Question 1

Why is DHA important in pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

A good maternal supply of DHA is crucial throughout pregnancy, particularly during the first 12-16 weeks of pregnancy when your baby’s brain and nervous systems are starting to develop. It’s important during the third trimester too (28 – 40 weeks) as this is when maximum brain development occurs.

Question 2

I have read about fish oil being contaminated in the sea.

Accepted Answer

Vital DHA is produced from the oils of mixed, deep-sea fish, sourced from clean waters using only dolphin friendly techniques to harvest the fish. The product is made from highly refined oils (using a process which removes any possible pollutants) and is biochemically screened for extra safety too, to minimise the risk of contamination. Given the concerns that have been raised about excess levels of mercury in fresh tuna and the risks this could pose for women who are trying to get pregnant or who are pregnant, there is all the more reason to consider using a good DHA supplement to cover your nutritional needs during this critical period. Does not contain any tuna oil.

Question 3

I am very forgetful in pregnancy. Can DHA help?

Accepted Answer

Your growing baby cannot manufacture his or her own DHA, so he or she has to rely on your diet and your sources. In all likelihood this will be from your richest source – your brain. So far as we know there is no research to link memory loss directly with depleted levels of DHA.

DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function, and your baby relies on your intake during pregnancy, so it's worth making sure you're getting enough.

DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function, and your baby relies on your intake during pregnancy, so it's worth making sure you're getting enough.

Question 4

Who may benefit from taking Vital DHA?

Accepted Answer

Modern diets are often low in long-chain Omega-3s. Supplementing with Vital DHA helps you get the levels needed to support reproductive cell function and your baby's development during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Question 5

Why do I need to take Vital DHA if I am taking Vitafem or Pregnancy Plan?

Accepted Answer

Vitafem and Pregnancy Plan are excellent multivitamins and minerals, but they don't contain essential fatty acids. By taking Vital DHA alongside them, you will help to ensure you have a strong foundational supplement routine for your fertility journey.

Question 6

How many capsules should I take daily?

Accepted Answer

Take two capsules per day with a meal to optimise absorption.

Question 7

Can men take Vital DHA?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Vital DHA enhances sperm quality and supports male reproductive health.

Question 8

Is Vital DHA safe during breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It helps maintain breastmilk quality and supports your baby’s continued brain and eye development.

Question 9

What does “molecularly distilled” mean?

Accepted Answer

It’s a purification process that removes heavy metals and contaminants, leaving ultra-pure DHA and EPA.

Question 10

Why should I take a supplement when I can take DHA from fatty fish?

Accepted Answer

It is sensible to incorporate oily fish into your diet if you can. However, you would have to eat an awful lot of it to get the equivalent dosages delivered by the supplement. Current NHS advice is that women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant should limit how much oily fish and tuna they eat, and avoid shark, swordfish and marlin altogether, due to the levels of mercury and other pollutants they can contain. Vital DHA does not contain any tuna and is produced from mixed, deep-sea, oily fish, using a purification process and testing for heavy metals and known contaminants.

Question 11

How long in advance should I be taking Vital DHA?

Accepted Answer

We recommend that both men and women should ideally start to take a DHA supplement three to four months in advance of trying to conceive; but it is still worthwhile starting at any time prior to conception, or during pregnancy, for women. It is important to take some form of DHA supplementation so that you can build your reserves for your developing baby. DHA supplementation has an important role to play for men too. Male factors are thought to contribute to around 50% of cases of sub-fertility or infertility (such as low quality sperm or low sperm motility), where deficiencies in DHA may be a contributory influence.

Question 12

How much DHA should pregnant women ideally consume daily?

Accepted Answer

The general recommendation for DHA intake during pregnancy is 200mg to 450mg of DHA per day, depending on diet and individual needs.

Many prenatal supplements combine DHA with EPA to support both maternal health and foetal development. Vital DHA delivers 450mg DHA and 96mg EPA per daily serving, meeting the recommended levels for pregnancy support.

Question 13

Are there any risks associated with high DHA intake in pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

DHA is considered safe when taken within recommended limits. However, potential concerns with excessive intake (typically over 1,000 mg DHA/day) include:

• Mild gastrointestinal upset (e.g., nausea, soft stools)
• Blood thinning effects, particularly in very high doses or when combined with anticoagulants
• Possible exposure to contaminants in poorly purified fish oils (not applicable to Vital DHA due to molecular distillation)

Choosing a third-party tested, purified supplement like Vital DHA helps ensure safety during pregnancy.

Question 14

How do I know DHA is safe to use during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Health experts around the world agree on the importance of DHA both during pregnancy and the postnatal period, and Vital DHA is suitable to take throughout both. Every batch is tested for heavy metals and known contaminants. It is also made from fish oil rather than fish liver oil, which the NHS advises avoiding in pregnancy because of its high vitamin A content.

Question 15

What are the best food sources of DHA during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Top dietary sources of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) during pregnancy include:

• Oily fish: such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, anchovies, and herring
• Seaweed and algae: suitable for plant-based diets (algae-derived DHA)
• Fortified foods: such as DHA-enriched eggs, milk or yoghurts

Pregnant women are advised to limit oily fish to two portions a week, limit tuna, and avoid shark, swordfish and marlin altogether. Fish liver oils, such as cod liver oil, should also be avoided in pregnancy because of their high vitamin A content.

Question 16

Which supplements are most recommended for DHA during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Highly recommended DHA supplements for pregnancy typically offer:

• At least 200 to 450 mg DHA per daily dose
• Combined EPA for added anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular support
• Molecularly distilled or purified oils to remove heavy metals and toxins
• Triglyceride form, which is better absorbed than ethyl ester fish oils

Vital DHA meets all of these criteria and is formulated specifically for preconception, pregnancy, and postnatal use, providing 450 mg DHA and 96 mg EPA in a molecularly distilled, triglyceride form for good absorption and safety.

It is third-party tested to ensure purity and free from contaminants such as heavy metals. Vital DHA is suitable for both women and men and supports:

• Foetal brain, eye and nervous system development
• Omega-3 intake as part of a balanced preconception diet in women
• Sperm membrane integrity and motility in men
• Neurological support for breastfed infants during the postnatal period

This makes it a complete and trusted choice for DHA supplementation throughout the entire reproductive journey.

Question 17

How does Vital DHA support fertility?

Accepted Answer

Vital DHA delivers concentrated, marine-sourced DHA and EPA in an ultra pure form. Molecular distillation removes impurities and heavy metals, ensuring maximum safety and absorption.

• In men for fertility: DHA maintains sperm membrane integrity and motility.
• In women for fertility: Omega-3 Fatty Acids are part of a balanced preconception diet, and maternal DHA intake contributes to the normal brain and eye development of the foetus.

Learn more about the research here.

Question 18

How does Vital DHA support pregnancy & the postnatal period?

Accepted Answer

• In pregnancy: DHA is critical for foetal brain, eye and nervous system development.
• In the postnatal period: Plays a critical role in the development of a baby's brain, as breastfed babies rely on your DHA intake.

Learn more about the research here.

Question 19

What is the difference between Vital DHA and Ultra Omega?

Accepted Answer

The key difference is the form of the fat.

Vital DHA is in triglyceride form, which the body breaks down before use, and it also contains Zinc. It is our everyday Omega-3 for men and women trying to conceive, and for women during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Maternal DHA intake contributes to the normal brain and eye development of the foetus and of breastfed infants.

Ultra Omega is in phospholipid form, sourced from Norwegian herring roe. Phospholipids are the main component of cell membranes and do not need to be broken down before the body can use them. Herring roe is also a natural source of Choline. Ultra Omega is suitable for women with PMOS (formerly known as PCOS) or endometriosis and those preparing for IVF, and it is the Omega-3 in our PMOS (PCOS) Support Pack, Endometriosis Support Pack and Ultimate Female IVF Support Pack. It also suits anyone who would like a phospholipid form of Omega-3.

You can choose which is right for you based on your stage and own requirements. If you're not sure which suits you, you can book a free 1:1 product consultation with our team of fertility nutritionists.

Question 20

Are these capsules easy to swallow?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the capsules are designed for daily use and should be taken with water.

Question 21

How does the Zita West subscription work?

Accepted Answer

When you subscribe to any eligible product, you save on every order. Subscriptions are managed through your account, where you can update your delivery frequency, swap, or cancel at any time. Subscribing is a convenient way to maintain a consistent supplement routine, which matters when you are supporting your fertility or pregnancy over a three-month period or longer.

Question 22

Do you offer free UK delivery?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer free standard delivery on all UK orders over £60. Orders under £60 are charged at £4.95. You can see all available delivery options and charges at checkout before you place your order.

Question 23

How long will my UK order take to arrive?

Accepted Answer

UK orders are usually dispatched within 24 hours of being placed. Once dispatched, standard delivery typically takes 1 to 3 working days.

Question 24

Do you ship internationally?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we ship to many countries worldwide, including the EU, USA, Canada, and further afield. International delivery timescales and charges vary by destination and are shown at checkout. EU customers should be aware that some orders may be subject to additional customs checks, which can occasionally cause delays. For any queries about international delivery, contact our customer service team at customerservice@zitawestproducts.co.uk.

Question 25

Will my order arrive in discreet packaging?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All orders are dispatched in plain, unmarked outer packaging with no reference to Zita West on the outside. The only brand reference is on the packing slip included inside the parcel.

Question 26

Are Zita West supplements third-party tested?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our supplements undergo independent third-party testing, and batch certificates are available on our website so you can check the quality and purity of every batch we produce. We believe that transparency around testing is part of what it means to be a supplement brand you can trust.

Question 27

Are there other ways to save on my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In addition to the subscription discount, you can save when buying product bundles, or mix and match three or more individual supplements for a 10% saving.

Question 28

Can I change my delivery date, swap, or cancel my subscription?

Accepted Answer

You can manage your subscription by logging into your Zita West account and selecting Subscriptions. From there you can update your next delivery date, delay an upcoming order, swap to a different product, or cancel at any time. If you need a hand with any of these, get in touch with our customer service team at customerservice@zitawestproducts.co.uk or call 01280 707400 and we will be happy to help.