When you're preparing for pregnancy, your nutritional needs start before you see those two lines on a pregnancy test. Not all preconception supplements are the same! A good preconception supplement should provide key nutrients in quality, well-utilised forms to help build nutritional stores before conception.
Here are 5 nutrients worth looking for in your prenatal:
1. Folate — look for the methylated form
Folate is one of the most important nutrients to have on board before conception. It supports normal cell division and is essential during the earliest stages of embryonic development, including neural tube development.
When choosing a supplement, the form of folate matters. Methylfolate (levomefolate) is already in an active form that the body can readily use, without needing to undergo the same conversion process required by folic acid (unmethylated form). This allows your body to absorb it better and utilise it efficiently!
2. Choline — an underrated preconception nutrient
Choline is often overlooked when choosing a prenatal, but it's particularly important during early pregnancy. It’s essential for bub’s brain development and nervous system development.
Choline requirements increase during pregnancy, having good dietary intake and supplementation in place before conception and throughout pregnancy is essential.
3. Vitamin B12 — look beyond the label
Vitamin B12 works closely with folate and is essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation and normal neurological function.
The form matters here too. Mecobalamin (methylcobalamin) is an active form of B12 and a high-quality option when selecting a preconception supplement.
4. Vitamin D — supporting healthy hormones and fertility
We all know and love vitamin D for its immune function however it’s also an important nutrient to consider when preparing for pregnancy! Adequate vitamin D supports balanced hormones and has been found to improve pregnancy rate.
5. CoQ10 — supporting cellular energy
CoQ10 is involved in mitochondrial energy production, helping cells generate the energy they need to function. This is important for preconception health as eggs need energy as they mature and to support fertilisation!
Why the form and quality matter
A prenatal isn't simply about ticking nutrient boxes. The form, quality and dose of each ingredient matter.
Our preconception formula brings these five key nutrients together using carefully selected forms, including levomefolate (methylated folate), mecobalamin (methylcobalamin B12), cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) and CoQ10, alongside choline.
