Prenatal Complete with DHA

• Supports Healthy Metabolism During Pregnancy

Preconception and pregnancy are periods when it is essential to optimize health and nutrition, both for mother and baby. Research has shown that healthy pregnancies begin with good nutrition during preconception, and it is known that overall nutrition needs rise during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In addition, factors such as first trimester nausea or morning sickness may impede a woman from being able to consume adequate nutrition to support her expanding needs.

Prenatal Complete with DHA provides the full complement of nutrients essential for pregnancy and adheres to the highest standards of purity, formulated to be free of common allergens, artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, preservatives and additives. The formula includes folate as Quatrefolic™ – 100% 5-MTHF, the biologically active form of folic acid, to meet increased requirements for fetal nervous system development. It also includes USP* B vitamins. Albion^® TRAACS^® chelated mineral complexes and Ferrochel^® iron are included for enhanced mineral bioavailability and gentleness on the stomach.

Fish Oil Delivery – Triglycerides vs. Ethyl Esters

While the amount of EPA, DHA and DPA provided in a fish oil product is important for efficacy, the type of fish oil delivered is another significant factor in defining fish oil effectiveness. The human body is accustomed to digesting and absorbing EPA, DHA and DPA in the triglyceride form. Even though triglyceride-based fish oils are the preferred form for superior fish oil absorption, the vast majority of fish oil products available on the market are in the ethyl ester form. While ethyl esters allow for higher concentrations of EPA and DHA to be achieved, their unusual structure is resistant to the digestive enzymes (lipases) that enable fat breakdown.

Omega-3 Depletion

DPA collects in a variety of tissues including the liver, breast, brain, eyes, heart and red blood cells and is the intermediate between EPA and DPA. This, combined with the retroconversion of DHA back to EPA, suggests that DPA may be a reservoir for both EPA and DHA, thus increasing the storage of EPA, DHA and DPA and in turn, the beneficial healthy effects, of omega-3 fatty acids. The roles associated with DHA and EPA in supporting metabolic processes, neurological development, and maintaining inflammatory balance may, in part, be attributed to DPA.