Expert Nutrition
Nutrient intake before, during and after pregnancy

Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle can sometimes be a real challenge. Especially when it comes to child planning and pregnancy, the sufficient intake of the right nutrients is very important. Here, a few nutrients deserve special attention. These are:

  • Folate/Folic acid – Prevention of birth defects

Folate (present in the form of folic acid in supplements) belongs to the group of B vitamins and helps to prevent neural tube defects which lead to abnormalities of the babies brain and spinal cord. Supplementation with Folic acid has been also shown to decrease the risk of premature birth. Ideally, folic acid supplementation is already started three months before conception to ensure the body gets enough of this essential nutrient.

  • Vitamin D3 / Calcium

Since vitamin D is only found in small number of foods, especially in eggs, red meat and oily fish, which are often avoided by pregnant women, a supplementation of vitamin D is particularly important.

Vitamin D has a positive effect on the nervous system, muscles and the immune system. It supports the growth of the baby’s bones and teeth by leading to a better absorption of calcium as the most important building block. A sufficient calcium intake (and absorption) is not only important for the fetal development, but also for the mothers’ health. Pregnant and lactating women without a sufficient calcium intake may suffer later in life from diseases such as osteoporosis. 

  • Iron

During pregnancy the risk of iron deficiency anemia a condition where the body does not produce sufficient amounts of red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to the tissues, is increased. Pregnant women need double the amount of iron because they need blood additionally for carrying oxygen to the baby. If this blood cannot be produced due to a lack of iron, premature birth can be a consequence.

  • Iodine

Iodine is an essential trace element for the production of maternal and fetal thyroid hormones which regulate the development of the fetal brain and nervous system. The iodine requirements of pregnant women substantially increase to ensure adequate supply to the fetus. Depending on the timing and severity, insufficient iodine intake may increase the risk of perinatal and infant mortality and intellectual impairment. In the last centuries, salt iodization programs helped to overcome the global iodine deficiency. However, for people trying to avoid sodium-rich nutrition and for pregnant women who have an increased need for iodine, iodine-rich supplements are a valuable addition.

  • DHA

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid with a critical role in brain, skin and eye health and development. DHA cannot be produced by the body in significant amounts and is only found in a few foods such as fatty fish. Especially during pregnancy, when the bodies need for this fatty acid is increased, a sufficient intake can be a challenge. That’s why doctors often recommend a DHA supplement before, during and after pregnancy.

Beside its importance for the development of the fetal organs, DHA can also help to prevent preterm labor and ensure a healthy birth weight. Moreover, it supports a mother’s mood during the postpartum period.

To cover the daily needs of these and other important nutrients SUNLIFE® has developed a Pregnancy Range that optimally accompanies every stage.

Prenatal Capsules

  • With high-dosed vitamin D and folic acid to prepare the body for pregnancy
  • With all important B vitamins for a normal energy-yielding metabolism
  • With zinc to support fertility and reproduction and the cell division
  • With iron for a normal oxygen transport in the body
  • With cell-protecting antioxidants

Composition per capsule:
L-Choline – 50 mg (**)
Citrus bioflavonoids – 10 mg (**)
Coenzyme Q10 – 15 mg (**)
Vitamin C – 80 mg (100% NRV*)
Niacin – 16 mg (100% NRV*)
Vitamin E – 4 mg (67% NRV*)
Pantothenic acid – 6 mg (100% NRV*)
Vitamin B1 – 3 mg (273% NRV*)
Vitamin B2 – 3 mg (214% NRV*)
Vitamin B6 – 3 mg (214% NRV*)
Vitamin B6 – 3 mg (214% NRV*)
Vitamin B12 – 5 µg (200% NRV*)
Vitamin D3 – 20 µg (400% NRV*)
Folic acid – 400 µg (200% NRV*)
Biotin – 150 µg (300% NRV*)
Selenium – 55 µg (100% NRV*)
Iron – 7 mg (50% NRV*)
Iodine – 150 µg (100% NRV*)
Zinc – 15 mg (150% NRV*)
Copper – 1000 µg (100% NRV*)

*NRV = nutrient reference values according to Regulation (EU) 1169/2011
** no NRV available

Fertility Men Capsules

  • With traditional plant extracts for fertility
  • With cell-protecting antioxidants
  • With all important B vitamins for a normal energy-yielding metabolism
  • With zinc for the maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood, cell division, fertility and reproduction

Composition per capsule:
L-Arginine – 100 mg (**)
Maca root powder – 50 mg (**)
Siberian Ginseng extract – 25 mg (**)
Vitamin C – 80 mg (100% NRV*)
Vitamin E – 12 mg (100% NRV*)
Niacin – 18 mg (113% NRV*)
Pantothenic acid – 10 mg (167% NRV*)
Vitamin B1 – 3 mg (273% NRV*)
Vitamin B2 – 3 mg (214% NRV*)
Vitamin B6 – 3 mg (214% NRV*)
Vitamin B12 – 10 µg (400% NRV*)
Vitamin A – 750 µg (94% NRV*)
Vitamin D3 – 15 µg (300% NRV*)
Folic acid – 400 µg (200% NRV*)
Biotin – 50 µg (100% NRV*)
Zinc – 15 mg (150% NRV*)
Iron – 6 mg (50% NRV*)
Copper – 1000 µg (100% NRV*)
Manganese – 0,5 mg (25% NRV*)

*NRV = nutrient reference values according to Regulation (EU) 1169/2011
** = no NRV Available

Pregnancy Capsules

  • With vitamins and minerals covering the daily amounts for pregnant women recommended by the German Institute for Nutrition
  • With methylfolate, a highly bioavailable form of folic acid to support maternal tissue growth
  • The combination of vitamin C helps to better absorb iron for a normal oxygen transport in the body
  • With iodine for a normal production of thyrroid hormones and normal thyrroid function
  • Suitable during all stages of pregnancy

Composition per capsule:
Vitamin C – 105 mg (131% NRV*/100% NRV**)
Vitamin E – 13 mg (108% NRV*/100% NRV**)
Niacin – 14 mg (87% NRV*/100% NRV**)
Pantothenic acid – 6 mg (100% NRV*/100% NRV**)
Vitamin B1 – 1,2 mg (109% NRV*/100% NRV**)
Vitamin B2 – 1,4 mg (100% NRV*/100% NRV**)
Vitamin B6 – 1,5 mg (107% NRV*/100% NRV**)
Vitamin B12 – 4,5 µg (180% NRV*/100% NRV**)
Vitamin D3 – 5 µg (100% NRV*/100% NRV**)
Folic acid (from Pteroylmonoglutamic acid and
Calcium-L-methylfolate) – 550 µg (275% NRV*/100% NRV**)
Biotin – 40 µg (80% NRV*/100% NRV**)
Iron – 15 mg (107% NRV*/50% NRV**)
Selenium – 60 µg (109% NRV*/100% NRV**)
Iodine – 230 µg (153% NRV*/100% NRV**)
Zinc – 9 mg (90% NRV*/100% NRV**)

*NRV = nutrient reference values according to Regulation (EU) 1169/2011
**NRV = According to DGE recommendations for pregnant women

DHA Direct sticks

  • With DHA from a vegan source for a normal brain development of the baby
  • With Vitamin C for a normal energy-yielding metabolism and the protection of cells from oxidative stress

Composition per capsule:
DHA from algal oil – 250 mg (**)
Vitamin C – 45 mg (56% NRV*)

*NRV = nutrient reference values according to Regulation (EU) 1169/2011
** = no NRV Available

New Mum Effervescent tablets

  • With collagen, herbal antioxidants and building blocks for hair and nails for well-being and a fresh appearance after short nights
  • With high-dosage B vitamins for a normal energy metabolism and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
  • With vitamin D and C for the support of the immune system
  • With copper and manganese for the maintenance of normal connective tissues

Composition per tablet (4,3 g):
Collagen hydrolysate – 200 mg (**)
Hyaluronic acid – 15 mg (**)
L-Methionine – 30 mg (**)
L-Cysteine – 30 mg (**)
Grape seed extract – 15 mg (**)
– of which polyphenols – 3 mg (**)
Bamboo extract – 13,3 mg (**)
– of which silica – 10 mg (**)
Coenzyme Q10 – 5 mg (**)
Beta carotene – 1 mg (**)
Calcium – 200 mg (25 % NRV*)
Magnesium – 75 mg (20 % NRV*)
Zinc – 10 mg (100 % NRV*)
Copper – 500 µg (50 % NRV*)
Manganese – 0,5 mg (25 % NRV*)
Iodine – 75 µg (50 % NRV*)
Selenium – 25 µg (45 % NRV*)
Chromium – 20 µg (50 % NRV*)
Vitamin C – 80 mg (100 % NRV*)
Niacin – 16 mg (100 % NRV*)
Vitamin E – 12 mg (100 % NRV*)
Pantothenic acid – 6 mg (100 % NRV*)
Vitamin B1 – 4 mg (364 % NRV*)
Vitamin B2 – 5 mg (357 % NRV*)
Vitamin B6 – 5 mg (357 % NRV*)
Vitamin B12 – 5 µg (200 % NRV*)
Vitamin D3 10 µg (200 % NRV*)
Folic acid – 200 µg (100 % NRV*)
Biotin – 150 µg (300 % NRV*)

*NRV = nutrient reference values according to Regulation (EU) 1169/2011
** no NRV available

Lactation Direct sticks – During Lactation

  • With vitamins and minerals covering the daily amounts for lactating women recommended by the German Institute for Nutrition
  • With fennel and fenugreek extract known from traditional medicine to help with milk production
  • With high dosage calcium and vitamin D for healthy bones and a normal calcium level in the blood
  • With zinc and vitamin C to support the immune system
  • With B vitamins for a normal energy metabolism and a reduction of tiredness and fatigue

Composition per stick:
Fennel extract – 200 mg (***)
Anise extract – 100 mg (***)
Beta carotene – 4,5 mg (***)
Calcium – 800 mg (100% NRV*/80% NRV**)
Selenium – 75 µg (136% NRV*/100% NRV**)
Iodine – 260 µg (173% NRV*/100% NRV**)
Zinc – 8 mg (80% NRV*/73% NRV**)
Iron – 6 mg (43% NRV*/30% NRV**)
Vitamin C – 125 mg (156% NRV*/100% NRV**)
Vitamin E – 17 mg (142% NRV*/100% NRV**)
Vitamin B1 – 1,3 mg (118% NRV*/100% NRV**)
Vitamin B6 – 1,6 mg (114% NRV*/100% NRV**)
Vitamin B12 – 5,5 µg (220% NRV*/100% NRV**)
Vitamin D3 – 5 µg (100% NRV*/100% NRV**)
Folic acid – 450 µg (225% NRV*/100% NRV**)

*NRV = nutrient reference values according to Regulation (EU) 1169/2011
**NRV = According to DGE recommendations for pregnant women
*** = no NRV Available

Dr. Jaqueline Rose

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