2nd Trimester Prenatal Pack

Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate, or vitamin B9—a nutrient that plays an essential role in DNA synthesis and early neural tube development. While "folic acid" is often used interchangeably, this synthetic form requires more processing by the body to become active folate—and up to 60% of women have a genetic variation that makes it difficult to effectively utilize folic acid.

Since folate is crucial for early pregnancy, it was important to our medical panel that we include the most bioavailable form of folate possible—in the form of L-5 methylfolate, as substantiated by medical research and their own clinical insights. "Folic acid is less expensive, [which] leads to the terms folate and folic acid being interchangeable," says Dr. Amber Samuel, a maternal-fetal medicine doctor and Perelel panelist. "We know that while everyone has to convert folic acid for it to be useful, [it's] an added step, decreasing bioavailability. And some women cannot due to MTHFR mutations."

According to one study published in Clinical Pharmacokinetics: "Bioavailability studies have provided strong evidence that L-5-methyl-THF is at least as effective in improving folate status, as measured by blood concentrations of folate and by functional indicators of folate status, such as homocysteine."
A direct quote from this study is the below as well for reference:
"Studies comparing L-5-methyl-THF and folic acid have found that the two compounds have comparable physiological activity, bioavailability and absorption at equimolar doses. Bioavailability studies have provided strong evidence that L-5-methyl-THF is at least as effective as folic acid in improving folate status, as measured by blood concentrations of folate and by functional indicators of folate status, such as plasma homocysteine. Intake of L-5-methyl-THF may have advantages over intake of folic acid."

Yes, we complete third-party testing on all of our products to confirm purity and potency. All of our vitamins are made in FDA Registered and Inspected Facilities, which meet FDA 21 CFR 111 guidelines and are also cGMP Certified. All raw materials for our vitamins are tested directly prior to production to ensure their purity and quality. COAs are performed on every batch of manufactured vitamins to ensure final product integrity and quality, which includes testing for heavy metals, microbes, allergens and contaminates. We then complete third-party testing for heavy metals, microbes and potency to confirm our products are safe under USP standards.  In addition, our pre and postnatal formulas have earned us certification from the Clean Label Project, a leading nonprofit that sets one of the industry's highest standards for consumer transparency. We’re proud to have earned Clean Label Project’s highest honor, the Purity Award!

If you're interested in learning more, check out our blog post here on heavy metals.

While the timing of when you start your vitamins with us doesn't always exactly align with your trimester, rest assured all of our packs will keep your needs covered during any overlap weeks! Feel free to finish out your current pack before switching to your new one.