Product of the Month March 2024 - Metabolics

Product of the Month March 2024

Mar 10, 2024Emily

Let’s celebrate the strength, resilience and diversity of women worldwide with our product of the month, an exceptional antenatal formula designed to support expecting mothers during their journey to motherhood. In honour of Mother’s Day, we are thrilled to introduce a formulation that offers tailored support for the unique needs of pregnancy. As we recognise the remarkable contributions of mothers around the globe, we invite you to discover the nurturing qualities of our Antenatal Formula, promoting maternal health and well-being. Join us as we honour the strength of women as we dive deeper into the antenatal formula designed to nurture both mother and child throughout these important chapters of their lives.

Metabolics Antenatal Formula is a specially formulated nutritional supplement designed to support women who are pregnant and breastfeeding. Antenatal Formula is the follow-on supplement from Metabolics Preconception Formula, which is a conception support designed for men and women trying to conceive.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding is a particularly nutritionally demanding time, where the body is depleted of key nutrients, as well as needing certain nutrients in excess of what it would have done pre-pregnancy in order for both the mother and baby, or foetus, to thrive.

All ingredients have been included at a level that is optimum and safe for both pregnancy and postpartum so let’s have a look at some of these ingredients and how they can support new and expecting mothers;

Ingredients in Antenatal Formula

Vitamin A

Although harmful during pregnancy in high concentrations, vitamin A plays a crucial role in supporting the health and well-being of pregnant and breastfeeding women as well as the development of their babies. Metabolics Antenatal Formula contains vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene, which the body then converts into vitamin A, ensuring a safe an optimal amount of this important vitamin during pregnancy.

Foetal Development

During pregnancy, vitamin A is essential for the proper development of the foetus, particularly in the formation of the eyes, limbs, heart and other vital organs. Adequate intake of vitamin A helps ensure the healthy growth and development of the baby.

Immune System Support

Vitamin A is important for maintaining a healthy immune system in both the mother and the developing foetus. It helps in the production and function of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off infections. This is especially crucial during pregnancy when the immune system undergoes changes to accommodate the growing foetus.

Breast Milk production

For breastfeeding women, vitamin A is important for the production of breast milk, ensuring that the baby receives essential nutrients for growth and development.

B Vitamins

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6, also known as Pyridoxine plays several important roles un supporting the health of pregnant and breastfeeding women:

Nervous System Development

Vitamin B6 is crucial for the development of the baby’s nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. Adequate intake of B6 during pregnancy supports proper neural tube development, which is essential for preventing birth defects such as spina bifida.

Hormone Regulation

B6 plays a role in hormone regulation including oestrogen and progesterone, which are important for maintaining a healthy pregnancy and supporting lactation. B6 may help balance hormone levels and support overall reproductive health.

Energy Metabolism

B6 is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins which are essential for energy support in pregnant and breastfeeding women. B6 helps to ensure that the body efficiently coverts nutrients into energy, supporting increasing energy demands during pregnancy and lactation.

Vitamin B12

Red Blood Cell formation

Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells. During pregnancy, the body’s blood volume increases to support the foetus, leading to an increased demand for red blood cells. B12 can help prevent anaemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness and other complications for both the mother and baby.

Mood Regulation

B12 is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which play a role in mood regulation. Adequate intake of B12 may help support against mood disorders such as depression and anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum.

Breast Milk Quality

B12 is transferred to breastmilk and is important for the health and development for the breastfed baby. Adequate intake of B12 during breastfeeding helps ensure that the baby receives sufficient amounts of this essential nutrient for their growth and development.

Choline

Choline is an essential water-soluble nutrient and considered part of the B vitamin complex.

Foetal Brain Development

Choline is crucial for the development of the foetal brain and nervous system. It’s a key component of cell membranes and is involved in the production of neurotransmitters, which are essential for proper brain function and development. Choline can support optimal brain development in the foetus during pregnancy.

Membrane Function

Choline is a component of phospholipids, which are essential for the structure and function of cell membranes throughout the body. During pregnancy the demand for choline increases to support the growth and development of maternal and foetal tissues.

Liver Function

Choline is involved in lipid metabolism and helps prevent the buildup of fat in the liver. During pregnancy hormonal changes can affect the liver function, making adequate choline intake particularly important for maintaining liver health.

Folate

Folate, also known as B9, plays several roles in supporting the health of pregnant and breastfeeding women:

Neural Tube Development

Folate is essential for the development of the neural tube which later develops into the baby’s brain and spinal cord. Adequate intake of folate during the early stages of pregnancy can help prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly.

DNA Synthesis and Cell Division

Folate is involved in the synthesis of DNA and the division of cells, which are essential processes for the growth and development of the foetus during pregnancy. Folate supports healthy cell growth and replication helping to ensure normal development in the baby.

Iodine

Iodine is crucial for pregnant and breastfeeding women for several reasons:

Thyroid Function

Iodine is an essential component of thyroid hormones such as thyroxine and triiodothyronine. During pregnancy, maternal thyroid hormone production needs to increase to support foetal brain development and growth. Adequate iodine intake ensures proper thyroid function in both the mother and developing foetus.

Foetal Brain Development

Iodine is particularly critical during the first trimester of pregnancy when the foetal thyroid gland is not yet functional. Thyroid hormones produced by the mother are essential for the development of the baby’s brain and nervous system. Insufficient iodine intake during pregnancy can lead to developmental delays, intellectual disabilities and other neurological problems in the baby, collectively known as iodine deficiency disorders.

Breastmilk Production

Iodine is also important during breastfeeding as it ensures that the breastmilk contains sufficient levels of the essential nutrient for the baby’s growth and development. Breastmilk is the primary source of iodine for infants during their first months of life.

Iron

Iron is an essential mineral that contributes to normal energy production, normal functioning of the immune system, and contributes to normal cognitive health. Iron contributes to the formation of red blood cells that help transport oxygen around the body and also assists with the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

Here is how Iron can support women who are pregnant and breastfeeding-

Oxygen Transport

Iron is essential for the transport of oxygen throughout the body. During pregnancy, the mother’s oxygen requirements increase to support the needs of the growing foetus. Iron ensures that there is enough haemoglobin available to carry oxygen to the tissues, supporting the overall health and well-being of both the mother and the baby.

Red Blood Cell Production

Iron is a key component of haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. During pregnancy, the body’s blood volume increases to support the growing foetus, leading to an increased demand for red blood cells and iron. Adequate intake of iron helps prevent iron-deficiency anaemia, which can lead to fatigue, weakness and other complications for both the mother and the baby.

Calcium

Calcium has many benefits in supporting pregnant and breastfeeding women;

Bone Health

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, a woman’s body requires extra calcium to support the development of the baby’s bones and teeth. If the mother’s diet lacks sufficient calcium, her body may draw calcium from her bones to meet the baby’s needs, potentially leading to bone density loss or osteoporosis later in life. Adequate calcium intake helps maintain bone density and general bone health for both the mother and the developing baby.

Blood Clotting

Calcium is involved in the process of blood clotting, which is essential for preventing excessive bleeding during childbirth. Having adequate calcium levels help the body form blood clots to control bleeding both during and after delivery.

Muscle Function

Calcium is essential for proper muscle function, including the contraction and relaxation of muscles. During pregnancy, the uterus undergoes significant growth and stretching. Sufficient calcium intakes support proper muscle function, helping to prevent issues like muscle cramps and ensuring effective contractions during labour.

Antenatal nutrients

Metabolics Antenatal Formula also includes:

  • Selenium alongside B6 and Idoine for hormone support. Selenium also contributes to the normal thyroid function.
  • Vitamin C, biotin and magnesium, alongside vitamin B12, calcium and iodine provide energy support as they all contribute to your normal energy-yielding metabolism.
  • Vitamin D and vitamin C, alongside iron and folate, contribute to the normal function of the immune system.

This Mother’s Day we recognise the incredible journey of motherhood and the importance of supporting women during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Our Antenatal Formula is crafted to provide essential nutrients like calcium, tailored to meet the needs of expectant and nursing mothers. With a blend of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, our formula is designed to promote maternal health and support the growth and development of both mother and baby. Give the gift of nourishment and empowerment this Mother's Day with our Antenatal Formula. Because every mother deserves the best care for her and her little one.

More articles