Trends in the World of Pre- & Postnatal Nutrition.

Trending Pre- and Postnatal Nutrition For Mums.

Over the past few years, pre and postnatal products have been taking the mum world by storm. So many trends based on pre and postnatal nutrition, as well as overall well-being, have been posted about continuously by mums & bumpfluencers. Let’s take a deeper look, shall we…

Key Ingredients in Pre and Postnatal Nutrition:

1. Vitamins and Minerals: Essential for both maternal and fetal health. Key nutrients include folate, choline, calcium, and iron.
2. Essential Fatty Acids: DHA is critical for brain development and overall fetal health.
3. Protein: Commonly derived from dairy, along with bioactive ingredients like lactoferrin and MFGM, which support immune function and digestion.
4. Botanicals and Probiotics: These ingredients provide functional benefits, such as promoting digestive health and boosting the immune system.

Health Benefits of Pre and Postnatal Nutrition Products:

• Bone Health
• Immune Health
• Brain Health
• Eye Health
• Heart Health
• Digestive Health
• Oral Health

Five Key Trends in Pre and Postnatal Nutrition:

1. Bone Health: The leading health claim in pre-/postnatal foods and beverages globally.
2. DHA: Growing rapidly in pre-/postnatal products due to its importance in brain development.
3. Brain/Mood Health: The most common health claim in pre-/postnatal supplements worldwide.
4. Energy/Stamina: This is the fastest-growing claim in pre-/postnatal supplements.
5. Clean Label Ingredients: There’s increasing demand for transparency and natural ingredients in pre-/postnatal nutrition products.

The clean label movement has become more and more popular over the past few years as more and more mums are seeking out products that have very little processing carried out as well as NO artificial additives. This is a huge trend that also comes with aesthetic branded packaging that is also very luring & intriguing to a mum’s eye.

1. Personalized Nutrition: Tailored Just for You

Ever wish your supplements were as unique as your health needs? Well, now they can be! Thanks to advances in nutrigenomics (fancy word alert!), we’re seeing a rise in personalized prenatal supplements. Essentially, this means that supplements can be customized based on your genetic profile and specific health needs. If you’re wondering whether you need more of one nutrient or less of another, personalized nutrition has got you covered. Think of it as a tailor-made vitamin plan just for you!

2. Plant-Based Prenatal Supplements: For Vegans and Vegetarians (and Everyone Else!)

If you’re following a vegan or vegetarian diet, don’t worry—you don’t have to miss out on the essential nutrients needed for a healthy pregnancy. Plant-based prenatal supplements are on the rise, and they’re packed with everything you need, like iron (from plants like spinach or peas), DHA (from algae instead of fish oil), and protein (hello, peas and hemp!). It’s a great way to get all the right nutrients without compromising your values. Plus, it’s a win for both you and baby!

3. Postnatal Mental Health: More Than Just Baby Blues

We all know that pregnancy can take a toll on your body, but did you know it can impact your mind too—especially after your baby arrives? That’s why mental health is becoming a major focus for postnatal supplements. These days, many supplements include ingredients like omega-3s, vitamin D, and probiotics to support your mental well-being and help reduce the risk of postpartum depression. So, while you’re taking care of your baby, remember to take care of yourself too! Your mental health matters just as much as your physical health.

4. Probiotics: Gut Health for Mum and Baby

It’s not just about keeping your belly full—it’s also about keeping your gut happy! That’s where probiotics come in. Certain strains like Lactobacillus reuteri and Bifidobacterium infantis are being added to prenatal and postnatal supplements to boost your digestive health and support your immune system. They also help the baby’s microbiome (a fancy term for the healthy bacteria in their gut) get off to a good start. So, if you’ve been feeling a little “off” or just want to keep things moving smoothly, probiotics could be your new best friend.

5. Sustainability: Good for You, Good for the Planet

As mums, we care about the world our little ones will grow up in. That’s why sustainability is more important than ever when it comes to the products we choose. The sustainability trend in prenatal and postnatal nutrition means that brands are making an effort to use ethically sourced ingredients—like plant-based omega-3s from algae instead of fish oil—and eco-friendly packaging. So, you can feel good about your supplements, knowing they’re kind to the planet as well as your body!

All in all, trends do come and go but… they did become trends for a reason.