We keep speaking about how Vitimum is Made for Mums, but is it really? The answer is YES! 

Vitimum has been developed a nutritionist and is made up of a carefully balanced, comprehensive formulation of vitamins, minerals and protein, sourced from real food sources, to help support the nutritional requirements of expecting, new and busy mothers. 

We detail from A to Z all the goodness we have packed into every Vitimum, and how it could be beneficial to you on the various stages of your motherhood journey. 

Iron

Blood volume increases about 50% during pregnancy, for which iron is crucial. Anaemia is therefore quite common in expectant mothers, and although maternal iron requirements decline after birth, iron stores take longer to restore postpartum. Anaemia during pregnancy can therefore be an indicator for postpartum anaemia, which can have long term consequences to the mother including fatigue, altered cognition and postpartum depression.* Low iron levels have also been linked to hair loss.

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D is an essential hormone for bone health, immunity and hormonal balance. As it is synthesised in the skin through sunlight exposure, dietary requirements are higher when sunlight exposure is inadequate. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets in children (especially if paired with no sun exposure).

There is an increased demand for Vitamin D during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and Vitamin D insufficiency can be common during pregnancy. There have been studies linking Vitamin D deficiency to antenatal and postnatal depression.*

Omega 3's

Omega 3 fatty acids are called ‘essential’ as they can only be obtained through diet. DHA in particular is an essential nutrient during pregnancy and lactation to aid the neural and eye development of the fetus. Pregnant and postpartum women have an increased need for essential fatty acids, and are particularly at risk of losing DHA from brain tissue, as DHA is passed on to the fetus in-utero and via breast milk as an infant. They can easily become deficient without an adequate diet. Low levels of DHA has also been linked to postnatal depression (ref). 

Fiber

Pregnancy constipation is one of the most common complaints women have when they're expecting, often hitting in the second or third month and lasting until the baby's born. Fiber can aid and resolve and constipation issues you are facing, as it adds bulk to your stool, making it pass through your digestive system faster.*  

Fiber can lower blood pressure, which decreases the risk of preeclampsia, and also regulate blood sugar, which may protect you from gestational diabetes.* Also, as fiber-rich foods are nutrient-dense, they can help you feel full without needing to consume extra or unnecessary calories, which is a great help to any breastfeeding Mothers, who feel constantly hungry. 

Folate

Folate aids in protein metabolism and promotes red blood cell formation. It is a very important nutrient in pregnancy as adequate levels before conception lower the risk of neural tube birth defects (such as spina-bifida) in babies. Folate may become depleted during breastfeeding, so ensuring adequate maternal Folate levels postpartum will help with future conception and pregnancies.

Calcium

Calcium is well known for its role in maintaining bone health, and is very important during pregnancy for fetal bone health but also to ensure the mother’s bone health is not compromised by depleted calcium levels (ref).

It is also a vital component in mother’s milk, and inadequate calcium levels in the mother can affect the amount of milk she produces. There is an increased need of calcium during lactation.

Calcium works with magnesium to maintain healthy nerves and strong muscles. It is a natural antidepressant as well as promoting healthy neural activity in the brain. Calcium deficiency can manifest as fatigue, irritability and sleeping difficulties. It can also lead to heart rhythm problems, mental confusion and depression.

Pea Protein

Protein is made of amino acids, which are the building blocks of your (and your baby’s) cells. It is essential for growth, repair and maintenance of cells. Adequate protein consumption during pregnancy has been shown to help with healthier birth weights, quicker postpartum recovery and help returning to pre-pregnancy weight. If breastfeeding, adequate protein in breastmilk sustains the baby’s rapid growth in his first year of life.

Most new mothers will not be eating regular meals so the inclusion of a plant based protein can help new mothers meet their protein requirements as well as stabilising their blood glucose. Pea protein contains no gluten, dairy or soy so is hypoallergenic and easier to digest. It contains high levels of l-arginine, a muscle building amino acid.

Magnesium

Magnesium works with calcium to maintain healthy nerves, muscles and rhythmic heartbeat. It is an essential nutrient for energy production so is essential when experiencing fatigue as a new mother. It is a natural antidepressant and aids relaxation and sleep.

It can also aid with constipation, a common pregnancy and postpartum issue.

In pregnancy, magnesium (amongst other nutrients) are absorbed by the fetus and placenta, which can lead to magnesium deficiency in the mother. Lactation also depletes mother’s magnesium stores - these two factors could contribute to postpartum depression (ref).

Magnesium is mostly found in plant sources such as dark leafy green vegetables,legumes, nuts and seeds and whole grains, so many people eating a Western or erratic diet could be deficient in magnesium.

Zinc

Zinc is an essential nutrient for sperm formation, cell growth and replication, bone formation, skin integrity as well as carbohydrate metabolism and basal metabolic rate.

Zinc is important for immune system function and development of the baby’s brain, so if the mother is not getting enough in pregnancy she may become deficient.

Low zinc levels have been linked to postpartum depression. Zinc is also an essential nutrient for energy and integrity of the gut lining (ref). 

 

 

 

Disclaimer

Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your doctor.