Relaxed baby bump thanks to inositol, folic acid, cranberry and D-mannose

Sometimes self-care starts with a single thought: “What's good for me right now?” There is a great need for balance, calm and inner strength, especially around the desire to have children or during pregnancy. We understand that! Nature has some exciting nutrients that can support you on your journey. First and foremost: inositol, folic acid, cranberry and D-mannose. They are always at the center of attention when it comes to your hormonal balance, important cell functions or the health of your urinary tract. Let's take a look together at how these power nutrients can help you to feel good all round during pregnancy.

Folic acid: your little helper for a good start

Are you pregnant or planning to become pregnant? Folic acid is a real all-rounder among the vitamins. More precisely, it is the synthetic form of folate, a B vitamin that plays a central role in your body - be it in cell division, growth or blood formation. An adequate supply of folic acid is absolutely crucial for the healthy development of your little miracle during pregnancy. This is why a daily intake of 400 µg folic acid is recommended even before conception. And with good reason: you can reduce the risk of neural tube defects in your child [1].

Folate equivalents: How to meet your needs

Folate can be found naturally in many foods, such as:

• Green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, broccoli)
• Pulses (lentils, chickpeas, beans)
• Wholemeal products (wholemeal bread, oatmeal, wholemeal pasta)
• Certain types of fruit (oranges, strawberries)
• Eggs and liver

However, the bioavailability of folic acid in food supplements is often higher. This is why they are such a good choice to safely cover your daily requirements. The so-called folate equivalents describe how much folate your body can absorb from different sources. As women have an increased requirement during pregnancy, folic acid supplements can lead to an optimal supply [2].

Recommendation and intake: easily integrated into your daily routine

The daily intake of folic acid is not only important for women who want to have children, but is also often recommended throughout pregnancy. It is important to adhere to the recommended dosages and not to take high doses without medical advice. Important: A vitamin B12 deficiency should always be ruled out, as the effect of folic acid is closely linked to vitamin B12 [3]. It is best to discuss this with your doctor.

Cranberry during pregnancy: your natural protective shield for the bladder

When it comes to sensitive phases of life such as pregnancy, gentle but targeted support is a must. Pregnancy is a time when your body is doing great things and many processes change. This sometimes includes an increased susceptibility to urinary tract infections. This is where the cranberry, also known as the large-fruited cranberry, comes into play! This small, red power berry has a long tradition of supporting urinary tract health and is a popular choice, especially during pregnancy. Many women then like to turn to cranberries, and for good reason! Its effect is mainly attributed to its special ingredients, which can make it more difficult for unwelcome E. coli bacteria to adhere to your bladder mucosa [4].

Cranberry: Nature's power ingredients for your well-being

Cranberry plants grow mainly in North America and certain regions of Europe. The small red berries are not only full of vitamin C and B vitamins such as folic acid, but also valuable secondary plant substances. The absolute stars among them are proanthocyanidins (PACs). They are considered to be particularly effective for your bladder health. Studies show that cranberry extracts can have a supportive effect on recurrent bladder infections, with doses of at least 36 mg PACs per day often being recommended [5].

But cranberries can do more than “just” protect the bladder. It is also a true nutrient package that can promote your well-being during pregnancy in a variety of ways:

Boosting the immune system: thanks to their high levels of vitamin C and other antioxidants, cranberries can help to support your immune system - an important bonus as the immune system can be particularly challenged during pregnancy [6].

Protection against oxidative stress: The abundant antioxidants in cranberries, including PACs, help to protect cells from harmful free radicals. This contributes to overall cellular health, both for you and your baby [6].

Digestive support: With their fiber, cranberries can promote healthy bowel function and thus help prevent digestive problems such as constipation, which can often occur during pregnancy [7].

Cranberry use: it's that easy

Cranberries can be consumed in various forms: as juice, capsules or powder. Of course, the juice has a characteristically tart taste that not everyone likes - in this case, capsules are a super practical alternative! Always ensure a high content of the active ingredients so that you achieve the best possible effect. Daily intake over a longer period of time can have a positive effect on your well-being.

D-Mannose: When the bladder needs support during pregnancy

D-mannose sounds complicated, but it's not. D-mannose is a simple sugar that your body produces itself and is also found in small amounts in fruits such as apples. But did you know that it has a very special significance for the health of your urinary tract? Especially during pregnancy, the female body changes a lot and this can make the bladder more susceptible to infections. This is where the clever effect of D-mannose comes into play: it can bind certain bacteria and thus prevent them from adhering to your bladder mucosa. In this way, D-mannose can help prevent bladder infections or alleviate mild symptoms [8, 9]. A great relief to be able to enjoy this special time more carefree and with more well-being.

Easy integration into your life

Many preparations contain D-mannose in doses of between 500 and 2000 mg per day. The powder is very easy to dissolve in water or tea and is therefore a simple supplement for your special everyday life as an expectant mother. No complicated intake, no unnecessary hassle. And best of all, because D-mannose is hardly metabolized by your body, it reaches the bladder almost unchanged and is excreted there - perfect for a targeted effect exactly where you need it [10]. So you can relax and concentrate on the changes and joys of your pregnancy.

A healthy everyday life with natural support: focusing on your well-being

For many women, consciously supporting the body during sensitive phases of life plays a major role. Whether you are trying to conceive, experiencing hormonal fluctuations or have a tendency to bladder infections - natural substances such as inositol, folic acid (vitamin B9), cranberry and D-mannose can be part of a healthy routine and contribute to the normal functioning of your body.

Inositol and hormonal balance: your gentle companion

Inositol is a vitamin-like substance that is particularly interesting for women who have hormonal complaints or want support with cycle regulation. Studies show that inositol can have a positive effect on the female hormone balance and is therefore often recommended as a supportive treatment for PCOS [11]. A wonderful way to find your inner balance.

Daily intake and dosage recommendations: Listen to your body

A regular, daily recommended intake of the nutrients mentioned ensures an even supply and can therefore develop their full effect. It is important to consider your individual needs and seek medical advice if necessary. This is because every woman's body is unique and factors such as age, state of health or existing illnesses can of course have an influence [12]. Take care of yourself - we wish you all the best!

FAQ - frequently asked questions

How high should the dosage of folic acid be?

A daily intake of 400 µg folic acid is recommended for women who wish to have children. In special cases, a higher dosage may be advisable, but should always be discussed with a doctor.

Can I combine D-mannose and cranberry?

Yes, the combination of D-mannose and cranberry is often recommended. Both substances have different effects on bladder health and can complement each other to prevent bladder infections.

How long should I take Inositol?

The duration of taking Inositol depends on the individual goal. Many women take it for several months, especially if they are trying to conceive or have hormonal imbalances.

Do I have to take these substances every day?

Daily intake is often recommended to ensure a constant supply. Whether this is necessary on a permanent basis should be discussed with a healthcare professional. You can find more information here. Cranberry + D-Mannose is also suitable for a vegan diet.

Are there any side effects?

The substances are well tolerated in the recommended dosages. In case of uncertainty or existing health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

Sources

[1] https://www.dge.de/gesunde-ernaehrung/folat
[2] https://www.verbraucherzentrale.de/welche-nahrungsergaenzungen-brauchen-schwangere
[3] https://www.lunow.de/folsaeure-und-vitamin-b12-sind-lebensnotwendig
[4] https://urologische-stiftung-gesundheit.de/studie-wirksamkeit-von-cranberrysaft
[5] https://www.frontiersin.org/nutrition/preventive-effect-cranberries
[6] https://www.webmd.com/health-benefits-cranberry-juice
[7] https://www.webmd.com/health-benefits-cranberries
[8] https://link.springer.com/d-mannose-powder
[9] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PMC7395894
[10] https://www.pharmawiki.ch/D-Mannose
[11] https://www.usz.ch/krankheit/pco-syndrom
[12] https://www.bfr.bund.de/risikokommunikation-zum-thema-neg

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