Vital Essence 2 – Essential Nutrients for the Second Trimester

Iron

Iron contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin, supports oxygen transport in the body, helps reduce tiredness and fatigue, and contributes to normal cognitive function.

Female Fertility
Iron supports oxygen transport and energy metabolism, both of which are important for ovulatory function. It contributes to tissue formation, supporting the endometrium in preparation for conception, and is often included in preconception supplements for women with higher iron demands.

Pregnancy
During pregnancy, iron requirements increase significantly to support maternal blood volume expansion and the developing foetus. Iron helps meet these increased needs by supporting normal red blood cell formation, oxygen transport and energy levels.

Postnatal
After birth, iron is important for restoring maternal iron levels and supporting recovery. It contributes to reducing tiredness and fatigue, supports normal cognitive function, and helps maintain vitality during the postnatal period.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D3 supports hormone regulation, immune function and healthy cell division, playing a vital role across fertility, pregnancy and beyond.

Female Fertility
It helps regulate the menstrual cycle through its influence on oestrogen and progesterone production. It also plays a role in improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation, two key concerns for women with PCOS or endometriosis.

Male Fertility
Vitamin D status is linked to testosterone levels and semen quality. It supports sperm motility and count, and contributes to the regulation of calcium balance within the male reproductive tract, which is essential for optimal sperm function.

Pregnancy
Vitamin D3 is crucial for foetal skeletal development, calcium absorption and immune regulation. Deficiency in pregnancy is associated with increased risk of complications such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and low birth weight.

Postnatal
Postpartum, vitamin D supports maternal mood, immune defence and bone health. It is also passed through breast milk to the infant, helping support early immune and skeletal development.

Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral that contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, supports normal energy-yielding metabolism, and plays a role in normal muscle and nervous system function. It is also involved in the process of cell division, making it important throughout the reproductive cycle, pregnancy and the postnatal period.

Female Fertility
Magnesium contributes to normal energy release and psychological function, helping to manage fatigue and stress during the preconception phase. It also supports cellular processes involved in hormone regulation and reproductive health.

Male Fertility
In men, magnesium contributes to normal protein synthesis, energy metabolism and muscle function. It supports cellular resilience and DNA synthesis, which are important for sperm development and overall reproductive health.

Pregnancy
Magnesium supports maternal muscle function, including the uterus, and contributes to normal psychological function during pregnancy. It also plays a role in meeting increased energy and cell division demands, supporting maternal wellbeing throughout gestation.

Postnatal
After birth, magnesium contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and supports normal psychological function. It helps replenish maternal stores following pregnancy and contributes to recovery and vitality in the postnatal period.

Manganese

Manganese supports antioxidant activity, bone development and connective tissue repair across reproductive stages.

Male Fertility
In male fertility, manganese supports the function of superoxide dismutase (SOD), an antioxidant enzyme that protects sperm from oxidative damage. It also plays a role in testosterone synthesis and connective tissue formation.

Female Fertility
Manganese is involved in energy metabolism, bone health and hormone production. Its antioxidant properties support ovarian health by protecting reproductive cells from oxidative stress. Manganese gluconate offers a well-tolerated form that complements broader micronutrient formulations.

Pregnancy
Manganese contributes to the normal formation of cartilage and bone, supporting the development of the foetal skeletal system. It also helps protect maternal tissues from oxidative stress and is included in pregnancy formulas to meet increased demand.

Calcium

Female Fertility: Helps to maintain normal muscle function and neurotransmission. Also assists in maintaining a healthy digestion

Pregnancy: Needed for the development of the nervous system and strong healthy bones and teeth

Postnatal: Needed for the development of your baby’s nervous system and strong, healthy bones and teeth

Vitamin K2

Pregnancy: Crucial for blood clotting and bone mineralisation.

Boron

Boron supports bone health, mineral metabolism and hormone regulation and is included in reproductive nutrition to support oestrogen balance and skeletal development.

Female Fertility
Boron plays a role in the metabolism of magnesium, calcium and phosphorus, minerals that are fundamental to bone health and hormonal regulation. In the context of fertility, boron has been considered for its ability to influence oestrogen activity and support the hormonal environment. It may also contribute to bone integrity during the preconception period, particularly in women at risk of mineral insufficiency.

Pregnancy
During pregnancy, boron supports the development of the foetal skeletal system and assists in the maternal use of key minerals. It contributes to connective tissue health and may play a role in the maintenance of normal cognitive and immune function. Clinical interest in boron during pregnancy focuses on its synergistic role in nutrient absorption and metabolism.