The Need for Supplements?

Some would argue that with a balanced diet there is no need for anyone to take supplements. In the west we eat a variety of foods that should provide for all our nutritional requirements. However there are times when the right supplements can make all the difference. Those times are pre-conceptually, during pregnancy and after birth during breastfeeding.

Pre-conceptually (which is the year before conception) it is important to prepare your body and build up stores of the right minerals for growing your baby.  Basic steps for a healthier pregnancy include reduction in alcohol consumption, and stopping smoking and taking recreational drugs, and increasing your awareness of synthetic chemicals and their impact on your health.

The basic supplements that you could take from the moment you decide you want to have a baby are:

• Antenatal forte
• Magnesium
• Fish oils (if you are a vegan or vegetarian then take Udos oil)

Magnesium is a mineral so many of us are lacking in our diets. It is primarily found in green vegetables, along with calcium - however our soil is so lacking in this mineral that it one that you will probably need to supplement.  Take 1 x 100mg capsule per day pre-conceptually and then during pregnancy.  Magnesium is necessary to allow the cells to relax and get rid of their toxicity. It is a fantastic supplement to take to prevent menstrual cramps and a great alternative to reaching for the paracetamol.  

During labour magnesium can make a huge difference to the effectiveness of contractions. At the onset of labour it will help the uterus to relax and the contractions be more effective. Some have also found that Magnesium helps to get a good nights sleep.

After labour when the womb is contracting, magnesium will be your new best friend.  It will help your womb to contract back without the intense pain that some women feel is worse than labour itself.

Calcium is the one mineral you will be told you need during pregnancy to grow your baby's bones. Whilst this is true, the best place to get it is not from cows milk - despite what we are told from health professionals or the milk marketing board. Think about it, where does a cow get its calcium from to provide milk for it's calf? Grass! Green vegetables have a lot of calcium in them in a soluble form which is how our bodies like it.  Our tap water also contains a lot of calcium.  In the UK because of the chalk used in the filtration process our water is very calcium rich.  The Biocare Ante-natal formula contains the right amount of calcium for you during this time.


Lacking good Essential Fatty Acids are the reason so many of us get 'pregnancy brain' that forgetfulness that strikes most women during pregnancy and afterwards. This is because your brain is a fat rich organ that needs EFS's to work. During pregnancy and breastfeeding your baby will get its EFA's from your brains stores if you do not have enough in your diet. Breast milk is also EFA rich and so it is worth supplementing during breastfeeding too.

Biocare has a great range of the best quality supplements and they are British made too. We do not yet sell them in our store or website but you can buy direct from them and get 10% off when you use the code 5870. Call 0121 433 3727 to place and order.  A carriage free order is £25.

Good pre-conceptual and postnatal nutrition advice can be obtained from nutritional therapists such as Maria Esposito. Maria has also written a very informative article about conception and nutrition - Nutritional Fertility tips for both men and women.

Amanda Rayment of Welcome World Teas is a Master Herbalist who blends a range of wonderful herbal teas and advises clients on a one-to-one basis about the best blend for their specific needs. She can give specific advice about preconception, pregnancy and postnatal nutrition and herbs.

NB: The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment. Talk with your healthcare provider about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.