Pregnancy Pack

This 2-IN-1 pack includes 2 products:

• 1 tub of Mi-Vitamin® Multi-Vitamin Mineral Supplement for Pregnant and Lactating Women
• 1 tub Mi-Vitamin® Omega-3

The nutritional and health status of the mother plays a vital role in the development of the unborn child even before conception. The most critical development of a baby occurs during the first three months of the pregnancy when many women do not realize they are pregnant.

Studies have shown that adequate nutrition during pregnancy potentially results in ideal birth weight, reduced infant mortality and improved growth. Adequate nutrition in the first 1000 days of life is critical in ensuring benefits in both economic and health terms. Nutrition during the first 1000 days of life has a direct impact on the risk of developing non-communicable diseases (NCD’s) such as cardiovascular diseases, stroke, hypertension and diabetes later in life and ultimately decreases the health risks being passed onto future generations.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients found in fish and certain plant oils. They include ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Of the three, EPA and DHA help support heart health, normal brain function as well as normal growth and development.

The nutritional and health status of the mother plays a vital role in the development of the unborn child even before conception. The most critical development of a baby occurs during the first three months of the pregnancy when many women do not realize they are pregnant.

Studies have shown that adequate nutrition during pregnancy potentially results in ideal birth weight, reduced infant mortality and improved growth.

Adequate nutrition in the first 1000 days of life is critical in ensuring benefits in both economic and health terms. Nutrition during the first 1000 days of life has a direct impact on the risk of developing non-communicable diseases (NCD’s) such as cardiovascular diseases, stroke, hypertension and diabetes later in life and ultimately decreases the health risks being passed onto future generations.

Mi-Vitamin® Multi-Vitamin Mineral Supplement contains 13 essential vitamins and 5 added minerals including iron. Studies have shown that pregnant women who received multiple-micronutrient supplementation had fewer low birthweight babies, small-for-gestational-age babies, and stillbirths than pregnant women who received only iron, with or without folic acid. These findings provide a strong basis to guide the replacement of iron and folic acid with multiple-micronutrient supplements for pregnant women.

Mi-Vitamin® Omega-3 contains MEG-3® fish oil, the most trusted source of EPA/DHA omega-3 from fish oil without the fishy taste or smell.

Research supporting the benefits of EPA/DHA omega-3 for pregnancy and breastfeeding:

During pregnancy:

• Increased Omega-3 DHA intake during pregnancy supports maternal blood DHA levels.
• During late pregnancy and with breastfeeding Omega-3 DHA accumulates rapidly in the baby’s brain to support brain and eye development.
• Taking 500 – 1000mg of Omega-3’s (with at least 500mg of DHA) from early in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy reduces the risk of early preterm birth
  • born before 37 weeks by 11%
  • born before 34 weeks reduced by 42%
• DHA Supplementation during pregnancy reduces the likelihood of having a baby with a low birth weight (<2500g) by 10%.

 

While Breastfeeding:

• Human milk is the only milk that naturally contains DHA. An increased intake of DHA leads to higher DHA levels in breast milk.
• The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and continued breastfeeding, with appropriate complementary foods, up to 2 years of age and beyond.
• During infancy and childhood DHA continues to accumulate in the brain and trials have shown that increased intakes of DHA:
  • Improved cognitive and visual outcomes
  • Improved scores on tests that measure process speed, attention and verbal learning
  • May support immune responses

Each of these Omega-3 fatty acids is considered essential, meaning that they cannot be synthesized by the human body. Humans do have limited ability to convert dietary ALA to EPA and crucial DHA, however the efficiency of the conversion is very low (< 5%), and dietary intake of EPA and especially DHA is necessary to maintain sufficient amounts in the body.

Diagram 1: Understanding the Omega-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acid family

Multi-Vitamin:

One capsule daily after food, or as directed by your healthcare professional.
Allergen free.

Omega-3:

Adults and children over 6 years: Take 1 to 3 capsules per day with meals or as directed by your healthcare professional.

To achieve the 200mg – 500mg DHA recommended for Pregnancy, 3 – 4 capsules per day will be needed or as directed by your healthcare professional.

Dietary supplements should be taken as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

Organisation	Target population	Recommendation
FAO/WHO20	General adult population	250 mg–2* g/day EPA + DHA
	Pregnant/lactating women	300 mg/day EPA + DHA of which at least
		200 mg/day is DHA
	2 – 18 years	Adequate Intake(AI) levels of:
		EPA + DHA 100 – 150 mg for 2-4 years
		EPA + DHA 150 – 200 mg for 4-6 years
		EPA + DHA 200 – 300 mg for 6-10 years
		to the adult value assigned at age 10 year
International Society for the Study of Fat and Lipids(ISSFAL)	General adult population for cardiovascular health	At least 500 mg/day of EPA + DHA
	Pregnant/lactating women	DHA: 200 mg/day
World Association of Perinatal Medicine	Pregnant/lactating women	200 mg DHA/day
World Gastroenterology Organization	General adult population	3 – 5 servings/wk of fish
		* For secondary prevention of CHD (Coronary Heart Disease)

• Scientifically proven to benefit health and wellbeing
• Adheres to the highest quality standards
• Sustainably and ethically manufactured
• Assurance of reliable supply
• Contains safe and effective ingredients at relevant levels

 

Quali™- Blends is a trademark of DSM.

Mi-Vitamin® Omega-3 contains MEG-3® fish oil.

MEG-3® is the most trusted source of EPA/DHA omega-3 from fish oil

• without the fishy taste or smell
• Purified for safety (Purity levels outperform aggressive industry limits)
• Concentrated for potency
• Sustainably sourced from clean, omega-3 rich ocean fish
• MEG-3® freshness levels outperform aggressive industry limits
• characterised by minimal oxidation

MEG-3® is a trademark of DSM.

Yes, this product has specifically been formulated with the recommended levels of vitamins and minerals needed by pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Mi-Vitamin® Omega-3 can be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There are specific recommendations on the dosage of Omega-3 during pregnancy and lactation as indicated in the “How should Mi-Vitamin® Omega-3 be used section.

This product has specifically been formulated for women before, during and after pregnancy.

It can also be used pre-conception (while still planning the pregnancy) and during breastfeeding.

Experts agree that people are not consuming enough EPA/DHA in their daily diets. In fact most people consume less than 100 mg of EPA/DHA per day.

• One way to close this nutritional gap is to consume fortified foods or dietary supplements containing these health-giving
  natural compounds
• Globally, recommended intakes for individual long-chain omega-3 have been developed and consistently indicate that 250 to 500 mg/day of EPA and DHA should be consumed for general health, pregnancy and cardiovascular disease risk reduction

Mi-Vitamin® Multi-Vitamin Mineral Supplement is not suitable for children and men as the levels of the vitamins and minerals have specifically been formulated for use in women preconception, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Mi-Vitamin® Omega-3 precautions for use:

Consult your healthcare professional in cases of fish allergies.
Consult your healthcare professional when using the following medication:

• Contraceptive drugs
• Anticoagulant and anti-platelet drugs, herbs and supplements
• Blood pressure drugs, herbs and supplements
• Vitamin E

Mi-Vitamin® Multi-Vitamin Mineral Supplement: One capsule daily after food, or as directed by your healthcare professional.

Due to the high iron content it is recommended to take the capsule after a meal and not on an empty stomach.

Mi-Vitamin® Omega-3 should be taken with meals or as recommended by your health care professional. It is also recommended to split the dosage between several meals than to take the capsules all at once as this assist with the bioavailability of the Omega-3. Some studies recommend that it is best taken with a meal that contains fat for better absorption.

Multi-Vitamin Mineral Supplement

Typical Nutrition Information
Nutrient	Average per 1 Capsule	%NRV*
Vitamin A	2664 IU / 800 mcg	100
Vitamin D	200 IU / 5mcg	33
Vitamin E	15 mg TE	100
Vitamin C	60 mg	60
Vitamin B1	1.4 mg	117
Vitamin B2	1.4 mg	108
Niacinamide	18 mg	113
Vitamin B6	1.9 mg	112
Vitamin B12	2.6 mcg	108
Folic Acid	600 mcg	150
Vitamin K	55 mcg	46
Pantothenic Acid	6 mg	120
Biotin	30 mcg	100
Iron (added as Ferrous Fumarate)	27 mg	208
Zinc (added as Zinc Oxide)	10 mg	100
Copper (added as Copper Gluconate)	1.15 mg	128
Selenium (added as Sodium Selenite)	50 mcg	91
Iodine (added as Potassium Iodide)	250 mcg	167

*Nutrient Reference Values South Africa from 37months and older.

Omega-3 tablets

Each softgel capsule contains:
Fish oil	1000 mg
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid)	180 mg
DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid)	120 mg
Natural Vit E added as antioxidant	0.47 IU

Ingredients: Purified fish oil, Gelatin (bovine), glycerine, purified water, mixed natural tocopherols (antioxidants), sunflower oil

– Keep lid tightly closed
– Store below 25°C, in a cool dry place
– KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN