Vitamin D

VITAMIN D (4000 IU)
667% Daily Value - Pregnancy and Lactation
667% Daily Value - Adults 18-50

SUPPORTS BONE HEALTH

In addition to supporting bone health, recent studies have shown that higher doses of vitamin D in pregnancy, specifically 4000IU, reduce the risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, and low birth weight.

LOWERS RISK OF PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS

Low vitamin D status is associated with an increased risk of pregnancy-related complications. It can be challenging for women to reach recommended Vitamin D levels through diet and sunlight exposure alone. Most prenatal supplements contain levels that are too low and based on outdated research.

Folate

FOLATE (600 micrograms DFE)
100% Daily Value - Pregnancy and Lactation
150% Daily Value - Women 19-50

FORMS MATTER

While both folic acid and methylated folate have been shown to support circulating folate levels (a key determinant in healthy neural tube development), synthetic folate is formed through a multi-step chemical process using harsh chemicals. In contrast, natural folate is found in a variety of plant foods in its methylated or“activated folate” form since it is the bioactive form directly used by the body. Plants are an excellent source of natural folate.

PREVENTS NTDS AND MORE

Outside of its well-established role in pregnancy for preventing neural tube defects, folate has been shown to provide benefits against cardiovascular malformations and other adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Calcium

CALCIUM (375 mg)
30% Daily Value - Pregnancy and Lactation
40% Daily Value - Women 19-50

ROLE IN PREGNANCY

Adequate dietary calcium has been shown to play a role in reducing preterm labor and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), which occurs in 10% of pregnancies in the United States. Several trials have shown that supplementation during pregnancy is associated with a 35% reduced risk of PIH and a 55% lower risk of preeclampsia, a more serious condition resulting in increased blood pressure and protein in the urine.

VEGAN CALCIUM FROM THE SEA

Recent data shows that 20% of women are deficient in calcium, and meeting needs can be a challenge as people have gradually moved away from dairy. Tend provides calcium from a vegan, marine source, an organic, non-GMO multimineral-rich seaweed harvested from the North Atlantic seabed.

Vitamin B12

VITAMIN B12 (2.2 micrograms)
80% Daily Value - Pregnancy and Lactation
92% Daily Value - Women 19-50

A VITAL COFACTOR

Vitamin B12 is a critical cofactor for several life-dependent physiological processes, particularly DNA replication and maintenance. Inadequate intake of B12 is associated with a wide range of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including premature delivery, preeclampsia, low birth weight, neural tube defects, and stillbirth. Low circulating levels of vitamin B12 are also an independent risk factor for neural tube defects.

PLANT-BASED, GREEN B12

Commonly thought to be found in only animal products, the B12 from Tend comes from chlorella, a marine freshwater green algae which provides a proven, bioavailable source of vegan-friendly B12.

Iron

IRON (18 mg)
67% Daily Value - Pregnancy and Lactation
100% Daily Value - Women 19-50

SUPPORTS BLOOD SUPPLY

With 20% of women iron-deficient at the time of pregnancy, and up to 40% iron-deficient in the third trimester, the importance of iron supplementation cannot be overstated. The most important role iron plays in pregnancy is supporting a woman’s blood supply, which expands by almost 50% to deliver oxygen and nutrients to her developing baby.

MAXIMAL ABSORPTION

Tend provides iron from a number of plant-sources. Since iron absorption is often a concern and can be affected by a number of factors related to diet and the gut, Tend combines iron with naturally-occuring Vitamin C from citrus fruits, shown to significantly enhance the absorption and delivery of iron (2-3x enhanced!) in this critical stage.

Iodine

IODINE (150 micrograms)
50% Daily Value - Pregnancy and Lactation
100% Daily Value - Women 19-50

SUPPORTS CRITICAL BRAIN DEVELOPMENT

Mild iodine deficiency can have adverse and irreversible effects on infant cognitive development. Iodine is necessary for the mother’s thyroid gland to make and supply thyroid hormone, which plays a critical role in normal fetal brain development by producing a protective layer of fat that wraps around neurons called myelin. Iodine needs almost double in pregnancy and lactation, and public health experts estimate that lack of iodine is the most common cause of preventable brain damage in the world.

AMERICAN THYROID ASSOCIATION RECOMMENDED LEVEL

Tend delivers iron at consensus science-backed levels, following the American Thyroid Association’s recommendation for iodine supplementation in pregnancy at 150 micrograms of iodine daily.

Vitamin A

VITAMIN A (1300 micrograms)
100% Daily Value - Pregnancy and Lactation
185% Daily Value - Women 19-50

CRITICAL FOR GROWTH, SAFEST FROM PLANTS

Vitamin A is necessary for embryonic development, while also controlling genes that are responsible for cellular growth and division, vision, and immunity. Specifically, vitamin A is responsible for helping form the eyes, heart, arms, and legs. While excessively high doses above 3000 micrograms have been linked with birth defects, plant sources of vitamin A (commonly referred to as beta carotene) seems to pose a lower risk of overdose than preformed vitamin A that is commonly found in supplements.

SAFETY FIRST

Tend provides vitamin A as beta carotene from vegetables such as carrots, in food safe doses, intended to support a healthy pregnancy and proper fetal development without the associated risks of overdose seen in synthetic vitamin A supplements.

Magnesium

MAGNESIUM (120 mg)
30% Daily Value - Pregnancy and Lactation
40% Daily Value - Women 19-50

ALL THE GOOD OF MAGNESIUM

Crucial for normal embryonic and fetal development, just over half of US adults are not meeting magnesium requirements, and most prenatal formulations do not contain appreciable, if any, magnesium. Magnesium is a critical cofactor for hundreds of enzymes, playing a critical role in everything from the production of DNA to energy metabolism.

NO UNWANTED SIDE EFFECTS

Magnesium from Tend is primarily from our organic nut butters, with almonds being the richest source. High doses of synthetic magnesium can have an unwanted, laxative effect – but magnesium from foods won’t.

Vitamin C

VITAMIN C (130 mg)
110% Daily Value - Pregnancy and Lactation
175% Daily Value - Women 19-50

NATURAL IS BEST

Vitamin C from foods has been shown to be 300 times better at fighting free radicals than synthetic vitamin C (Nature volume 405, pp. 903–904.2000). Since nearly half of US adults don’t meet recommended vitamin C levels according to data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), Tend includes just over 100% Daily Value of Vitamin C from nature’s original and best source, citrus fruits.

ANTIOXIDANT AND COLLAGEN SUPPORT

Vitamin C is known as the water-soluble antioxidant, fighting damaging free radicals that wreak havoc on cells and membranes. Vitamin C is also necessary for making collagen, an important protein in skin and blood vessels, and it boosts iron absorption by 2-3X.

Zinc

ZINC (10 mg)
80% Daily Value - Pregnancy and Lactation
125% Daily Value - Women 19-50

IT’S ABOUT GROWTH

Zinc is critical in protein synthesis and cell division, both integral to the developing fetus. Worldwide, more than 80% of women are deficient in zinc during pregnancy, and zinc taken at recommended levels is associated with a modest reduction in premature deliveries. Further, maternal zinc deficiency has been shown to compromise infant development and is associated with poor birth outcomes.

PLANT-BASED, SCIENCE-BACKED LEVELS

Nuts and seeds provide the best sources of natural, plant-based zinc. Tend provides zinc at levels that all but ensure that deficiency won’t be a challenge during pregnancy.

Vitamin E

VITAMIN E (24 mg)
130% Daily Value - Pregnancy and Lactation
160% Daily Value - Women 19-50

SYNTHETIC ABSORBED HALF AS WELL AS NATURAL

Well-known, classical experiments in the field of nutrition from decades ago show that synthetic vitamin E is absorbed only half as well as naturally occurring vitamin E found in foods. The difference could partially be explained by chemistry: in nature, vitamin E exists in a variety of shapes and forms, but not so in a synthetic pill.

THE FAT-SOLUBLE ANTIOXIDANT

Vitamin E fights reactive oxygen species that attack cell membranes and lipids, providing protection against oxidative stress, a risk factor for preeclampsia. Unfortunately, just over 90% of women don’t meet vitamin E requirements. Tend provides vitamin E from plants such as seeds, spinach, and broccoli.

Selenium

SELENIUM (50 micrograms)
70% Daily Value - Pregnancy and Lactation
90% Daily Value - Women 19-50

MICRONUTRIENT, MEGA IMPACT

Selenium has been well-studied for its role in the reproductive system in both males and females. In pregnancy, deficiencies have been associated with gestational complications, miscarriage, and low birth weight.

NATURAL SOURCE, SAFE LEVELS

Nuts, seeds, and whole grains serve as excellent, natural sources of Selenium. Tend provides a significant portion of recommended Selenium levels before, during, and after pregnancy, while avoiding unnecessarily high levels provided in some supplements that approach the tolerable upper intake level.

Vitamin K

VITAMIN K (170 micrograms)
190% Daily Value - Pregnancy and Lactation
190% Daily Value - Women 19-50

CRITICAL FOR NORMAL BLOOD CLOTTING

Vitamin K deficiency can have serious, detrimental effects for pregnant women and newborns, as this nutrient is critical in proper blood clot formation where deficiencies may lead to excessive bleeding before, during, and after delivery. Most infants are born in need of exogenous vitamin K, hence the recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics that all babies receive Vitamin K1 injections upon birth.

NATURALLY PROTECTIVE

Worldwide Vitamin K levels have fallen in recent decades due to changes in diet and lifestyle. Green leafy vegetables provide an excellent source of natural Vitamin K, and Tend provides levels to support a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

Copper

COPPER (1000 micrograms)
80% Daily Value - Pregnancy and Lactation
110% Daily Value - Women 19-50

RED BLOOD CELL AND MEMBRANE REINFORCEMENT

Copper requirements increase in pregnancy and lactation, largely to support the formation of red blood cells and connective tissue such as collagen. Low copper levels in pregnancy have been associated with premature rupture of membranes.

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION AND MICRONUTRIENTS

Several studies support the notion that dietary micronutrients, such as copper, can reduce the burden of postpartum depression. While this research is still in its infancy, emerging data supports the critical role of copper in the pre- and postnatal stage.

Vitamin B1

THIAMIN (1.8 mg)
130% Daily Value - Pregnancy and Lactation
160% Daily Value - Women 19-50

BRAIN AND LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

Thiamine is essential for nervous system and brain development, as it is involved in synthesizing a protective layer of fat around neurons called myelin, as well as several critical neurotransmitters. Thiamine is also beneficial for language development and word retrieval, and deficiencies in pregnancy can have lasting neurological effects.

GROWTH AND METABOLISM

Thiamine converts carbohydrates to energy, and deficiencies can lead to stunted growth and a shortened gestational period. Spinach, sunflower seeds, and mushrooms serve as excellent sources of thiamin, delivered alongside other pregnancy boosting whole-food nutrients.

Manganese

MANGANESE (2.1 mg)
80% Daily Value - Pregnancy and Lactation
120% Daily Value - Women 19-50

REDUCES PREECLAMPSIA RISK

A 2000 study from Johns Hopkins found that boosting manganese levels early in pregnancy potentially reduces preeclampsia risk. Part of the effect could be explained by Manganese’s role in reducing reactive oxygen species.

BONE AND CARTILAGE FORMATION

Manganese, along with calcium, magnesium, and other minerals, helps in the formation of fetal bones and cartilage. Good sources of manganese include sweet potato, spinach, and nuts.

Vitamin B2

RIBOFLAVIN (1.8 mg)
110% Daily Value - Pregnancy and Lactation
160% Daily Value - Women 19-50

REDUCES PREECLAMPSIA RISK

A study of more than 100 pregnant women found that riboflavin deficiency increased preeclampsia risk by almost 5-fold. Critical Riboflavin-dependent enzymes, necessary for cellular functions such as dilation of blood vessels, are not able to function at optimum levels without riboflavin.

ENERGY AND ANTIOXIDANT FUNCTIONS

Riboflavin is necessary for a number of metabolic processes that break down foods and burn them as fuel. Riboflavin also plays an important role in antioxidant pathways. Green vegetables are one of the best, and most natural, sources of riboflavin.

Chromium

CHROMIUM (31 micrograms)
70% Daily Value - Pregnancy and Lactation
120% Daily Value - Women 19-50

REDUCING GESTATIONAL DIABETES RISK

Adequate Chromium levels are important in enhancing insulin function, which is necessary to maintain blood sugar throughout pregnancy. At least one study found that adding Chromium during pregnancy helped control blood glucose which can reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and other pregnancy-related complications.

MULTIPLE, BROAD EFFECTS

Broadly speaking, Chromium also plays a role in metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, as well as having potentially antioxidant effects. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts serve as excellent sources of Chromium.

Vitamin B3

NIACIN (23 mg)
130% Daily Value - Pregnancy and Lactation
160% Daily Value - Women 19-50

SUPPORTS ENERGY LEVELS

Niacin is a precursor for the coenzyme NAD, which catalyzes more than 400 reactions in the body. A large number of these reactions control metabolism or conversion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates for energy, supporting women’s energy levels before, during, and after pregnancy.

PROTECTS DNA

Niacin works through NAD to help maintain the structure and health of DNA, which is particularly critical during the earliest stages of embryonic development. Nuts, fruits, grains, potatoes, and seeds are excellent sources of dietary niacin.

Molybdenum

MOLYBDENUM (40 micrograms)
80% Daily Value - Pregnancy and Lactation
90% Daily Value - Women 19-50

BREAKDOWN OF HARMFUL COMPOUNDS

Molybdenum requirements are mildly elevated in pregnancy and lactation, as this trace mineral’s most important role is serving as a cofactor for reactions that break down unwanted and potentially harmful compounds. Specifically, compounds called sulfites, naturally found in foods and often added as a preservative, are necessary to break down and excrete via Molybdenum-dependent mechanisms. Whole grains and nuts serve as excellent sources of this required nutrient.

Vitamin B5

PANTOTHENIC ACID (7 mg)
100% Daily Value - Pregnancy and Lactation
140% Daily Value - Women 19-50

BURNING AND STORING FAT

Pantothenic acid is necessary for one of the most critical enzymes in our body, coenzyme A, required for fat synthesis and fat burning. These reactions become increasingly vital during the prenatal phase helping women store and burn energy efficiently based on the body’s changing demands.

LEG CRAMP REDUCTION

Along with other B vitamins, some studies suggest that Pantothenic Acid can reduce leg cramps often experienced in pregnancy. Excellent sources of pantothenic acid include mushrooms, potatoes, seeds, and nuts.

Choline

CHOLINE (140 mg)
25% Daily Value - Pregnancy and Lactation
30% Daily Value - Women 19-50

SYNTHETIC CHOLINE IS NOT SAFE

A 2021 clinical trial showed that synthetic choline bitartrate, not choline from eggs or phosohaptidylcholine, resulted in a rise of a dangerous chemical byproduct called TMAO. TMAO increases the risk for blood clots, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes, all highly detrimental in pregnancy.

CRUCIAL FOR BRAIN DEVELOPMENT

More than 90% of women are Choline-deficient. Prenatal dietary Choline has been shown to remarkably improve infant IQ out to 7 years of age. Tend provides Choline from sunflower seeds in the form of phosphatidylcholine, the natural form of Choline found in foods.

Vitamin B6

VITAMIN B6 (2.5 mg)
125% Daily Value - Pregnancy and Lactation
190% Daily Value - Women 19-50

NAUSEA REDUCTION

Tend includes B6, alongside mint and ginger, at levels clinically-proven to reduce nausea. A number of studies have demonstrated reduction of morning sickness with Vitamin B6, even at doses as low as 1.28 mg per day.

NERVOUS SYSTEM SUPPORT

B6 is important for the development and functioning of the nervous system in a developing baby, largely by helping synthesize neurotransmitters. B6 is further involved in amino acid metabolism, immune function, and proper red blood cell function. Grains, nuts, potatoes, and bananas are good sources of food-derived B6.

DHA

DHA (300 mg)
Daily Value not established

OPTIMUM BRAIN DEVELOPMENT

DHA is critical for infant brain development, and is highly concentrated in regions of the nervous system responsible for vision, learning, reaction time, and memory. DHA is particularly crucial during the last trimester of pregnancy during the fetal brain growth spurt.

MULTIPLE BENEFITS IN PREGNANCY

DHA in the prenatal stage has been associated with a greater than 50% reduction in early preterm birth and healthier birth weight. Further, studies show that DHA also supports postpartum mental health. Tend provides DHA at American Pregnancy Association and ACOG recommended levels.

Vitamin B7

BIOTIN (42 micrograms)
120% Daily Value - Pregnancy and Lactation
140% Daily Value - Women 19-50

SUPPORTS RAPID CELL GROWTH

Rapidly dividing cells require Biotin to support enzymes during cell division, particularly critical throughout embryonic development. Cell types that grow and renew most rapidly, such as hair, skin, and nails, may rely on Biotin the most.

RIGHT FORM, RIGHT DOSE

Tend includes Biotin, naturally found in seeds, nuts, potatoes, and greens, since at least one third of pregnant women experience Biotin deficiency even when dietary Biotin levels are sufficient. However, supplementing with Biotin at levels much higher than recommended can interfere with lab test results and specific prescription meditations.