Supplements - History of stomach issues

[Sarie24]

Hey guys, does anyone have any advice about prenatal supplements?

After reading a bunch of reviews about some of the all in one prenatal supplements (like Pregnacare etc) I decided against taking them as my cycles are currently very regular and I didn't want to risk messing with them, so I thought I'd just supplement the vital stuff for now so I don't interfere with anything.

I have a few stomach issues including atrophic gastritis and I'm intolerant to gluten, so my diet is lacking some core ingredients - I have a history of failing to absorb nutrients from food or supplements, particularly calcium and vitamin B12.

Currently I'm taking:
Holland and Barret's Folic Acic with Vitamin D
BetterYou B12 Oral Spray

I was thinking of taking a Ubiquinol supplement too (I'm 34) but I'm not sure if it's worthwhile or which one to take if I do!

I'm concerned that I might struggle to absorb the folic acid supplement though and also concerned the B12 spray might be too strong (1200ug) but I can't get any blood tests to check my levels right now due to covid creating a backlog at my GP.

I'm probably worrying over nothing but due to my history I just want to make sure that I'm giving my body the best possible chance but it's all a bit confusing! :)

Thank you!

I was also wondering if anyone has any experience with Proceive supplements at all...? www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/proceive-women-advanced-fertility-supplement-60-capsules-60017483

They're the only one I've seen that have generally standout reviews and use L-Methylfolate for folic acid, which would be very useful for someone who struggles to absorb things via their stomach like me :)

I don't absorb nutrients very well either and have B12 injections every 12 weeks as a result

I'm taking Methylfolate rather than Folic Acid as it's easier for the body to absorb. I'm also taking Seven Seas prenatal vitamins as I found Pregnacare very hard on my stomach

I also take Ubiquinol (I'm 36), I can't remember what brand though but I think its 200mg

@polkadotpixie thank you so much, I'm sorry you have issues absorbing nutrients too though, it makes things a bit more complicated doesn't it

I used to take the Vitabiotics Wellwoman caps (before ttc) and I found them very hard on my stomach too. They would make me very nauseous so I was worried Pregnacare (same brand) would cause similar issues - coupled with reviews saying they delayed people's cycles.

I'll take a look at the Seven Seas prenatal vitamins as an alternative though, as I do worry that I'm not getting enough vitamins due to my gastritis and I'll look a bit more into Methylfolate too. I really appreciate your help though, it's a little bit of a confusing time just now :) x

Hi @Sarie24,

I would also suggest to take Methylfolate, the active form of folic acid is much easier for the body to absorb. I bought Jarrow Formulas from Amazon, but you can find many other brands.

After reading the book 'It Starts With the Egg', I have started taking the following supplements:

400 mcg Methylfolate
3000IU (75μg) of vitamin D3 spray
200 mg Ubiquinol (from Solgar)

Ubiquinol is very expensive, but I have decided to give it a go, because I am also 34 and I've recently had a MC.

If you'd rather take a daily multivitamin check out Naturelo:
naturelo.co.uk/collections/for-women/products/womens-one-daily-multivitamin-with-natural-vitamins-and-fruit-extracts-60-capsules-2-month-supply-vegan

It's more expensive than Seven Seas, but it contains the right amount of Methylfolate and other natural ingredients.

I've a history of gastritis and stomach issues, and I think my nutrient absorption is not always very good as blood tests have showed low on iron and b vits before. I take Proceive, I think it is good. However I'll be moving over to the Zita West ones I think - just as they have similar vitamin levels but extra antioxidants. I took a strong short probiotic course - Elixa - for ten days to help absorption. I do feel better for it, stomach is a lot better. I've blood tests in a week or so, so will be able to see what my levels are like. You can book private tests, they are not too expensive.

Hi @A1b2c3d4e5f6g7, do you book your private tests with Medichecks or another company?

It would be good to know how you get on with the Zita West ones, I am interested in buying her pregnancy and Omega DHA supplements.
I used to take Pregnacare, but I found them very hard on my stomach, they made me feel sick.

@greenluce I'll give the Zita West ones a go next cycle, and sure I'll update. I was planning to get the fertility package, so the vitamins, the booster, and the DHA. On the private tests no, via a (private) GP. I didn't realise they were so easily available - my NHS GP isn't very good and for me it takes the stress out of trying to speak to an NHS GP (difficult at my practice) and then getting approval for tests, waiting for tests etc the waitlist is understandably long at the moment. Saying that though I am due to have thyroid and general hormone check on the NHS in a week or two, but getting the progesterone checks privately.

And for the general vitamin levels etc, I just get a private health check every 2-3 years via my company. But the cost of that is about £200 odd I think

Good to know about the private GP option, I will look into that. Thank you!

@greenluce tbh depending on what you want testing, I think the full fertility MOT would be a better bet in terms of cost effectiveness as get a scan also and semen analysis. However the clinics I contacted earlier this year weren't offering those for new customers until lockdown ended.