What Other Women Say

The morning (or shall I say ALL DAY) sickness began the week after I found out I was pregnant, and unlike some women who are lucky enough to only have to endure it for the first three months, mine went on and on and on!!! I tried everything to relieve the nausea… you name it, I tried it. I heard that the pre-natal vitamin that I was taking might be somewhat to blame for the extra nausea, but I knew that I had to take it, so I was stuck! At about 4 and a half months I was introduced to Fem-Med’s Pregnancy + Ginger pre-natal vitamin and about a week after I starting taking it, the nausea was GREATLY reduced!!! I feel normal for the first time since I got pregnant and I couldn’t be more thankful and relieved!! I would recommend Fem-Med to ANY woman dealing with the “joys” of morning sickness and looking for a way to feel better!!!. Thank you SO much Shawna! You have no idea how much you have helped me!!

Jessica Baker, Morning Traffic reporter, 97.3 EZ Rock
Toronto, Ontario

Ginger to help prevent nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy
Ginger has demonstrated anti-emetic effects in clinical trials of women hospitalised for hyperemesis gravidarum [pregnancy-related nausea], chemotherapy, motion sickness, and postoperative surgery (Borelli et al., 2005; Fischer-Rasmussen et al., 1991; Pongrojpaw, 2007)

Folic acid can reduce the risk of neural tube defects in your baby by up to 70%.
Folate (folic acid) takes part in a variety of body processes such as: regulation of gene expression, production of red blood cells, the development of the central nervous system and the transmission of nerve signals. It also helps to prevent neural tube defects when taken prior to pregnancy and/or during the early stages of pregnancy [at doses of 400 μg/day]. Neural tube defects [NTD] are congenital malformations that result from failure of the neural tube to close during embryogenesis. Normally, the primordial central nervous system begins as a plate of cells early in embryonic life, which folds on itself to form a tube. Closure of this tube occurs 21-28 days post-conception. Inadequate intake of folate in the mother has been found to result in failure of neural tube closure. The mechanisms are not yet defined, but many studies within the scientific literature have looked at this relationship. For instance, a placebo-controlled, randomized comparison of folic acid [4 mg] was conducted in women who had previously had NTD-affected pregnancies. Treatment started less than one month before conception and was continued through the first trimester. There were 6 NTD cases among 593 supplemented women compared with 21 among 692 placebo control women, a risk reduction of 72%; among women known to have initiated folic acid before conception, risk was reduced by 83% (Bourre, 2006; MRC Vitamin Research Group, 1991; Pitkin, 2007).

Vitamin A for the formation of healthy epithelial tissue* and protection against cell damage that can lead to cancer.
Vitamin A is a factor in the maintenance of good health and helps maintain eyesight, bone growth, skin and membranes. Vitamin A is recognized as being essential for vision, and for systemic functions including cellular differentiation, growth, reproduction, bone development and the immune system (Groff and Gropper, 2000; NHPD, 2007a). * Epithelial tissues are widespread throughout the body. They form the covering of all body surfaces, line body cavities and hollow organs, and are the major tissue in glands. They perform a variety of functions that include protection, secretion, absorption, excretion, filtration, diffusion, and sensory reception.

Beta Carotene for vision and as retinoic acid, for the processes involving growth and cell differentiation.
Beta-carotene, in addition to being a precursor to vitamin A, is also able to act as an anti-oxidant. The antioxidant activity of carotenoids is based on their ability to quench singlet oxygen as well as their ability to trap peroxyl radicals. Most importantly, when carotenoids quench singlet oxygen, the carotenoid becomes excited but dissipates this energy through a series of rotational and vibrational interactions with the solvent, resulting in regeneration of the original unexcited carotenoid. This indicates that carotenoids can regenerate themselves and are not dependent on other factors as Vitamin E is (Stahl and Sies, 1996).

Vitamin C for the protection of cellular DNA damage and boosting the immune system
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that protects cellular DNA from free radical damage and mutations, but also acts as a cofactor of hydroxylating enzymes in collagen synthesis (Groff and Gropper, 2000). Vitamin C also acts as a co-factor in the production of carnitine making it essential to the transport of fatty acids within the cell (Sizer and Whitney, 2003). As an electron source, vitamin C can effectively quench peroxide radicals in vitro and in vivo. Numerous in vitro investigations of human plasma cells treated with ascorbic acid have revealed the ability of ascorbate to protect cells from oxidative damage. Vitamin C has demonstrated its antioxidant effects via the inhibition of peroxidation in low-density lipoprotein [LDL] cells. Further evidence of protection of vitamin C against lipid peroxidation has been noted in guinea pig cardiac tissue following a peroxide challenge. As well, vitamin C has demonstrated the ability to work synergistically with glutathione peroxidase [an antioxidant enzyme] to promote antioxidant activity. In fact, vitamin C’s properties as a reducing agent and its reaction with oxygen-derived free radicals seem to be its most important biological function (Bourre, 2006; Frei et al., 1989; Higdon and Frei, 2002; Martin et al., 2002; Retsky and Frei, 1995; Rojas et al., 1994; Smith et al., 2002).

Vitamin D is important for bone health of both mother and fetus
Vitamin D aids in the absorption and use of calcium and phosphorous, and helps with the normal development and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. Calcitriol is considered the active form of Vitamin D and functions as a steroid hormone in the homeostasis of blood calcium concentrations. The mechanism by which vitamin D promotes bone health is through its ability to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. The activation of vitamin D in the human body is influenced by a decrease in serum phosphorus levels, while an increase inhibits its cellular function. It has been determined that phosphorus homeostasis with calcium is an important aspect of vitamin D regulation. By promoting calcium absorption, vitamin D helps to form and maintain strong bones. Vitamin D also works in concert with a number of other vitamins, minerals and hormones [including parathyroid hormone] to promote bone mineralization. Without vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, or misshapen. Vitamin D sufficiency prevents rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, two forms of skeletal diseases that weaken bones (Groff and Gropper, 2000; NHPD, 2007b; NIH, 2007; Northwestern University, 2007).

Vitamin E protects the fatty tissues of the body. Protects against toxic substances.
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that is especially important for cells exposed to high oxygen concentration like the lungs and red blood cells. Vitamin E protects their cell membranes from oxidative destruction (Sizer and Whitney, 2003). Vitamin E is also important in normal nervous systems and visual function (Hayton and Muller, 2004) as well as normal immune function (Han et al, 2004).

Thiamine protects against impaired mental function, required for proper energy production in the brain.
Thiamine plays essentials roles in vivo; including energy transformation, synthesis of pentoses and NADPH, and in membrane and nerve conductions. Thiamine acts as a coenzyme for decarboxylation in carbohydrate metabolism and deficiency can produce high-output cardiac failures due to the accumulation of pyruvate and lactate. Studies have shown that myocyte contraction becomes reduced during deficiency because of heart muscle fatigue leading to cardiovascular difficulties (Aberle et al., 2004; Groff and Gropper, 2000).

Riboflavin for tissue repair and for healthy eyes. Important for energy production.
Riboflavin assists in tissue formation and also in the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Riboflavin plays an important biological role in electron [hydrogen] transfer reactions and also aids in the formation of red blood cells and antibodies assisting in blood cell development and repair. Riboflavin participates in a diversity of redox reactions central to human metabolism through the cofactors riboflavin monophosphate [FMN] and flavin adenine dinucleotide [FAD], which both act as electron carriers. Since most flavoproteins use FAD as a cofactor, inadequate intake of riboflavin would lead to disturbances in steps in intermediary metabolism, with functional implications (Groff and Gropper, 2000; McDowell, 2000; Netvitamins, 2005a; Powers, 2003).

Niacin for fat, cholesterol, and carbohydrate metabolism; and the manufacture of many body compounds, including sex and adrenal hormones.
Niacin is a coenzyme in several important biochemical functions, particularly those needed to maintain healthy skin, a properly functioning gastrointestinal tract and nervous system. This vitamin also helps to metabolize proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Niacin also plays a role in catecholamine biosynthesis as a coenzyme to form the active forms of vitamin B6 [pyridoxal phosphate] and folate [tetrahydrofolic acid]. Niacin assists in N5 tetrahydrofolate synthesis as NADH. It functions to donate a reducing equivalent to methylene-THF to form methyl-THF. Tetrahydrofolate [THF] is present as a coenzyme in two steps of catecholamine synthesis: conversion of tyrosine to dopa by the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase and conversion of norepinephrine to epinephrine by noradrenaline N-methyltransferase (Groff and Gropper, 2000; Lieberman and Bruning, 1997; NHPD, 2007c)

Pantothenic Acid for the healthy functioning of the adrenal glands, which is why pantothenic acid has long been considered an “anti-stress” vitamin.
Pantothenic acid is needed for a wide range of processes throughout the body. Since pantothenic acid is converted to CoA, this vitamin is used in the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. This nutrient is also involved in skin growth and tissue formation. Pantothenic acid helps synthesize antibodies, hormones [including sex and adrenal], bile and haemoglobin. Furthermore, pantothenic acid aids in the development of the central nervous system and is needed for the production of sphingosine and
acetylcholine [a neurotransmitter], two very important substances involved in nerve transmission. Pantothenic acid deficiencies in humans result in a number of signs and symptoms including headache, fatigue, insomnia and nervous system-related symptoms [such as anxiety, depression, numbness and paresthesias]. Some of these symptoms are due to the requirement of pantothenic acid for nerve transmission and production of hormones that control our reactions to stress, as well as the "flight or fight" response. Therefore, pantothenic acid has long been considered an “anti-stress” vitamin (Lieberman and Bruning, 1997; Netvitamins, 2005b).

Vitamin B6 for the proper growth and maintenance of all body functions.
Vitamin B6 is one of the most essential, widely used vitamins in the human body. As a coenzyme, vitamin B6 participates in over sixty enzymatic reactions involved in the metabolism of amino acids and essential fatty acids. Thus, it is necessary for the proper growth and maintenance of almost all body structures and functions. One of the many systems dependent on vitamin B6 is the nervous system. For instance, vitamin B6 plays a pivotal role in the synthesis of several neurotransmitters including: serotonin [increases production of its immediate precursor, 5-hydroxytryptophan], dopamine, norepinephrine and gammaaminobutyric acid [GABA]. Furthermore, phenylalanine is converted into dopamine and adrenaline by the enzyme aromatic amino acid decarboxylase, which is dependent on vitamin B6. Lack of these neurotransmitters may be linked to the development of some neuropsychological disorders such as: parkinsonism, tardive dyskinesia and depression. Vitamin B6 is also involved in the regulation of mental function, stress response and mood. In addition, vitamin B6 helps in the formation of proteins from individual amino acids which may have various actions ranging from hormone synthesis to immune system function (Bourre, 2006; Lieberman and Bruning, 1997; Malouf and Grimley, 2003; Sizer and Whitney, 2003).

Vitamin B12 for the production of DNA, red blood cells, and the myelin sheath that surrounds nerve cells.
Vitamin B12 is required for the methylation of homocysteine to methionine, where homocysteine acquires a methyl group from N-5-methyltetrahydrofolate or from betaine to form methionine. The reaction with N-5- methyltetrahydrofolate occurs in all tissues and is vitamin B12 dependent, whereas the reaction with betaine is confined mainly to the liver and is vitamin B12 independent. A considerable proportion of methionine is then activated by ATP to form S-adenosylmethionine [SAM]. SAM serves primarily as a universal methyl donor to a variety of acceptors, such as DNA, myelin [properly formed myelin increases nerve impulse conduction], proteins, phospholipids, neurotransmitters, membrane phospholipids, essential for maintaining the integrity of the nervous and haematopoietic systems. Thus, among vitamin B12’s many functions, it can provide neurotransmitter support [supplying the body with the precursors and cofactors it needs to produce neurotransmitters] through this mechanism. Moreover, S-adenosylhomocysteine [SAH], the by-product of these methylation reactions, is subsequently hydrolyzed, thus regenerating homocysteine, which then becomes available to start a new cycle of methyl-group transfer Vitamin B12 also plays a role in the production of new red blood cells [erythropoeisis]. These new erythrocytes replace the oldest erythrocytes [normally about one percent] that are phagocytosed and destroyed each day. Erythroblasts [immature red blood cells] require folate and vitamin B12 for proliferation during their differentiation. Deficiency of folate or vitamin B12 inhibits purine and thymidylate syntheses, impairs DNA synthesis, and causes erythroblast apoptosis, resulting in anemia from ineffective erythropoiesis. The importance of adequate folate and vitamin B12 in erythropoiesis is demonstrated by megaloblastic anemia, the clinical disease that can occur with deficiency of either vitamin. In folate or vitamin B12 deficiency, the de novo synthesis of deoxynucleotides is decreased, resulting in impaired synthesis and repair of DNA, and ultimately, in cell death (Koury and Ponka, 2004; Selhub, 1999).

Biotin helps the body metabolize fats and carbohydrates
Biotin is required as a prosthetic group for four major enzymes involved in several critical metabolic pathways in the body including gluconeogenesis, fatty acid synthesis and amino acid catabolism. The four carboxylase enzymes found in humans that require biotin for biotinylation include acetyl coenzyme A [CoA] carboxylase, pyruvate carboxylase, methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase, and propionic-CoA carboxylase. In these enzymes, biotin’s valeric side chain binds to a lysyl specific residue located on the carboxylase. This interaction is catalyzed by holocarboxylase synthetase, which enables the biotinylation of the carboxylases to occur. Through these reactions biotin helps the body metabolize fats and carbohydrates and plays an important role in carbon dioxide transfer reactions and carboxylation reactions (Groff and Gropper, 2000; PDR Health, 2007).

Calcium for the formation of bones and teeth, fat and protein digestion and the production of energy.
Calcium is stored in the bone and is essential to bone growth and strength (Sizer and Whitney 2003; Vatanparast and Whiting, 2006). This is especially important in children as inadequate calcium intake can prevent one from achieving their peak bone mass which is strongly correlated with a higher risk of osteoporosis later in life (Sizer and Whitney, 2006). Calcium also plays important roles when dissolved in the plasma. Calcium helps maintain normal blood pressure, regulates ion transport across cell membranes in nerve transmission, plays a role in blood clotting, is required for muscle contraction [including the heartbeat], allows for secretion of hormones, digestive enzymes and neurotransmitters and activates cellular enzymes (Sizer and Whitney, 2003)

Magnesium for maintaining healthy bones, a healthy nervous system. muscle relaxation, energy production, protein formation, cellular replication, the regulation of sodium and potassium and efficient heart function.
Magnesium is an essential cation playing a crucial role in many physiological functions. It is critical in energy-requiring metabolic processes, in protein synthesis, membrane integrity, nervous tissue conduction, neuromuscular excitability, muscle contraction, hormone secretion, and in intermediary metabolism. Magnesium is also critical in the development and maintenance of bones since its primary function is as a component of bone. During bone formation, 70% of the bone’s magnesium is deposited in the crystal lattice. The other 30% is found on the bone surface and represents a pool reflective of serum magnesium concentrations. (Groff and Gropper, 2000; Laire et al, 2004).

Iron is essential for a healthy pregnancy by supporting energy and healthy development of the fetus.
Iron assists in the formation of red blood cells and helps to prevent anemia (NHPD, 2008). Iron is involved in energy metabolism, and serves as an oxygen carrier in hemoglobin and as a structural component of cytochromes in electron transport. Iron also forms a structural component at the catalytic site of numerous enzymes, thereby assisting in neurotransmitter synthesis, phagocytic activity, hepatic detoxification and the synthesis of DNA, collagen and bile acids (Northwestern University 2004).

Zinc provides healthy fetal growth
Zinc is a component of a wide variety of enzymes, including the ribonucleic polymerases, alcohol dehydrogenase, carbonic anhydrase, and alkaline phosphatase. In addition studies in animals have shown that a zinc deficiency during pregnancy can cause abnormal development in the fetus. Other signs of deficiency include appetite loss, growth retardation, skin changes, and immunological deficiencies (Goldhaber, 2003; Hurley and Baley, 1982).

Manganese for many enzyme systems, normal bone growth and development, and normal reproduction.
Manganese plays a physiological role in glucose and lipid metabolism, brain function, bone growth, urea synthesis and central nervous system function (Groff and Gropper, 2000). It also functions as a cofactor for enzymes involved in hydrolysis, phosphorylation, decarboxylation, and transamination. Manganese promotes the enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase, glycosyl transferase, pyruvate carboxylase, glutamine synthetase, hydrolase and lyase enzymes (Groff and Gropper, 2000; Northwestern University,
2004).

Copper for normal infant development, red and white blood cell maturation, iron transport, bone strength, cholesterol metabolism, myocardial contractility, glucose metabolism, brain development, and immune function.
Copper affects enzyme activity, both as a cofactor and as an allosteric component of several cuproenzymes. In addition, important aspects of the copper-dependent regulatory mechanisms in genetic expression of different target genes have been found. Copper is also an essential cofactor in a number of critical enzymes in metabolism, including superoxide dismutase 1 [Cu/Zn-SOD], cytochrome c oxidase [COX], lysyl oxidase and ceruloplasmin [CP]. Copper deficiency is generally accompanied by a hypochromic microcytic anemia similar to that produced by Fe deficiency. During severe copper deficiency, Fe transport within the body is adversely affected, and Fe tends to accumulate in many tissues (Arredondo and Nunez, 2005; Linder and Hazegh-Azam, 1996; Uauy et al, 1998)

Iodine for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, the nervous system and muscles, circulatory activity, and the metabolism of all nutrients.
Iodine is an integral part of the thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine, and is an essential element for all animal species, including humans. Thyroid hormones regulate many key biochemical reactions, especially protein synthesis and enzymatic activity. Thyroid hormones are particularly important for myelination of the central nervous system, which is most active in the perinatal period and during fetal and early postnatal development. Iodine also has beneficial roles in mammary dysplasia and fibrocystic breast disease and also can work with myeloperoxidase from white cells to inactivate bacteria. While these other possibilities deserve further investigation, the overwhelming importance of nutritional iodine is as a component of the thyroid hormones (DRI, 2001; Goldhaber, 2003; Hetzel and Maberly, 1986)

Selenium for the protection of our cells against free radical damage.
Selenium is a mineral which exhibits antioxidant ability in vivo. Selenium, present as selenocysteine, promotes the synthesis of glutathione peroxidase [GPX], a crucial enzyme for protection against peroxidation. GPX actively recycles glutathione in vivo, thereby reducing circulating peroxide radicals. The binding of free radicals minimizes lipid peroxidation, thereby reducing oxidative stress and reducing the risk of [oxidative] degenerative diseases. In addition to its antioxidant capabilities, selenium has been associated with mood and stress mechanisms. Low selenium levels have been linked to depression, anxiety and hostility while high dietary intake or supplementation has been associated with mood improvement. The apparent therapeutic effectmay be dose-dependent. Also, during selenium depletion the brain receives a priority supply; neurotransmitter turnover rate is altered in selenium deficiency; and selenium supplementation can reduce intractable epileptic seizures (Bourre, 2006; Rayman et al., 2006; Rotruck et al., 1973; Werneke et al., 2006).