Q: This probiotic doesn’t have the most pleasant smell. What is that?
A: We understand that these probiotic capsules may have a different smell than our other probiotics; this is due to the choline in the formula. Though we know that choline may not have the most pleasant smell, we chose to include it in this formula since it is a vital nutrient that many pregnant women do not achieve an adequate intake of.
Q: Can this be taken with the Morning Multivitamin?
A: Our first answer to questions like this will always be to check with your doctor or healthcare professional! You and your healthcare professional can determine the best supplementation plan based on your body’s needs and your pregnancy needs.
That said, our Multivitamin and our Probiotic Prenatal+ Capsules contain a different profile of vitamins, minerals and botanicals and so on as well as overlapping on certain items. They overlap with the following: Vitamin D, Folate, Vitamin B12, Selenium and Choline.
Since Selenium is a part of the ConcenTrace® Trace Minerals blend in the Multimineral, the Selenium content of the Multivitamin is negligible, meaning any sort of excess issue shouldn’t be a concern. The Choline content of 1 Serving of Multivitamin is 20 mg, which is 3.6% the recommended Daily Value and the Choline content of 1 Serving of the Probiotic Prenatal+ Capsule is 55 mg, which is 10% the recommended Daily Value. The two combined would be well under the recommended Daily Value. Since Vitamin B12 is water soluble, any excess amount consumed will be excreted by the body through urine.
Lastly, one serving of the Multivitamin contains 510 mcg non-methylated Folate and the Probiotic Prenatal+ Capsule contains 940 mcg DFE Folate (as Magnafolate-C®). Taking both in conjunction could be problematic. Although Folate is water-soluble, the safe upper limit for folate is 1000 mcg since overages could mask the symptoms of B12 deficiency along with other health complications. For more information on Folate, you can follow up on this Health Sheet from the National Institutes for Health.
All that said, it is our best recommendation to consult your physician or healthcare professional regarding your supplementation during pregnancy and otherwise. They can help to guide your choices, help you ascertain blood work analysis and determine the best supplement plan for you.
Q: Should I take additional prenatal vitamins in addition to these?
A: This is best answered by checking with your doctor or healthcare professional! You and your healthcare professional can determine the best supplementation plan based on your body’s needs and your pregnancy needs.
Q: Are there risks associated with using Red Raspberry Leaf during pregnancy?
A: There are several viewpoints on Red Raspberry Leaf, its benefits and whether or not it is safe to consume at different times during pregnancy. It has long been used for a variety of medicinal benefits, including the toning and tightening of muscles in the pelvic area.
One study suggested Red Raspberry Leaf Tea may reduce the likelihood of pre- and post-term labor and another study suggested that Red Raspberry Leaf can decrease complications and interventions during birth. There is also some evidence that the tea may help to shorten labor, but these results are somewhat contradictory. However, like most herbals, there hasn’t been enough research done to say much conclusively.
It is believed that these benefits are the results of Red Raspberry Leaf strengthening the uterine walls, but this has not been proven. And it’s this potential effect of the herb on the uterus that is considered a benefit, but also where any cause for concern arises when people talk about Red Raspberry Leaf, as toning of the uterus could threaten early labor.
For this reason, conventional wisdom says to wait until the second trimester to drink Red Raspberry Leaf tea, but it is also recommended for improving chances of implantation for those trying to get pregnant. The tea is also reported to be used in the first trimester to help with morning sickness. Usually, in the first trimester, no more than one cup daily is recommended, while 2-3 cups can be recommended in the second and third trimesters.
Bear in mind that most teas contain 1500 mg per serving/cup, while our product contains 400 mg Organic Raspberry Leaf (Rubus ideaus), a much smaller dosage. The most important piece of all this is to know what the appropriate dosage is for your body and your pregnancy journey.
Ultimately, it is best to speak with your healthcare professional for their guidance on consuming Red Raspberry Leaf. The same is true before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. Your physician or healthcare professional can help ensure that the supplement is beneficial for both you and your pregnancy.
Q: Does this product need to be kept in the fridge?
A: These probiotics are shelf-stable, though refrigerating them may lengthen shelf life. Whether you refrigerate or not is up to you, though if you plan on taking them as a part of a daily regimen, keeping them where you’ll remember to take them might be advantageous.