutrient must be at healthy levels before mom even tries to conceive, because of its role in preventing neural tube defects—determined very early in pregnancy. Low folate status in mom is linked to a higher risk of congenital heart defects, low birth weight, preterm birth, and more.

IODINE

Benefits

One of the most important functions of iodine is the production of thyroid hormone and general endocrine health. FullWell Prenatal contains 250 mcg of iodine, in step with the World Health Organization’s and American Thyroid Association's recommendations for iodine supplementation during pregnancy.

Ayla's Take

"During early pregnancy, when fetal thyroid gland development is incomplete, baby depends entirely on maternal thyroid hormone. In fact, mom’s thyroid hormone production increases by about 50% during pregnancy; yet baseline deficiency is common in women. Since postpartum and breastfeeding moms need even more iodine than typical, this is a critical nutrient to take before, during, and after pregnancy.”

MAGNESIUM

Benefits

Magnesium glycinate is a highly bioavailable and well-tolerated form of magnesium that can help support both sleep and mood. Deficiency in magnesium can increase the risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Sufficient intake may also help reduce nausea.

Ayla's Take

“Most prenatal multivitamins—and multivitamins in general—contain little or no magnesium, despite its importance, because it is a “bulky nutrient” taking up room in capsules, driving up the number of capsules per serving and associated costs. This nutrient is so important, so we use 300 mg of a premium, highly bioavailable form of magnesium called magnesium glycinate.”

MANGANESE

Benefits

An essential mineral, manganese helps the creation of bone and cartilage for baby during pregnancy. It is also involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, and cholesterol—equally important and protective for both mom and baby. Research has proven that moms with lower levels of manganese in early pregnancy are more likely to develop preeclampsia later.

Ayla's Take

“Manganese is an essential mineral, meaning we cannot make enough in the body to meet demands, and it must be obtained through diet. As with copper, balance is key with this mineral. Intakes that are too low are just as concerning as those too high. This is why FullWell Prenatal contains a considered dose of manganese while staying far below the tolerable upper intake level (11 mg) daily during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.”

MOLYBDENUM

Benefits

This essential trace mineral is an enzymatic cofactor involved in many metabolic processes in the body, including some that are vital for health detoxification.

Ayla's Take

“We do not need a lot of molybdenum, but what we do need is critical. FullWell Prenatal contains 100 mcg of molybdenum, which is higher than the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) levels, but far lower than the tolerable upper intake level of 2,000 mcg.”

MYOINOSITOL

Benefits

This vitamin-like substance can help make insulin more effective, improving fertility outcomes for women with PCOS, poor egg quality, or low anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels. Research shows that in pregnancy, it can help prevent gestational diabetes.

Ayla's Take

“Myoinositol is a critical nutrient that is effective and safe before, during, and after pregnancy. It has a wide range of health benefits, in addition to supporting the overall mood and well-being of expectant moms.”

NIACIN

Benefits

Essential for your baby’s brain development, this B vitamin keeps nervous systems, mucous membranes, and skin healthy, while improving digestion, easing nausea, and even relieving painful migraines for mom.

Ayla's Take

“It is important for niacin to be in balance during any stage of life, but especially pregnancy. Both too much or too little can be problematic. FullWell Prenatal contains 25 mg of this vitamin, a very safe and effective amount to support niacin balance.”

PANTOTHENIC ACID

Benefits

Also known as vitamin B-5, pantothenic acid can help alleviate painful leg cramps, a common symptom in pregnancy. Vitamin B-5 is also essential for the production of hormones and cholesterol and for the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It's essential to all life as a component of coenzyme A (CoA), which is necessary for many chemical reactions in cells.

Ayla's Take

“Pantothenic Acid does not get a lot of attention, but since it is needed for hormone synthesis, it becomes critical during pregnancy—just as hormone production moves into overdrive. It’s a vital requirement for healthy fetus development and maternal health.”

POTASSIUM

Benefits

Potassium is important in all tissues, and is required for normal cell function because of its role in maintaining intracellular fluid volume and transmembrane electrochemical gradients. In simpler terms, it is an essential electrolyte used widely throughout the body. Insufficient potassium intake can cause hypokalemia, though this is most common in those taking laxatives, diuretics, and other potassium depleting medications.

Ayla's Take

“We include just a small amount of potassium in our formula, since this nutrient is easier than most others to obtain through the diet.”

RIBOFLAVIN

Benefits

This nutrient promotes good vision, healthy skin, and the development and growth of baby’s bones, muscles, and nerves. In mom, it lowers the risk of developing preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication. Riboflavin, like all B vitamins, is water-soluble, which means your body will excrete what it doesn't need.

Ayla's Take

“Riboflavin contains ‘flavins,’ which are responsible for the neon yellow (but safe) hue that is seen in the urine when it’s absorbed. Remember that as with all nutrients, the body’s needs for this one fluctuates throughout the day, every day, so steady intake is important. Know that it is safe to take this water-soluble vitamin in higher doses, per the ratios in FullWell Prenatal.”

SELENIUM

Benefits

An essential trace mineral, meaning it must be obtained from diet, this nutrient plays a key role in forming enzymes that impact antioxidant defense mechanisms and thyroid hormone metabolism.

Ayla's Take

“This nutrient is one of the most important ones to preconception and early pregnancy for both moms and dads, because it positively impacts both sperm and egg quality, and pregnancy demands increased thyroid hormone. This is so very important, since an underactive thyroid can be linked to miscarriage.”

THIAMIN

Benefits

This vitamin, also known as B-1, allows mom and baby to convert carbohydrates to energy. It plays a role in the nervous system and is needed for muscles, including the heart, to function normally. Thiamin deficiency is much more common in women with hyperemesis gravidarum, and the consequences of deficiency can affect both mom and baby for the long term.

Ayla's Take

“We carefully measured the risks and benefits of including thiamin at a higher-than-average dose in our formula. Though deficiency is not common, the implications of deficiency are severe, including a higher risk of SIDS and neurological disorders in babies born to moms who are deficient. This water-soluble vitamin is depleted quickly with nausea and vomiting, and has a low absorption rate. As there are no adverse responses associated with high intakes (over 50 mg daily) of thiamine, we’re clear it’s wise to supplement with this nutrient.”

VITAMIN A (AS RETINYL PALMITATE AND BETA CAROTENE)

Benefits

With our 50:50 blend of pro-vitamin A and pre-vitamin A, you help ensure that you are getting enough bioavailable vitamin A to safely support healthy vision and eye development in baby; a healthy immune response in mom and baby; and red blood cell production, normalized iron levels, healthy thyroid function, and skin cell turnover in mom.

Ayla's Take

“Vitamin A regulates the growth and differentiation of virtually every cell in the body, throughout adulthood. In embryos, it helps with directing which cells become which organs, and putting together body systems as a baby develops. While many warn of excessive levels of vitamin A in prenatal supplementation, the truth is many women are living with vitamin A deficiency, including those who are trying to conceive, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding. This is not optimal for mom or baby’s health at any stage of pregnancy, because studies show that vitamin A plays an important role in fertilization and embryo development. The levels of vitamin A in FullWell Prenatal are safe and optimal for both mom and baby.”

VITAMIN B-6

Benefits

This essential nutrient helps support mood, enhance sleep, and reduce pregnancy-related nausea.

Ayla's Take

“More than half of women may have suboptimal levels of vitamin B-6 at delivery. It’s also been found that women with preeclampsia or eclampsia are more likely to have low vitamin B-6 levels. I included robust amounts of vitamin B-6 in the most researched, highly bioavailable form, to support the most challenging pregnancy symptoms and help prevent more serious complications.”

VITAMIN B-12

Benefits

This critical nutrient is only found in animal foods. Insufficient vitamin B-12 increases the risk of miscarriage, neural tube defects, and preterm delivery. For mom, a deficiency in this nutrient leads to a B-12 deficiency in breastfed babies. Serious consequences for infant development could include developmental delays, stunted growth, or motor problems. Supplementing this water-soluble vitamin in doses far exceeding the RDA is safe and supportive in achieving healthy vitamin B-12 levels for both mom and baby.

Ayla's Take

“Research shows that vitamin B-12 intake in pregnancy should at minimum triple the current RDA in dose, especially since we know that a fraction of what we consume through our diet is absorbed by the body. FullWell Prenatal contains sufficient vitamin B-12 in a combination of forms suitable for those with genetic mutations like MTHFR that impact the body’s ability to convert it, without the anxiety and other negative side effects high-dose methylated B-12 can elicit.”

VITAMIN C

Benefits

Vitamin C is important in sperm formation and needed to protect sperm from free radical damage. Research suggests that oxidative stress and excessive reactive oxygen species can change the DNA of sperm membranes, leading to infertility in men. Antioxidants, like vitamin C, can help counteract some of these harmful effects. Studies also show evidence that vitamin C improves sperm motility and sperm count, while reducing deformed sperm cells.

Ayla's Take

“Vitamin C is always included in my client protocols, particularly for those who have inflammation of any kind: endometriosis, PCOS, unexplained infertility, or those trying to conceive after the age of 35, when oxidative stress can have a bigger impact on fertility.”

VITAMIN D

Benefits

Vitamin D deficiency is common across all geographic locations, races, sexes, and genders. Deficiency in both men and women can impact fertility. In pregnancy, a deficiency poses greater risk, as it increases pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes for mom, and underweight or poor bone development for baby—which may persist into childhood.

Ayla's Take

“A double-blind, randomized clinical trial found that vitamin D supplementation of 4,000 IU/day for pregnant women was safe and most effective in achieving sufficiency in all women and their neonates, regardless of race. In fact, it was the minimum amount needed for 82% of women to have adequate vitamin D levels at birth. Some needed more than this, but not less. The 4,000 IUs in FullWell Prenatal is both safe and important for mom and baby.”

VITAMIN E

Benefits

Vitamin E is a critical antioxidant that helps reduce oxidative stress and enhance lung development, immune function, and gene expression in baby. In mom, the antioxidant reduces oxidative stress, increases circulation, reduces lipid peroxidation, and improves mitochondrial health.

Ayla's Take

“Healthier mitochondria = healthier eggs, which means an easier conception with potentially fewer pregnancy complications. This nutrient is included because even though very little transfers to the baby when pregnant and breastfeeding, vitamin E is protective for mom, and moms matter too!”

VITAMIN K

Benefits

Vitamin K works synergistically with vitamin D and calcium in the body to maintain balance at all stages of life. In pregnancy, baby's skeletal development demands more nutrients from maternal stores and intake. FullWell Prenatal uses vitamin K-2 (menaquinone-7), confirmed by research to be the most bioactive form of vitamin K, and the most difficult form of vitamin K to obtain from diet alone.

Ayla's Take

“To protect mom’s bones and dental health, it is extremely important to take vitamin K-2 alongside vitamin D, in order to help support calcium homeostasis.”

ZINC

Benefits

Zinc is an essential mineral critical to many biological processes, and is key to healthy immune function. Mild-to-moderate deficiency is common, especially in low zinc-rich, animal-source diets. Approximately 80% of pregnant women worldwide have inadequate zinc intake, which may lead to pregnancy and birth complications. Zinc deficiency alters circulating levels of hormones, associated with the onset of labor. Deficiency may contribute to systemic and uterine infections—both major causes of pre-term birth.

Ayla's Take

“The importance of zinc in pregnancy, and the rate of deficiency in pregnant women, is not discussed enough in the medical community given the risks to both mom and baby. It is a vital nutrient to supplement, even when there’s a focus on adding it to dietary levels. For vegetarian women, it is even more critical.”

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