Proper fetal development requires a high level of nutritional support from the mother. A healthy, balanced diet is the most important step in ensuring these requirements are met. However, specific nutrients are required in greater quantities, and supplementation with a well-formulated prenatal multivitamin complex is recommended to reduce the risk of fetal complications and common pregnancy symptoms for the mother.
An adequate intake of vitamin B9, also known as folic acid, is perhaps the most well-known nutritional requirement during pregnancy. In recent decades, folic acid has been fortified in grains because it is well known to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Unfortunately, the synthetic folic acid used in the fortification process may not be sufficient for many women who are unable to efficiently convert to active 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) due to genetic polymorphisms. For this reason, 5-MTHF is the preferred form of supplementation during the critical period of fetal development.
Like folate, iron plays a crucial role in healthy development. Iron is in high demand during pregnancy because it is needed to make hemoglobin and new blood for the fetus. If this nutritional demand is not met, iron deficiency anemia is a common concern during gestation. It can present as fatigue in the mother and increase the risk of early labor and low birth weight for the fetus. Choosing iron that is well absorbed but also well tolerated by the digestive tract is of utmost importance for many women who already suffer from nausea and constipation during pregnancy.
In addition to the well-established increased needs for folate and iron, many other micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals can help reduce potential health risks during pregnancy. For example, selenium is crucial for thyroid function, and women with low selenium or thyroid levels have been shown to have a higher risk of miscarriage. Choline is a lipotropic nutrient that positively influences stem cell proliferation and brain and spinal cord formation. Although folate is often cited for its importance in nervous system development, choline-deficient women actually have a four-times greater risk of neural tube defects. Finally, calcium and magnesium are important minerals for reducing the risk of common pregnancy-related conditions such as preeclampsia, leg cramps, and heartburn.
Cyto-Matrix Prenatal Formula contains a balanced blend of vitamins and minerals needed for optimal pregnancy support and prenatal development. These nutrients are in their active and highly bioavailable forms, such as mixed tocopherols, methylcobalamin, pyridoxal-5-phosphate, selenomethionine, and citrate mineral salts. A full daily dose of prenatal formula provides 45 mg of elemental iron to prevent iron-deficiency anemia and 1 mg of 5-MTHF for optimal fertility results.
Adults: Take 2 capsules twice daily with meals or as directed by a healthcare professional. Take a few hours before or after other medications.
Ingredients (per capsule): Vitamins Beta-carotene 750mcg/1250IU Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) 37.5 mg Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) 2.5mcg/100IU Vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopheryl acetate) 4.19mg AT/6.25IU Vitamin K1 (phytonadione) 22.5mcg Vitamin B1 (thiamine mononitrate) 1.25mg Vitamin B2 (riboflavin-5-phosphate) 375mcg Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) 7.5 mg Vitamin B5 (calcium d-pantothenate) 2.5 mg Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal-5-phosphate) 6.25 mg Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) 5mcg Folate (L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate) 250mcgBiotin 12.5mcgMINERALSCalcium (citrate) 87mgMagnesium (citrate) 42.5mgZinc (citrate) 6.25mgIron (citrate) 11.25mgCopper (citrate) 0.5mgIodine (potassium iodide) 55mcgSelenium (citrate) 15mcgMolybdenum (citrate) 12.5mcgManganese (citrate) 0.5mgChromium (citrate) 25mcgCholine (dihydrogen citrate) 10mg Nonmedicinal ingredients: Vegetable grade magnesium stearate. Capsule: hypromellose.