Whether you are preparing your body for conception several months down the track or find that you are unexpectedly pregnant, you may need to take supplements. Unless you have been working with a qualified naturopath, you may be tempted to source your supplements at the supermarket, pharmacy or even on-line.
In Australia, practitioners have access to high grade, quality, TGA-approved products which are not available to the general public. The reason is that the qualified practitioner is able to assess your individual needs and recommend remedies that will be beneficial to you and your future baby.
However, over-the-counter or on-line marketing targets the vulnerable public with very clever advertising without any focus on actual product quality.
When products are tested, it is (sadly) frequently found that what’s listed on the label isn’t always what’s in the bottle, unless the brand has done the work to ensure their incoming ingredients, final formulation, and third-party lab testing of each batch is pure and matches their label claims. As a qualified naturopath I only recommend trusted ethical brands who use third-party lab testing to ensure purity and quality.
Products sold through third party sellers have a greater risk of issues like:
Counterfeit products Expired supplements relabeled with new dates Improper storage conditions that can degrade potency (e.g. being stored in a hot/humid warehouse versus a climate controlled facility can damage delicate nutrients, like B-vitamins or omega-3 fats) Damaged seals or tampering
This is especially concerning during pregnancy, postpartum, or when trying to conceive—times when nutrient needs are higher and supplement quality really counts.
My book explains the importance of preparing your body before conceiving, provides information on some of the essential nutrients but (due to TGA guidelines) cannot provide names of brands or supplements. Should you be in Australia, please feel to reach out for assistance. If you are in another country, please seek out a specialist in prenatal nutrition.
