The consensus is in–– pills are out.
Eight key studies comparing foods vs synthetic ...
Vitamin D3 - In addition to supporting bone health, recent studies have shown that vitamin D at 4000IU reduces the risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, and low birth weight. Even in the sunniest locales, nearly 50% of women are deficient in Vitamin D.
From Microalgae
Pregnancy & Lactation
Folate - 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. Natural folate from foods is highly bioactive and already in its methylated form.
From Leafy Greens
Pregnancy
Choline - A 2021 clinical trial showed that synthetic choline bitartrate, not choline from food, 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.
From Sunflower Seeds
Pregnancy
Vitamin A - Crucial for embryonic development and responsible for helping form the eyes, heart, arms, and legs. We source our Vitamin A from vegetables to ensure there’s no chance of overdose (which happens more commonly with supplements).
Plant-based
Pregnancy
Vitamin C - Known as the water-soluble antioxidant, fighting damaging free radicals that wreak havoc on cells and membranes. It also helps make collagen and greatly boosts iron absorption when consumed as part of a meal.
From Citrus
Pregnancy
Vitamin E - Fights reactive oxygen species that attack cell membranes and lipids, providing protection against oxidative stress, a risk factor for preeclampsia. Synthetic Vitamin E is only absorbed half as well as naturally occurring Vitamin E - which is why ours comes from seeds, spinach and broccoli.
From Seeds and Greens
Pregnancy
Vitamin K - Critical in blood clot formation, where deficiencies can lead to excessive bleeding before, during, and after delivery. Infants need it too, which is why the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends Vitamin K injections upon birth.
From Greens
Pregnancy
Thiamin (B1) - Thiamin is essential for nervous system and brain development - it’s involved in synthesizing a protective layer of fat around neurons called myelin, as well as several critical neurotransmitters. It’s also beneficial for language development and word retrieval.
From Sunflower Seeds
Pregnancy
Riboflavin (B2) - A study of more than 100 pregnant women found that riboflavin deficiency increased preeclampsia risk by almost 5-fold. Green vegetables are one of the best - and most natural - sources of riboflavin.
From Sesame Seeds
Pregnancy & Lactation
Niacin - Works through a compound called NAD to help maintain the structure and health of DNA, which is particularly critical during the earliest stages of embryonic development. It also supports energy levels before, during, and after pregnancy.
From Mushrooms
Pregnancy
Pantothenic Acid (B5) -Necessary for one of the most critical enzymes in our body, coenzyme A, and required for fat synthesis and fat burning. These reactions become increasingly vital during the prenatal phase helping women store and burn energy based on the body’s changing demands.
From Mushrooms
Pregnancy & Lactation
Vitamin B6 - We include 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.
From Greens
Pregnancy & Lactation
Biotin (B7) - 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.
From Greens
From Greens
Vitamin B12 - With boosted absorption from foods, Vitamin B12 is a critical cofactor for DNA replication and cell growth. Inadequate intake of B12 is associated with a wide range of adverse outcomes including premature delivery, low birth weight, and neural tube defects.
From Chlorella
Pregnancy & Lactation
Calcium - This critical mineral is missing from most prenatals due to the sheer size being difficult to deliver in smaller pill and gummy formats. Yet, 20% of US women are deficient in calcium, which has been shown to reduce the risk of preterm labor and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH).
From Seaweed
Pregnancy
Iron - Blood supply increases by almost 50% during pregnancy to support the growing baby, making iron critical in this stage. 40% of women are iron-deficient in the third trimester, so we combine iron, which is notoriously poorly absorbed, with Vitamin C, to enhance iron absorption 2-3 fold.
From Leafy Greens
Pregnancy
Iodine - Women need double the iodine during pregnancy; it plays a critical role in normal fetal brain development. We deliver it at consensus science-backed levels, following the American Thyroid Association’s recommendation for iodine supplementation in pregnancy.
From Seaweed
Pregnancy
Magnesium - Crucial for normal embryonic and fetal development - including DNA production - and just over half of US adults are not meeting magnesium requirements. Plus, most prenatal formulations do not contain appreciable, if any, magnesium.
From Nuts and Seeds
Pregnancy & Lactation
Zinc - Critical in protein synthesis and cell division, both integral to the developing fetus. More than 80% of women worldwide are deficient in zinc during pregnancy; taken at recommended levels, it’s associated with a modest reduction in premature deliveries.
From Greens, Nuts, and Seeds
Pregnancy & Lactation
Selenium - Deficiencies have been associated with gestational complications, miscarriage, and low birth weight. We provide excellent natural sources of selenium, like nuts, seeds and whole grains.
From Greens
Pregnancy & Lactation
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.
From Greens, Nuts, and Seeds
Pregnancy & Lactation
Manganese - A 2000 study from Johns Hopkins found that boosting manganese levels early in pregnancy potentially reduces preeclampsia risk. It also helps in the formation of fetal bones and cartilage.
From Leafy Greens and Nuts
Pregnancy & Lactation
Chromium - Adequate Chromium levels are important in enhancing insulin function, which is necessary to maintain blood sugar throughout pregnancy. At least one study found that Chromium helped control blood glucose which can reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and other pregnancy-related complications.
From Cruciferous Vegetables
Pregnancy & Lactation
Molybdenum - The need for Molybdenum is 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. Whole grains and nuts are an excellent source.
From Leafy Vegetables & Nuts
Pregnancy
DHA - DHA is particularly crucial during the last trimester of pregnancy to support the fetal brain growth spurt. Tend provides DHA at ACOG-recommended levels, from a vegan algae source with a uniquely chemical-free extraction process.
From Microalgae
Not Established
Protein - Requirements increase during pregnancy to support fetal growth, and Tend is the first prenatal to acknowledge this macronutrient. Further, protein enhances vitamin and mineral bioavailability and causes the gut to further upregulate nutrient absorption.
From Nuts and Seeds
Pregnancy
Fat - Fats are absolutely required for the body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Further, dozens of processes critical to infant development and energy storage rely on this macronutrient.
From Nuts and Seeds
Pregnancy & Lactation
Prebiotic Fiber - Fiber greatly enhances mineral absorption, both for calcium and magnesium. Furthermore, good bacteria feed off prebiotic fiber and can help promote regularity.
From Plant Roots
Pregnancy and Lactation
Ginger - Used for ages as a digestive remedy, including against nausea, we include organic ginger in a proprietary anti-nausea blend based on research demonstrating its effectiveness against morning sickness.
From Organic Ginger Root
Not Established
Mint - With calming effects on the digestive system, we include organic mint to alleviate pregnancy nausea.
From Organic Mint Leaves
Not Established
Fiber - To aid digestion and reduce risk of constipation, we include fiber from organic plant roots, including Jerusalem artichoke. Furthermore, these compounds promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut while mtaintaining an optimum transit time, which promotes nutrient absorption.
From Plant Root Fiber
Pregnancy
Vitamin B6 - Shown to reduce symptoms of pregnancy nausea at just 1.28mg per day, we include food form B6 at 2.5mg, a safe and optimum dose, to relieve morning sickness.
From Greens
Pregnancy & Lactation
Vitamin D3 - In addition to supporting bone health, recent studies have shown that vitamin D at 4000IU reduces the risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, and low birth weight. Even in the sunniest locales, nearly 50% of women are deficient in Vitamin D.
From Microalgae
Pregnancy & Lactation
Folate - 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. Natural folate from foods is highly bioactive and already in its methylated form.
From Leafy Greens
Pregnancy
Choline - A 2021 clinical trial showed that synthetic choline bitartrate, not choline from food, 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.
From Sunflower Seeds
Pregnancy
Vitamin A - Crucial for embryonic development and responsible for helping form the eyes, heart, arms, and legs. We source our Vitamin A from vegetables to ensure there’s no chance of overdose (which happens more commonly with supplements).
Plant-based
Pregnancy
Vitamin C - Known as the water-soluble antioxidant, fighting damaging free radicals that wreak havoc on cells and membranes. It also helps make collagen and greatly boosts iron absorption when consumed as part of a meal.
From Citrus
Pregnancy
Vitamin E - Fights reactive oxygen species that attack cell membranes and lipids, providing protection against oxidative stress, a risk factor for preeclampsia. Synthetic Vitamin E is only absorbed half as well as naturally occurring Vitamin E - which is why ours comes from seeds, spinach and broccoli.
From Seeds and Greens
Pregnancy
Vitamin K - Critical in blood clot formation, where deficiencies can lead to excessive bleeding before, during, and after delivery. Infants need it too, which is why the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends Vitamin K injections upon birth.
From Greens
Pregnancy
Thiamin (B1) - Thiamin is essential for nervous system and brain development - it’s involved in synthesizing a protective layer of fat around neurons called myelin, as well as several critical neurotransmitters. It’s also beneficial for language development and word retrieval.
From Sunflower Seeds
Pregnancy
Riboflavin (B2) - A study of more than 100 pregnant women found that riboflavin deficiency increased preeclampsia risk by almost 5-fold. Green vegetables are one of the best - and most natural - sources of riboflavin.
From Sesame Seeds
Pregnancy & Lactation
Niacin - Works through a compound called NAD to help maintain the structure and health of DNA, which is particularly critical during the earliest stages of embryonic development. It also supports energy levels before, during, and after pregnancy.
From Mushrooms
Pregnancy
Pantothenic Acid (B5) -Necessary for one of the most critical enzymes in our body, coenzyme A, and required for fat synthesis and fat burning. These reactions become increasingly vital during the prenatal phase helping women store and burn energy based on the body’s changing demands.
From Mushrooms
Pregnancy & Lactation
Vitamin B6 - We include 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.
From Greens
Pregnancy & Lactation
Biotin (B7) - 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.
From Greens
From Greens
Vitamin B12 - With boosted absorption from foods, Vitamin B12 is a critical cofactor for DNA replication and cell growth. Inadequate intake of B12 is associated with a wide range of adverse outcomes including premature delivery, low birth weight, and neural tube defects.
From Chlorella
Pregnancy & Lactation
Calcium - This critical mineral is missing from most prenatals due to the sheer size being difficult to deliver in smaller pill and gummy formats. Yet, 20% of US women are deficient in calcium, which has been shown to reduce the risk of preterm labor and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH).
From Seaweed
Pregnancy
Iron - Blood supply increases by almost 50% during pregnancy to support the growing baby, making iron critical in this stage. 40% of women are iron-deficient in the third trimester, so we combine iron, which is notoriously poorly absorbed, with Vitamin C, to enhance iron absorption 2-3 fold.
From Leafy Greens
Pregnancy
Iodine - Women need double the iodine during pregnancy; it plays a critical role in normal fetal brain development. We deliver it at consensus science-backed levels, following the American Thyroid Association’s recommendation for iodine supplementation in pregnancy.
From Seaweed
Pregnancy
Magnesium - Crucial for normal embryonic and fetal development - including DNA production - and just over half of US adults are not meeting magnesium requirements. Plus, most prenatal formulations do not contain appreciable, if any, magnesium.
From Nuts and Seeds
Pregnancy & Lactation
Zinc - Critical in protein synthesis and cell division, both integral to the developing fetus. More than 80% of women worldwide are deficient in zinc during pregnancy; taken at recommended levels, it’s associated with a modest reduction in premature deliveries.
From Greens, Nuts, and Seeds
Pregnancy & Lactation
Selenium - Deficiencies have been associated with gestational complications, miscarriage, and low birth weight. We provide excellent natural sources of selenium, like nuts, seeds and whole grains.
From Greens
Pregnancy & Lactation
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.
From Greens, Nuts, and Seeds
Pregnancy & Lactation
Manganese - A 2000 study from Johns Hopkins found that boosting manganese levels early in pregnancy potentially reduces preeclampsia risk. It also helps in the formation of fetal bones and cartilage.
From Leafy Greens and Nuts
Pregnancy & Lactation
Chromium - Adequate Chromium levels are important in enhancing insulin function, which is necessary to maintain blood sugar throughout pregnancy. At least one study found that Chromium helped control blood glucose which can reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and other pregnancy-related complications.
From Cruciferous Vegetables
Pregnancy & Lactation
Molybdenum - The need for Molybdenum is 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. Whole grains and nuts are an excellent source.
From Leafy Vegetables & Nuts
Pregnancy
DHA - DHA is particularly crucial during the last trimester of pregnancy to support the fetal brain growth spurt. Tend provides DHA at ACOG-recommended levels, from a vegan algae source with a uniquely chemical-free extraction process.
From Microalgae
Not Established
Protein - Requirements increase during pregnancy to support fetal growth, and Tend is the first prenatal to acknowledge this macronutrient. Further, protein enhances vitamin and mineral bioavailability and causes the gut to further upregulate nutrient absorption.
From Nuts and Seeds
Pregnancy
Fat - Fats are absolutely required for the body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Further, dozens of processes critical to infant development and energy storage rely on this macronutrient.
From Nuts and Seeds
Pregnancy & Lactation
Prebiotic Fiber - Fiber greatly enhances mineral absorption, both for calcium and magnesium. Furthermore, good bacteria feed off prebiotic fiber and can help promote regularity.
From Plant Roots
Pregnancy and Lactation
Ginger - Used for ages as a digestive remedy, including against nausea, we include organic ginger in a proprietary anti-nausea blend based on research demonstrating its effectiveness against morning sickness.
From Organic Ginger Root
Not Established
Mint - With calming effects on the digestive system, we include organic mint to alleviate pregnancy nausea.
From Organic Mint Leaves
Not Established
Fiber - To aid digestion and reduce risk of constipation, we include fiber from organic plant roots, including Jerusalem artichoke. Furthermore, these compounds promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut while mtaintaining an optimum transit time, which promotes nutrient absorption.
From Plant Root Fiber
Pregnancy
Vitamin B6 - Shown to reduce symptoms of pregnancy nausea at just 1.28mg per day, we include food form B6 at 2.5mg, a safe and optimum dose, to relieve morning sickness.
From Greens
Pregnancy & Lactation
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