Question 1

What key changes am I experiencing in the first trimester that Vital Essence 1 addresses?

Accepted Answer

In the first trimester, your baby is forming vital organs and neural pathways. Vital Essence 1 provides essential nutrients like Folate, in its active form, to help reduce the risk of neural tube defects, and Vitamin C for overall wellbeing.

Question 2

What are the most important nutrients in the first trimester?

Accepted Answer

During the first trimester, key nutrients include:

• Folate (Methylfolate) – supports neural tube development and DNA synthesis
• Vitamin D – contributes to immune health and skeletal development
• Iron – supports red blood cell production and oxygen transport
• Iodine – essential for thyroid function and baby’s brain development
• Vitamin B6 – has been studied in relation to nausea in early pregnancy
• Vitamin C and E – act as antioxidants to protect cells from oxidative stress

Vital Essence 1 provides these nutrients in optimal amounts for early pregnancy support.

Question 3

Can I decant the vitamins into a pill pot?

Accepted Answer

No, we recommend keeping the vitamins in their original glass jar.

Our packaging is designed to protect the product quality. The glass jar, together with the desiccant and tightly sealed lid, helps prevent moisture and oxidation. Decanting into another container (like a pill pot) can expose the vitamins to air and humidity, which may cause colour changes and reduce their effectiveness.

Question 4

Why should I choose Vital Essence 1 for the first trimester?

Accepted Answer

Vital Essence 1 is specifically formulated for the crucial first 12 weeks of pregnancy. It delivers high-quality nutrients, including Folate (active form of Folic Acid), Vitamin C, Niacin, and more, supporting early foetal growth.

Question 5

Should I take this with food?

Accepted Answer

Yes, taking with a meal enhances absorption of fat soluble vitamins like D.

Question 6

Can men take it too?

Accepted Answer

No, this is formulated specifically for early prenatal nutrition.

Question 7

What if I miss a dose?

Accepted Answer

If you miss a dose, simply take your next dose as usual. There's no need to double up.

Question 8

Why is there vitamin A in this product?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin A plays a pivotal role in supporting foetal development, contributing to essential processes such as embryonic growth, immune system function, and vision development. However, it's crucial to approach vitamin A intake during pregnancy with caution, as excessive levels can pose risks. In our supplements, we prioritise the safety of both the mother and the developing baby by utilising a carefully chosen form of vitamin A—Beta-carotene.

Beta-carotene serves as a safe precursor to vitamin A, and the body converts it into active vitamin A only as needed, ensuring that levels remain within the recommended, safe range. This approach allows us to provide the necessary support for foetal development without compromising safety.

Question 9

What is the difference between folic acid and folate?

Accepted Answer

Folic acid and Folate are both forms of vitamin B9, but there are important differences between the two.

Folic Acid: This is the synthetic form of vitamin B9, commonly found in supplements and fortified foods. While it is effective in raising folate levels in the blood, it needs to be converted into the active form of folate by the body in multiple steps. Some people have a genetic variation that makes this conversion less efficient.

Folate: This is the naturally occurring form of vitamin B9, found in foods like leafy greens, legumes, and fruits. Quatrefolic® provides folate in its active form, 5-MTHF, which the body can use directly without needing to convert it first.

Because Quatrefolic® is already in its active form and doesn't require the same conversion process as folic acid, it is often recommended as the preferred option, particularly for those who have difficulty converting folic acid into its active form.

Question 10

Does Vital Essence contain the recommended intake of folic acid?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Vital Essence 1 provides the NHS recommended intake of Folic Acid in the active form Folate. Each serving (2 capsules) provides 400μg of Folate. We use Folate, the active form which is readily absorbed by the body. This ensures it can quickly and effectively raise your levels to support early foetal development.

Question 11

What supplements should I take in first trimester?

Accepted Answer

The first three months of pregnancy are in many ways the most crucial stage of a baby's development. This is the time when all of his or her organs and systems are forming, as well as hands, feet and limbs. It is now recognised that a mother's diet immediately before conception and in the first weeks of pregnancy can influence the way that the embryo develops.

It is recommended that women take prenatal vitamins during early pregnancy to ensure that both the mother and the developing foetus receive adequate nutrition. Prenatal vitamins are specially formulated with higher amounts of certain vitamins and minerals that are important for foetal development, such as Folate, Iron and Calcium.

Alongside Zita West Vital Essence 1, we recommend taking Vital DHA for additional support for your overall nutrition.

For those looking for a comprehensive range of supplements to support them in their first trimester, take a look at the Zita West Newly Pregnant Trimester 1 Support Pack. The pack contains all of the supplements we recommend to support you throughout the first trimester.

Question 12

How do I take Vital Essence 1?

Accepted Answer

Take 2 capsules per day, with water and ideally a meal, either together or split throughout the day for optimal absorption.

Question 13

How do I choose the best prenatal vitamin?

Accepted Answer

When choosing a prenatal vitamin, look for:

• 400µg active Folate (Methylfolate) rather than synthetic folic acid
• Vitamin D (D3) – ideally 10–25 µg per day
• Iron – in a gentle, well-absorbed form
• Iodine – to support thyroid and brain development
• Third-party testing – to ensure quality and purity
• Formulation by specialists – targeted to the specific stage of pregnancy

A high-quality supplement like Vital Essence 1 is designed to meet these criteria for the first trimester.

Question 14

Are there any side effects of early pregnancy supplements?

Accepted Answer

Prenatal supplements are generally well tolerated, but some people may experience:

• Mild nausea, especially if taken on an empty stomach
• Constipation or dark stools, typically due to iron content
• Mild digestive upset, depending on individual sensitivities

Taking supplements with food and drinking plenty of water can help minimise side effects. Always follow the recommended dosage.

Question 15

When should I start taking prenatal vitamins?

Accepted Answer

Prenatal vitamins should ideally be started before conception and continued throughout pregnancy. We recommend:

• Taking Vitafem for at least three months before trying to conceive
• Moving on to Vital Essence 1 once you become pregnant, and continuing it through to week 12
• Transitioning to a second trimester formula as recommended

This helps support your body with the nutrients it needs from the earliest stages of pregnancy.

Question 16

What foods should I eat during the first trimester?

Accepted Answer

Focus on nutrient-dense foods that support baby’s development and ease early pregnancy symptoms:

• Leafy greens, eggs, and legumes – rich in folate and iron
• Oily fish (low in mercury) – provides omega-3s for brain development
• Whole grains – supply fibre and B vitamins
• Yoghurt, cheese, or fortified plant alternatives – for calcium and iodine
• Nuts and seeds – offer healthy fats, protein, and zinc
• Small, frequent meals – to manage nausea and maintain energy

Pairing a balanced diet with a targeted supplement like Vital Essence 1 helps ensure comprehensive early pregnancy support.

Question 17

When should I switch between Vital Essence 1, 2 and 3?

Accepted Answer

Vital Essence 1 is formulated for weeks 1 to 12, Vital Essence 2 for weeks 13 to 26 and Vital Essence 3 for weeks 27 to 40. Switch at the start of each trimester so you are getting the nutrients most relevant to that stage, then move on to Revital Essence after birth.

If you are a few days early or late switching, that is fine. Each formula contains 400µg Active Folate (Quatrefolic®), so your Folate intake stays consistent throughout.

Question 18

Are these capsules easy to swallow?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 19

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 20

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 21

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 22

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 23

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 24

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 25

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 26

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.

Vital Essence 1

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Who Is This For?

What's Inside Our Vital Essence 1 - Essential Nutrients for the First Trimester

Quatrefolic® (Folate)

Iron

Vitamin D3

Vitamin B6

Iodine

Vitamin C

Zinc

Real Women Supported by Zita West

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