DESCRIPTION

Placenta previa is a placental attachment that is too low in the uterus and covers the cervix. Normally the placenta is attached to the uterus above the cervix. The placenta completely covers the internal os in slightly more than 10 percent of placenta previa cases. Under these circumstances the placenta precedes the fetus in vaginal delivery. This can be life-threatening to the unborn child and mother if untreated. It occurs to some degree in 1 of 200 pregnancies.



Persistent excessive prenatal bleeding may seriously threaten the mother. The maternal (not fetal) circulation is the source of bleeding. Vaginal or rectal examination or attempts to deliver from below may lacerate or separate the placenta, and as a consequence, the draining of blood (exsanguinating) maternal or fetal hemorrhage may occur. Placenta previa is a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.

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FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Sudden, painless bleeding during the second or third trimester of pregnancy is the primary symptom. Bleeding may begin slight or moderately and become severe and is bright red in color. Bleeding can occur as early as the 20th week of pregnancy but is most common during the third trimester.

Cramping in some women. Signs of preterm labor. One in 5 women with signs of placenta previa also has uterine contractions.

Bleed from placenta previa may taper off and even stop for a while. However, it nearly always starts again days or weeks later.

Abnormal fetal position in the uterus.

Some women with placenta previa do not have any symptoms. In this case, placenta previa may only be diagnosed by an ultrasound done for other reasons.

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CAUSES

Normally, the placenta attaches high on the uterus wall, away from the cervix. In placenta previa, the placenta covers the cervix partially or completely. Any change in the cervix, such as the softening and dilating that occurs prior to delivery, can cause the placenta to bleed as it separates from the uterus.

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RISK INCREASES WITH

Previous uterine procedures or surgery that affect the uterine lining, such as cesarean section or dilation and curettage (D & C) done with sharp curettage (rare) after a miscarriage (spontaneous abortion) or a medical abortion. Of women who have had a previous cesarean delivery, as many as 4 in 100 develop placenta previa. Of Women who have had four or more C-sections, 10 in 100 develop placenta previa.

Fibroid tumors of the uterus.

Smoking. Cigarette smoking is strongly linked to 1 of every 4 previas. Smoking decreases the amount of oxygen transferred to the fetus, thereby stimulating the growth of a larger placenta, which is more likely to grow low into the uterus.

Multiple previous pregnancies and deliveries. Placenta previa occurs in 1 in 1,500 first time pregnancies. In women who have had five or more pregnancies, this increases to about 5 in 100.

Advancing maternal age. Among women 19 or younger, only 1 in 1,500 develops placenta previa. Of women age 35 and over, 1 in 100 develops placenta previa.

Cocaine or crack cocaine use during pregnancy.

History of previous placenta previa.

If your midwife or health care provider has identified a placenta previa or low-lying placenta before your 20th week of pregnancy, chances are good that it will resolve on its own. About 90 percent of placenta previa cases diagnosed before the 20th week resolve on their own by the end of the pregnancy. As the lower uterus grows, the position of the placenta can change in relation to the cervix so that by the end of the pregnancy, the placenta no longer blocks the cervix.

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PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Get good prenatal care during a pregnancy. It will not prevent previa, but can help identify complications early.

Do not smoke (or use cocaine) during pregnancy. Smoking also causes a secondary problem that can lead to poor growth of the fetus.

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EXPECTED OUTCOME

With prompt care, mothers and most infants survive without complications. Delivery is by cesarean section in most cases.

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POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

Premature delivery or fetal death, if extensive placenta previa develops before the expected delivery date.

Placental abruptio, also called placenta abruption, is the separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, either partially or totally resulting in potentially hazardous blood loss before or during delivery. Hemorrhaging requiring blood transfusions for the mother prior to delivery or following delivery may be needed. This can be life threatening for both mother and her baby. when the placenta has abnormally attached or grown into the uterine wall (placenta accreta, placenta increta, or placenta percreta), bleeding can be severe enough to require a hysterectomy.

MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information: Placental Abruption

Poor fetal growth due to an abnormal placenta providing a decreased blood flow and oxygen delivery. The site of implantation and size of the placenta are related. The circulation of the lower uterine segment is less favorable than that of the fundus (top of the uterus), placenta previa may have to cover a larger area for adequate efficiency. In placenta previa the surface area may be at least 30 percent greater than the average placenta implanted in the fundus. Twice as many placenta previas involve the anterior uterine wall as in normal implantation, and the probability is even greater after a cesarean birth because of scarring.

Placenta previa or low-lying placenta may encourage breech or transverse presentation and my prevent engagement of either fetal part.

Premature, or preterm, delivery (before the 37th week of pregnancy), which typically poses the greatest risk to the fetus.

Birth defects occur 2.5 times more frequently in pregnancies affected by placenta previa than in unaffected pregnancies. the cause is currently unknown. It may be that placenta previa is slightly more common among older women, as are babies with birth defects.

Puerperal infection (child bed fever or infection of the uterus).

Anemia from blood loss.

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

DIAGNOSIS

Have regular checkups during pregnancy with your midwife or health care provider. If signs of placenta previa appear (such as picking up placental sounds in the lower part of the uterus while checking for fetal heart tones) be prepared to go to the hospital for diagnosis confirmation, early observation and possible delivery. Arrange for fast transportation to the hospital in case of emergency, especially massive bleeding.

Diagnostic tests may include laboratory blood studies to determine the amount of blood loss. ultrasonography of the uterus is used most frequently to diagnose placenta previa and to determine exact location of the placenta. Most placenta previas are identified during the second trimester during a routine ultrasound or amniocentesis for a genetic testing, or when assessing the cause of vaginal bleeding or when bleeding begins at the onset of labor. However, ultrasound does not always provide a clear picture of the placenta's location.

When an early delivery is needed, an amniocentesis may be done. It is used to find out whether the fetus's lungs are ready to breathe well after birth. For an amniocentesis, a needle is inserted into the mother's belly to take a small sample of amniotic fluid from inside the uterus. This fluid is made by the fetus's lungs. A lab test of the fluid can test for signs that the lungs are well-developed.

With bleeding placenta previa, it is important that you avoid sexual intercourse, office vaginal exams, or putting anything else in your vagina since there is a high risk of further injuring the placenta, causing heavier bleeding. You may, however, have a carefully done vaginal exam at the hospital with an emergency surgery team standing by for an immediate cesarean delivery, just in case of hemorrhage.

Clinical classification is often described as complete, total, or central if the internal os is entirely covered by the placenta when the cervix is fully dilated (See fig. A.). Partial placenta previa implies incomplete coverage (See fig. B.). Nonetheless, complete placenta previa may be partial after dilation of the internal os, and marginal previa may become partial. Hence, with this terminology, accurate comparisons are impossible.



Marginal placenta previa indicates that only an edge of the placenta approaches the internal os (See fig. C.). The term low-lying implantation is used when the placenta is situated in the lower uterine segment but away from the os.

A better classification of placenta previa is the estimation of percentage coverage of the internal os at full dilation, the diameter required for delivery of a mature fetus through the cervix (See lower A., B., C.).

To better assess the percentage coverage, the healthcare provider should note whether on gentle vaginal examination the placental edge can be felt at or near the center of the internal os. (Vaginal examination of a woman with a known placenta previa is not recommended outside of a medical facility having full emergency surgical services immediately available!) Upon examination, the health care provider must consider how much of the os would be covered if the cervix were fully dilated. If about half of the area would be covered by the placenta with the cervix at full dilation, this would be a 50 percent placenta previa.



Although this is admitted to be an estimate, and one should not pursue the examination too vigorously or hemorrhage may occur, a woman with placenta previa less than 30 percent probably can be delivered safely vaginally. A woman with a placenta previa greater than 30 percent is better to have a cesarean birth.

HOME TREATMENT

If you are pregnant, be alert for any vaginal bleeding. Sudden, painless vaginal bleeding may be the only symptom of placenta previa, a placenta that partially or fully covers the cervix.

Call your midwife or health care provider or go to the closest emergency room immediately if you have:

• Moderate to severe vaginal bleeding during the first trimester.
• Severe vaginal bleeding means soaking more than one pad in 1 hour (you should not be using tampons).
• Moderate vaginal bleeding means soaking more than eight pads in 24 hours.
• Any vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimesters.
• Call your health professional today if you have mild vaginal bleeding (soaking fewer than eight pads in 24 hours) during the first trimester of pregnancy.

If you have had placenta previa - You may have questions about a future pregnancy once you have experienced placenta previa. Based on the nature of your condition, your midwife or health care provider will be able to answer your questions and address your concerns.

In very rare cases, placenta previa causes a stillbirth or newborn death. Should you experience such a loss, allow yourself time to grieve. Expect that your partner, children, and other family members may also be deeply affected. Consider meeting with a support group, reading about the experiences of other women, and talking to friends, a counselor, or a member of the clergy to help you and your family cope with your loss.

Although placenta previa is contraindicated for a homebirth setting or birthing center delivery, often times your midwife will be able to continue prenatal care and support before a cesarean delivery is performed, and provide delivery support to the mother and her partner during the cesarean surgery, and afterwards continue with postpartum and breast-feeding support and care for mother and newborn infant.

As stated before, a midwife or other health care provider should NEVER do a vaginal or rectal examination on a woman with vaginal bleeding and suspected placenta previa outside of a fully staffed emergency surgery unit available.

MEDICAL TREATMENT

If you have placenta previa, your treatment will depend upon:

• How much you are bleeding (which influences whether you are monitored as an outpatient or in the hospital), whether you need a blood transfusion, and when delivery is necessary.



• Your overall physical condition, such as whether you've lost blood and are anemic.



• Your fetus's overall maturity and physical condition. Whenever possible, delivery is delayed until fetal lungs are mature.



• How much of your cervix is covered by the placenta. Because a vaginal delivery is likely to cause heavy placental bleeding, a cesarean is used for placenta previa deliveries.

If you have placenta previa and are not bleeding, it is important to follow certain precautions:

• Avoid all strenuous activities, such as running or lifting more than approximately 20°lb (9.1°kg).



• See your midwife or health care provider immediately if you have any bleeding. Be sure that he or she knows you have placenta previa.



• Have a phone nearby at all times.



• Advise all health professionals who examine you that you must not have pelvic examinations.



• Refrain from sexual intercourse after 28 weeks of pregnancy; before 28 weeks, ask your midwife or health care provider about any possible risks.



• Avoid inserting anything, such as tampons or vaginal douches, into the vagina.



• Be close to a hospital that can provide emergency care for both you and a sick or premature infant.

If you have placenta previa and begin to bleed, you may be hospitalized. If your fetus is mature, you will have a cesarean delivery. If your bleeding lessens or stops, delivery can most likely be delayed. This watching and waiting approach is called expectant management. The course of expectant management is based on your and your fetus's condition. Electronic fetal monitoring is used in the hospital to check the fetus's condition.

• If your fetus is 24 to 34 weeks' gestation, you may be given corticosteroids to improve fetal lung development and prepare for an early birth. You may have an amniocentesis to see how developed your fetus's lungs are. You may also be given iron supplements to treat or prevent anemia and a high-fiber diet with stool softeners to ease any straining during a bowel movement. If you have Rh-negative blood, you will be given Rh immune globulin in case your fetus has Rh-positive blood. Should you be exposed to your fetus's Rh-positive blood without Rh immune globulin, your immune system will develop antibodies that are dangerous to an Rh-positive fetus (Rh sensitization).



• If your bleeding does not stop, expect to remain hospitalized and closely monitored until your fetus is mature enough to deliver. Moderate blood loss can be replaced with a blood transfusion to prolong your pregnancy until your fetus is mature enough to deliver.



• If you have labor contractions, you may be given tocolytic medication to slow or stop the contractions. However, the benefit of tocolytic medications in stopping labor is uncertain.



• Should bleeding become severe and uncontrollable, an immediate cesarean delivery, possibly with a blood transfusion, is the only treatment available for stopping it. About 1 in 10 of women with placenta previa requires a hysterectomy to stop uncontrollable bleeding.

A marginal placenta previa requires bed rest, usually in the hospital, sometimes at home, until bleeding stops. If bleeding stops, you may get up, but you should stay in the hospital if your midwife and other health care providers recommend it until delivery. If you leave the hospital, your life and that of your child will be at risk. Massive bleeding can occur before you can get back to the hospital.

DELIVERY

In determining the best time for delivery, tests of fetal lung maturity, amniotic fluid studies and ultrasonic growth measurements (not reliable) are usually recommended.

If you are near the expected delivery date and studies reveal more than a marginal or low-lying placenta, cesarean section is often recommended to reduce the complications for both mother and child that could result from an emergency delivery.

Delivery involving placenta previa is done by cesarean section. Cesarean delivery is the method of choice with placenta previa. When your fetus is mature enough, or if too much bleeding is endangering you or your fetus, your baby will be delivered. Because disturbing the placenta with a vaginal delivery can cause severe bleeding, a cesarean section is always used when placenta previa is present. Emergency surgery may need to be performed if severe bleeding (hemorrhage) occurs.

Nearly half of placenta previa deliveries are preterm (before the 37th week of pregnancy). 10 Infant problems following placenta previa are usually related to prematurity. If your infant is premature, he or she may need care in a neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU. Care in the NICU can last days or weeks, depending on the extent of a baby's problems and the amount of care needed.

Treatment for placenta previa can be done by an obstetrician or perinatologist. Treatment for a premature infant can be provided by a neonatologist.

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MEDICATION

Only minimal analgesic medications, if any, will be used in delivery so as to increase the child's survival chances. Blood transfusions may be necessary.

Do not use aspirin during pregnancy unless advised to do so by your midwife or health care provider (it may increase risk of bleeding).

If the mother is Rh negative and the baby is Rh positive, the mother may be given a Rhogam injection to help prevent Rh antibodies from developing in the mother (Rh sensitivity) either during her pregnancy or within 72 hours of delivery. The mother should be informed about pros and cons of Rhogam and the potential hazards and side effects associated with it. Rhogam is a blood-product and it isn't 100 percent effective.

MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information: Rh Isoimmunization (Erythroblastosis Fetalis)

MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information: Rhogam Question

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ACTIVITY

If you are able to remain at home, rest in bed until bleeding and other symptoms cease. Do not resume normal activities until specific instructions to do so are given to you.

Avoid sexual relations until otherwise instructed.

MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information: Bedrest Checklist

MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information: Bedrest, Coping With

MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information: Bedrest Exercise

MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information: Bedrest Family Tips

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DIET

While you are bleeding and as long as surgery is being considered, drink liquids only. Eating solid food before surgery can cause anesthesia problems.

If you are resting at home, continue with your regular prenatal dietary program. See MoonDragon's Nutrition Index for helpful dietary information for proper nutrition during pregnancy. A good prenatal diet will not only ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby, but it will assist you in recovery from surgery.

MoonDragon's Nutrition Information Index - Nutritional guidelines, food guide, dietary menus and suggestions, recipes, and nutritional therapy.

NUTRITION AND POSITIVE PREGNANCY OUTCOMES

Nearly all pregnant women can benefit from nutritional and multivitamin supplementation one year before and all during pregnancy, and throughout labor, delivery, and breast-feeding. The effects of poor nutrition during pregnancy can be seen in the increase of birth defects during times of famine. But a standard Western diet (high in fats, salt, sugar, and low in complex carbohydrates) also lacks necessary essential vitamins and minerals needed during pregnancy and breast-feeding, leading to a "compromise in an offspring's health." The appropriate diet is well-balanced and varied, and includes fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, beans and fish, with a limit on refined sugars, processed foods, and saturated fats. Organically grown produce, meats, and poultry are preferable, or at least carefully washed produce to remove agricultural chemicals.

In an observational study involving 76 healthy pregnant women, 78% had "one or more glaring nutritional deficiency." Another study showed an "overall apparent protective effect of pen-conceptual multivitamin use" for prevention of certain pregnancy-related illnesses and birth defects. Of especial importance are folate (folic acid) and calcium intake, since the requirement for both of these substances (one a vitamin, the other a mineral) doubles during pregnancy.

"The fetus, the neonate, and the pregnant woman have an increased requirement for folic acid and vitamin B-12, and are more likely to suffer from a deficiency of these vitamins." Nutrients such as folic acid, vitamin B-6 and B-12 all have been correlated with prevention of the more common negative pregnancy outcomes, such as spontaneous abortion, placental abruption, pre-term delivery, low infant birth weight, and neural tube defects (e.g. spina bifida and anencephaly). Supplementation with calcium, the only mineral whose requirement doubles during pregnancy, has been positively correlated with prevention of pregnancy hypertension and preeclampsia, preterm delivery, and low birth weight, as well as puerperal psychosis (postpartum depression). Magnesium supplementation has also been shown in studies to reduce the complications of pregnancy and improve the health of the infant.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS

FOLIC ACID (VITAMIN B-9): Folate is the only vitamin, whose requirement doubles in pregnancy. Deficiencies of folic acid have been linked in studies to low birth weight infants and neural tube defects. According to one controlled study, women at high risk (having previously given birth to babies with neural tube defects) given folate supplementation, showed a 72 percent protective effect compared to the placebo group. In one study, a group of pregnant women given folate supplementation gave birth to infants with increased birth weight and Apgar scores, and had a decreased incidence of fetal growth retardation and maternal infections. Other studies also showed significant prevention with supplementation. Because of firmly-established connections between deficiencies of folic acid and low birth weight infants and neural tube defects, the US Public Health Service recommends that all women of childbearing age take daily folic acid supplementation to reduce their risk of congenital birth defects.

Dietary folic acid is a mixture of folates in the form of polyglutamates, which are readily destroyed by cooking. Higher levels of dietary folate intake has been shown in some cases to decrease the incidence of neural tube defects, but women hereditarily predisposed to such defects may need to take in more folic acid through supplements in order to reach optimal levels. Folic acid can be found in green leafy vegetables, nuts and whole grains, liver, watercress, parsley, and dandelion. With artificial supplementation, care must be taken, because large doses of folic acid have been associated with a decrease in zinc absorption, a mineral required for proper fetal growth and immunity, as well as maternal infection and abnormally slow fetal heart rate.

Folic Acid: 600 mcg per day, RDA
Nursing: 500 mcg per day
Food Sources: Green Leafy Vegetables, Nuts, Whole Grains, Liver, Watercress
Herb Sources: Parsley, Dandelion.

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NIACIN (NICOTINIC ACID - VITAMIN B-3): Niacin supplementation in the first trimester has been positively correlated in studies with higher birth weight, longer length, and newborn head circumference (all signs of healthier infants). Good food sources of niacin are wheat germ, fish, and garlic. Herbal sources are burdock root and seed, dandelion, alfalfa, and parsley.

Vitamin B-3 (Niacin): 17 mg per day, RDA
Nursing: 20 mg per day
Food Sources: Wheat Germ, Fish, Garlic
Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, Burdock Root & Seed, Dandelion, Parsley

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OMEGA-RICH FISH OIL PRENATAL SUPPLEMENT Wholemega Prenatal is an omega-rich fish oil for mother and baby that contains nature's whole complement of seventeen omega – 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9’s. Omega 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9’s are fatty acids found in wild fish and often referred to as good fats. Omegas are present and play an important role in every human cell. Specifically, omega fatty acids serve to nourish brain, heart, eye, and kidney tissues. They have been shown to benefit cardiovascular, immune, and digestive health in addition to supporting a healthy metabolism and inflammation response. Wholemega Prenatal is a whole fish oil that delivers the natural profile of 17 omega fatty acids found in one of Nature's true superfoods: Wild Alaskan Salmon. In fact, taking the daily serving of Wholemega Prenatal fish oil for a week provides the same amount of whole omega fatty acids as three servings of Wild Alaskan Salmon. Wild salmon oil is a excellent source of whole DHA - which is important for fetal development of the brain and retina during pregnancy and through the first year of life. Emerging research also suggests that other omega fats, including EPA and AA, play an important role in delivering this critical DHA to the fetus and in promoting a healthy pregnancy. TakeHerb: Wholemega Prenatal Fish Oil, New Chapter, 500 mg, 90 Softgels Kalyx: Salmon Oil, American Health, 1000 mg, 120 Softgels TakeHerb: Wholemega Fish Oil, Derived From Extra Virgin Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil, New Chapter, 1000 mg, 180 Softgels TakeHerb: Wholemega Fish Oil, Derived From Extra Virgin Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil, New Chapter, 1000 mg, 120 Softgels TakeHerb: Wholemega Fish Oil, Derived From Extra Virgin Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil, New Chapter, 1000 mg, 30 Softgels TakeHerb: Wholemega Fish Oil, Derived From Extra Virgin Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil, New Chapter, 500 mg, 180 Softgels TakeHerb: Wholemega Fish Oil, Derived From Extra Virgin Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil, New Chapter, 500 mg, 90 Softgels TakeHerb: Wholemega Prenatal Fish Oil, 3 Servings of Wild Alaskan Salmon, New Chapter, 500 mg, 90 Softgels TakeHerb: Alaskan Salmon Oil, Citrus, Healthy Brain & Heart, Nordic Naturals, 8 oz. TakeHerb: Alaskan Salmon Oil, Citrus, Healthy Brain & Heart, Nordic Naturals, 90 Softgels HerbsPro: Salmon Oil, NOW Foods, 1000 mg, 250 Softgels WHEAT GERM PRODUCTS Kalyx: Wheat Germ, Natural, Raw, Bobs Red Mill, 4 Packages, 16 oz. per package Amazon: Bobs Red Mill Wheat Germ, 1 Package, 16 oz.

ALFALFA SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Alfalfa Leaf, Powder & Sprouting Seed, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Bulk Herbs Kalyx: Alfalfa, Thompson Nutritional, 500 mg, 180 Tabs Kalyx: Alfalfa Sprouting Seed, Certified Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 4 oz. Kalyx: Alfalfa Mint Herbal Tea Blend, Certified Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Alfalfa Leaf, Cut & Sifted, Certified Organic, Frontier Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Alfalfa Juice Extract Powder, 50% Protein, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Leaf, Organic, Cut & Sifted, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Leaf Powder, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Leaf Tea, Alvita Teas, 30 Bags HerbsPro: Alfalco Alfalfa Tonic, Boericke & Tafel, 8 fl oz. HerbsPro: Alfalfa, Organic, Natures Answer, Alcohol Free, 1 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Extract, Eclectic Institute, 2 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Extract, Herb Pharm, 4 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Alfafa, Single Herb, Dr. Christophers Original Formulas, 100 Caps TakeHerb: Alfalfa Herb, NOW Foods, 10 Grain, 250 Tabs TakeHerb: Alfalfa Powder, NOW Foods, 1 lb

DANDELION PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Dandelion Root, Powder & Roasted, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Bulk Herbs Mountain Rose Herbs: Dandelion Leaf, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Kalyx: Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale), 500 mg, 100 Caps Kalyx: Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale), 500 mg, 500 Caps Kalyx: Dandelion Root Powder, Certified Organic (Taraxacum officinale), 4 oz. Kalyx: Dandelion Leaf, Herbal Extracts Plus, 600 mg, 90 VCaps TakeHerb: Dandelion Leaf Tea Organic, Celebration Herbals, 24 Bags TakeHerb: Dandelion Root Tea, Alvita Teas, 30 Bags TakeHerb: Dandelion Extract, Eclectic Herb, 2 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Dandelion Root Powder, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb TakeHerb: Organic Roasted Dandelion Root Tea, Traditional Medicinals, 16 Bags TakeHerb: Dandelion Root Extract, Alcohol Free, Nature's Answer, 1 oz. TakeHerb: Dandelion Root, Healthier Gall Bladder, Nature's Way, 1620 mg, 180 VCaps TakeHerb: Dandelion Root, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 Caps

PARSLEY PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Parsley Leaf, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Bulk Herbs Kalyx: Parsley Leaf Flakes, Certified Organic, Frontier Natural Brand Bulk Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Parsley Leaf Flakes, Frontier Natural Brand Bulk Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Parsley Leaf Powder, Frontier Natural Brand Bulk Herbs, 1 lb.

GARLIC PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Garlic Powder, Granules & Minced, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. TakeHerb: Kyolic Aged Garlic Liquid Extract, Formula 100, Wakunaga, 4 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Kyolic Aged Garlic, Formula 100, High Potency, Wakunaga, 600 mg, 200 Caps TakeHerb: Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract, Formula 100, Wakunaga, 100 VCaps TakeHerb: Kyolic One Per Day, Wakunaga, 60 Caplets. TakeHerb: Garlic Gold, Olympian Lab, 600 mg (7200 mcg Allicin), 250 Caplets TakeHerb: Quintessence Pure Garlic, Natrol, 1000 mg, 250 Caps TakeHerb: Garlic Oil, Cholesterol Level Support, Good'n Natural, 5000 mg, 100 Softgels TakeHerb: Garlic, Odorless, NOW Foods, 2500 mg, 250 Softgels. TakeHerb: ConcenTrace Trace Mineral Drops, Trace Minerals, 1/2 oz. TakeHerb: ConcenTrace Trace Mineral Drops, Trace Minerals, 8 oz.. Kalyx: Garlic Juice Powder, 1 kg (2.2 lbs) Kalyx: Garlic Extract (Allium sativum), 2 fl. oz. Kalyx: Garlic Extract (Allium sativum), 8 fl. oz. GARLIC OIL SUPPLEMENT House of Nutrition: Oil of Garlic Extract, Dr. Christopher's, 2 fl. oz. House of Nutrition: Garlic Oil, NOW Foods, 1500 mg, 250 Softgels HerbsPro: Garlic Oil, Eclectic Institute, 1 oz. Kalyx: Garlic Oil, Health & Herbs, 2 fl. oz. Kalyx: Garlic Oil, Health & Herbs, 8 fl. oz. Kalyx: Super Garlic Oil, Schiff, 260 Grains, 100 Softgels HerbsPro: Garlic Oil, NOW Foods, 1500 mg, 250 Softgels Garlic oil is often used to soothe the ear and as an antibiotic but most often used as a food and herb for cardiovascular health and also to lower serum cholesterol and blood pressure and to improve circulation as well as possibly inhibiting the growth of ulcer causing bacteria.

BURDOCK ROOT & SEEDS PRODUCTS Kalyx: Burdock Blend (Root & Seed) Extract, Herb Pharm, 1 fl. oz. Kalyx: Burdock Root Powder, Certified Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 4 oz. HerbsPro: Burdock Root Tea, Alvita Teas, 24 Bags HerbsPro: Burdock Blend (Root & Seed) Extract, Herb Pharm, 4 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Burdock Root, Now Foods, 430 mg, 100 Caps House of Nutrition: Burdock Blend (Root & Seed), Herb Pharm, 8 fl. oz. House of Nutrition: Burdock Root, Natures Way, 425 mg, 100 Caps TakeHerb: Burdock Root Powder (Arctium lappa), Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. TakeHerb: Burdock Root (Arctium lappa), Cut & Sifted, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 4 oz. TakeHerb: Burdock Root Tea, Organic, Celebration Herbals, 24 Tea bags TakeHerb: Burdock Root, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 500 mg, 100 Caps

THIAMINE (VITAMIN B-1): Direct correlation has been shown between supplementation of thiamine early in pregnancy and higher infant birth weight and size, and thiamine depletion is common during pregnancy; supplementation is recommended. Food sources are green peas, bell peppers, and sunflower seeds. Herbal sources include dandelion, alfalfa, red clover, fenugreek, raspberry leaf, and seaweeds.

Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine): 1.5 mg per day, RDA
Nursing: 1.6 mg per day
Food Sources: Bell Peppers, Green Peas, Sunflower Seeds
Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, Dandelion, Fenugreek, Raspberry Leaf, Red Clover, Seaweeds

MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine / Thiamin)

THIAMIN / THIAMINE / VITAMIN B-1 PRODUCTS HerbsPro: Vitamin B-1 (Thiamin), Source Naturals, 100 mg, 250 Tabs HerbsPro: Vitamin B-1 (Thiamin), TwinLab, 500 mg, 100 Caps < House of Nutrition: Vitamin B-1 (Thiamin), Sustained Release, Nature Plus, 300 mg, 90 Tabs House of Nutrition: Coenzymated Vitamin B-1 Sublingual, Source Naturals, 25 mg, 60 Tabs TakeHerb: Vitamin B-1 (Thiamin), Watson Rugby, 50 mg, 100 Tabs

ALFALFA SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Alfalfa Leaf, Powder & Sprouting Seed, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Bulk Herbs Kalyx: Alfalfa, Thompson Nutritional, 500 mg, 180 Tabs Kalyx: Alfalfa Sprouting Seed, Certified Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 4 oz. Kalyx: Alfalfa Mint Herbal Tea Blend, Certified Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Alfalfa Leaf, Cut & Sifted, Certified Organic, Frontier Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Alfalfa Juice Extract Powder, 50% Protein, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Leaf, Organic, Cut & Sifted, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Leaf Powder, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Leaf Tea, Alvita Teas, 30 Bags HerbsPro: Alfalco Alfalfa Tonic, Boericke & Tafel, 8 fl oz. HerbsPro: Alfalfa, Organic, Natures Answer, Alcohol Free, 1 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Extract, Eclectic Institute, 2 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Extract, Herb Pharm, 4 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Alfafa, Single Herb, Dr. Christophers Original Formulas, 100 Caps TakeHerb: Alfalfa Herb, NOW Foods, 10 Grain, 250 Tabs TakeHerb: Alfalfa Powder, NOW Foods, 1 lb

DANDELION PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Dandelion Root, Powder & Roasted, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Bulk Herbs Mountain Rose Herbs: Dandelion Leaf, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Kalyx: Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale), 500 mg, 100 Caps Kalyx: Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale), 500 mg, 500 Caps Kalyx: Dandelion Root Powder, Certified Organic (Taraxacum officinale), 4 oz. Kalyx: Dandelion Leaf, Herbal Extracts Plus, 600 mg, 90 VCaps TakeHerb: Dandelion Leaf Tea Organic, Celebration Herbals, 24 Bags TakeHerb: Dandelion Root Tea, Alvita Teas, 30 Bags TakeHerb: Dandelion Extract, Eclectic Herb, 2 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Dandelion Root Powder, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb TakeHerb: Organic Roasted Dandelion Root Tea, Traditional Medicinals, 16 Bags TakeHerb: Dandelion Root Extract, Alcohol Free, Nature's Answer, 1 oz. TakeHerb: Dandelion Root, Healthier Gall Bladder, Nature's Way, 1620 mg, 180 VCaps TakeHerb: Dandelion Root, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 Caps

FENUGREEK PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Fenugreek, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Bulk Herbs HerbsPro: Fenugreek Seed Extract, Nature's Answer, 2 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Fenugreek Seed, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb HerbsPro: Fenugreek Seeds, Thompson Nutritional Products, 620 mg, 60 Caps HerbsPro: Fenugreek Single Herb, Dr. Christophers Formulas, 100 Vegicaps HerbsPro: Fenugreek Seed Tea, Alvita Teas, 30 Bags HerbsPro: Fenugreek Seed, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb TakeHerb: Fenugreek Seed Powder, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 3 oz. TakeHerb: Fenugreek Seed Powder, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb

RED RASPBERRY LEAF PRODUCTS Raspberry Leaf tea has been used for centuries as a folk medicine to treat canker sores, cold sores, and gingivitis in persons of all ages and anemia, leg cramps, diarrhea, and morning sickness in pregnant women, and as a uterine relaxant. Commentators frequently state that recent scientific research found no benefit in raspberry tea for expectant mothers, but this is not correct. The study published in the Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health in 2001 found that women who drank raspberry leaf tea had shorter labor, and fewer of their babies were delivered by forceps. The other study, published in the Australian College of Midwives Journal, cited in The Natural Pharmacist as saying there was "no" benefit to the herb for pregnant women, actually stated:"The findings also suggest ingestion of the drug might decrease the likelihood of pre and post-term gestation. An unexpected finding in this study seems to indicate that women who ingest raspberry leaf might be less likely to receive an artificial rupture of their membranes, or require a caesarean section, forceps or vacuum birth than the women in the control group." In other words, scientific studies show that drinking raspberry tea actually is beneficial during pregnancy. Mountain Rose Herbs: Red Raspberry Leaf, Bulk Organic Herbs Kalyx: Red Raspberry Leaf, Cut & Sifted, Certified Organic, Frontier Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Red Raspberry Leaf Powder, Certified Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Red Raspberry Leaf Tea, Traditional Medicinals, 16 Tea Bags Kalyx: Pregnancy Tea, Traditional Medicinals, 16 Tea Bags HerbsPro: Red Raspberry Leaf, Natures Answer, 950 mg, 90 Caps HerbsPro: Red Raspberry Leaf Tea, Alvita Teas, 24 Bags HerbsPro: Organic Raspberry Leaf Tea, Traditional Medicinals, 16 Bags HerbsPro: Woman's Raspberry Leaf Tea, Yogi Teas, 16 Bags HerbsPro: Red Raspberry Leaf Extract, Organic, Alcohol Free, 1 fl. oz. House of Nutrition: Red Raspberry Leaf, Natures Way, 350 mg, 100 Caps House of Nutrition: Red Raspberry Leaf Extract, Nature's Answer, Alcohol Free, 1 fl. oz. House of Nutrition: Red Raspberry Leaf Extract, Gaia Herb, 2 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Red Raspberry Leaf Extract, Alcohol Free, Nature's Answer, 1 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Red Raspberry Leaf, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 450 mg, 500 Caps

RED CLOVER PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Red Clover Blossoms, Herb, Seeds, Certified Organic, Bulk Organic Herbs Kalyx: Red Clover Blossoms & Herb, Natures Way, 430 mg, 100 Caps Kalyx: Red Clover Blossom Whole (Trifolium pratense), Certified Organic, Frontier Bulk Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Red Clover Blossom Powder (Trifolium pratense), Certified Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. DELICIOUS RED CLOVER TEA Red Clover Blossoms Lemon Honey Fresh Mint Leaves & Dandelion Leaves Put the fresh or dried blossoms and leaves, with or without the mint and dandelion, into a 2-cup earthenware teapot. Fill teapot with boiling water, cover, and infuse for 5 to 10 minutes over very low heat. Strain into a hot cup, add a twist of lemon and sweeten with honey. HerbsPro: Red Clover Tea, Alvita Teas, 30 Tea Bags HerbsPro: Red Clover Leaf Extract, Eternal Woman, Source Naturals, 500 mg, 60 Tabs HerbsPro: Red Clover Combination, Natures Way, 100 Cap HerbsPro: Red Clover Extract, Eclectic Institute, 1 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Red Clover Extract, Eclectic Institute, 2 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Red Clover Extract, Herb Pharm, 4 fl. oz. House of Nutition: Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) Extract, Herb Pharm, 8 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Red Clover Blossoms Powder, Organic, Trifolium Pratense, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. TakeHerb: Red Clover Blossoms Whole, Organic, Trifolium Pratense, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb.

KELP-SEAWEED PRODUCTS HerbsPro: Kelp Powder, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Norwegian Kelp, Country Life, 225 mcg, 300 Tabs House of Nutrition: Atlantic Kelp, Natures Life, 6 oz. TakeHerb: Kelp Extract, Health Herbs, 2 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Kelp Powder, Norweigian, Now Foods, 8 oz. TakeHerb: Kelp, Natures Way, Natural Iodine Source, 660 mg, 100 Caps/a>

RIBOFLAVIN (VITAMIN B-2): Studies show that riboflavin depletion is common during pregnancy (up to 40 percent less at term than non-pregnant women and men), so riboflavin supplementation is recommended to prevent metabolic disturbances. Good sources of riboflavin are watercress and brown rice. Herbal sources include rose hips, parsley, saffron, dandelion, dulse, kelp, and fenugreek.

Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin): 1.6 mg per day, RDA
Nursing: 1.8 mg per day
Food Sources: Watercress, Brown Rice.
Herbal Sources: Rose Hips, Parsley, Saffron, Dandelion, Dulse or Kelp, Fenugreek

MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin)

VITAMIN B-2 (RIBOFLAVIN) PRODUCTS HerbsPro: Coenzymated B-2 Sublingual, Source Naturals, 25 mg, 60 Tabs HerbsPro: Vitamin B-2, Source Naturals, 100 mg, 250 Tabs House of Nutrition: Vitamin B-2, Natures Plus, Time-Release, 250 mg, 60 Tabs House of Nutrition: Vitamin B-2, Bio-Tech, 400 mg, 100 Caps TakeHerb: Vitamin B-2, Riboflavin, Solgar, 50 mg, 100 Tabs

ROSE HIPS PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Rose Hips & Powder, Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs Kalyx: Rosehips (Rose Hips) Powder, Herbal Extracts Plus, 1 lb. Kalyx: Rose Hips Extract (Rosa canina), Herbs & Herbs, 2 fl. oz. Kalyx: Rose Hips Extract (Rosa canina), Herbs & Herbs, 8 fl. oz. Kalyx: Rosehips (Rose Hips), Herbal Extracts Plus, 600 mg, 90 VCaps HerbsPro: Organic Rosehips, Cut & Sifted, Seedless, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Rosehips Extract, Eclectic Institute, 2 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Vitamin C-1500 With Rosehips, Time Released, Source Naturals, 1500 mg, 250 Tabs TakeHerb: Rosehips, Whole, Wildcrafted Rosa Canina, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. TakeHerb: Rosehips Powder, Wildcrafted Rosa Canina, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. TakeHerb: Rosehips Tea, Organic, Caffeine Free, Starwest Botanicals, Approx. 170 Tea Bags, 1 lb. TakeHerb: Rose Hips Tea, Alvita Teas, 30 Tea Bags TakeHerb: Liquid C With Rose Hips, Good'n Natural, 300 mg / Teaspoonful, 4 fl. oz.

PARSLEY PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Parsley Leaf, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Bulk Herbs Kalyx: Parsley Leaf Flakes, Certified Organic, Frontier Natural Brand Bulk Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Parsley Leaf Flakes, Frontier Natural Brand Bulk Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Parsley Leaf Powder, Frontier Natural Brand Bulk Herbs, 1 lb.

SAFFRON PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Saffron, Whole Stigma, Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs Kalyx: Saffron (Crocus sativus), Starwest Botanicals, 1/4 oz. Kalyx: Saffron (Crocus sativus) Extract, Health & Herbs, 2 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Saffron, Spanish, Frontier, 0.5 oz. TakeHerb: Saffron (Crocus sativus), Starwest Botanicals, 1/4 oz.

DANDELION PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Dandelion Root, Powder & Roasted, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Bulk Herbs Mountain Rose Herbs: Dandelion Leaf, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Kalyx: Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale), 500 mg, 100 Caps Kalyx: Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale), 500 mg, 500 Caps Kalyx: Dandelion Root Powder, Certified Organic (Taraxacum officinale), 4 oz. Kalyx: Dandelion Leaf, Herbal Extracts Plus, 600 mg, 90 VCaps TakeHerb: Dandelion Leaf Tea Organic, Celebration Herbals, 24 Bags TakeHerb: Dandelion Root Tea, Alvita Teas, 30 Bags TakeHerb: Dandelion Extract, Eclectic Herb, 2 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Dandelion Root Powder, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb TakeHerb: Organic Roasted Dandelion Root Tea, Traditional Medicinals, 16 Bags TakeHerb: Dandelion Root Extract, Alcohol Free, Nature's Answer, 1 oz. TakeHerb: Dandelion Root, Healthier Gall Bladder, Nature's Way, 1620 mg, 180 VCaps TakeHerb: Dandelion Root, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 Caps

KELP-SEAWEED PRODUCTS HerbsPro: Kelp Powder, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Norwegian Kelp, Country Life, 225 mcg, 300 Tabs House of Nutrition: Atlantic Kelp, Natures Life, 6 oz. TakeHerb: Kelp Extract, Health Herbs, 2 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Kelp Powder, Norweigian, Now Foods, 8 oz. TakeHerb: Kelp, Natures Way, Natural Iodine Source, 660 mg, 100 Caps/a>

FENUGREEK PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Fenugreek, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Bulk Herbs HerbsPro: Fenugreek Seed Extract, Nature's Answer, 2 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Fenugreek Seed, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb HerbsPro: Fenugreek Seeds, Thompson Nutritional Products, 620 mg, 60 Caps HerbsPro: Fenugreek Single Herb, Dr. Christophers Formulas, 100 Vegicaps HerbsPro: Fenugreek Seed Tea, Alvita Teas, 30 Bags HerbsPro: Fenugreek Seed, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb TakeHerb: Fenugreek Seed Powder, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 3 oz. TakeHerb: Fenugreek Seed Powder, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb

VITAMIN B-6 (PYRIDOXINE): Vitamin B-6 is "marginally deficient" in about 50 percent of pregnant women. Supplementation has been linked to relief of nausea and morning sickness, especially in extreme cases that include vomiting. In one experimental study, 75 percent of women taking Vitamin B-6 experienced complete relief from symptoms of morning sickness. Higher doses were used for treatment of first trimester morning sickness (25 to 200 mg 3 times daily), but are not recommended before delivery, as higher doses may shut off breast milk in nursing mothers, or cause the baby withdrawal seizures if commercial formula is given that does not include enough pyridoxine (B-6). However, when given during labor, Vitamin B-6 may prevent many postnatal adaptation problems by increasing the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

Local application of B-6 as a lozenge provided protection from dental cavities, which are more common during pregnancy. Supplementation may also prevent toxemia of pregnancy (preeclampsia). Food sources are wheat germ, egg yolks, peas and carrots. Pyridoxine is found in all whole grains.

Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine): 2.2 mg per day, RDA
Nursing: 2.1 mg per day
Food Sources: Whole Grains, Wheat Germ, Egg Yolks, Peas, Carrots

MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine)

VITAMIN B-6 PRODUCTS Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine) is converted in the body to the main coenzyme responsible for amino acid and protein metabolism. Kalyx: Vitamin B-6, Thompson, 100 mg, 60 Tabs HerbsPro: Vitamin B-6, Source Naturals, 50 mg, 250 Tabs HerbsPro: Vitamin B-6, Source Naturals, 100 mg, 250 Tabs HerbsPro: Vitamin B-6, Source Naturals, Timed Release, 500 mg, 100 Tabs House of Nutrition: Vitamin B-6, Natures Life, 200 mg, 100 Tabs House of Nutrition: Vitamin B-6, Vital Nutrient, 250 mg, 100 Caps TakeHerb: Vitamin B-6, NOW Foods, 50 mg, 100 Tabs TakeHerb: Vitamin B-6, Nature's Way, 100 mg, 100 Caps TakeHerb: Vitamin B-6, NOW Foods, 100 mg, 250 Caps

WHEAT GERM PRODUCTS Kalyx: Wheat Germ, Natural, Raw, Bobs Red Mill, 4 Packages, 16 oz. per package Amazon: Bobs Red Mill Wheat Germ, 1 Package, 16 oz.

VITAMIN B-12: The coenzyme form of vitamin B-12 is a very complex molecule containing cobalt, designated in humans as cobalamin, which is required for proper homocysteine metabolism. At least 12 different inherited inborn errors of metabolism related to cobalamin are known; low plasma vitamin B-12 levels have been shown to be an independent risk factor for neural tube defect in one study. Supplementation is recommended and may also help in prevention of anemia. Food sources are cauliflower and broccoli. Herbal sources are alfalfa, comfrey, miso, seaweeds, and catnip.

Vitamin B-12 (Cobalamin): 2.2 mcg per day, RDA
Nursing: 2.6 mcg per day
Food Sources: Cauliflower, Broccoli, Miso
Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, Catnip, Comfrey, Seaweed

MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Vitamin B-12 (Cobalamin)

VITAMIN B-12 - COBALAMIN SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS TakeHerb: Vitamin B-Complex B-12 Sublingual Liquid, Good'n Natural, Promotes Energy Metabolism, 2 oz. TakeHerb: Vitamin B-12 Liquid B-Complex, NOW Foods, 2 oz. TakeHerb: Vitamin B-12 Liquid B-Complex, NOW Foods, 8 oz. TakeHerb: Sublingual Liquid B-12 With B-Complex, 2000 mcg, Solgar, 2 oz. TakeHerb: Vegan Sublingual B-12, Deva Nutrition, 90 Tabs TakeHerb: Ultra Vitamin B-12, NOW Foods, 4 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Vitamin B-12 Sublingual, Source Naturals, 2000 mcg, 100 Tabs HerbsPro: Vitamin B-12 Gummy Chewables, Raspberry Flavor, Nutrition Now, 100 Count HerbsPro: Vitamin B-12 Lozenges, Nature's Way, 2000 mcg, 100 Lozenges HerbsPro: Vitamin B-12 with Folic Acid Sublingual, Natural Cherry, Country Life, 500 mcg, 100 Lozenges

ALFALFA SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Alfalfa Leaf, Powder & Sprouting Seed, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Bulk Herbs Kalyx: Alfalfa, Thompson Nutritional, 500 mg, 180 Tabs Kalyx: Alfalfa Sprouting Seed, Certified Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 4 oz. Kalyx: Alfalfa Mint Herbal Tea Blend, Certified Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Alfalfa Leaf, Cut & Sifted, Certified Organic, Frontier Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Alfalfa Juice Extract Powder, 50% Protein, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Leaf, Organic, Cut & Sifted, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Leaf Powder, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Leaf Tea, Alvita Teas, 30 Bags HerbsPro: Alfalco Alfalfa Tonic, Boericke & Tafel, 8 fl oz. HerbsPro: Alfalfa, Organic, Natures Answer, Alcohol Free, 1 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Extract, Eclectic Institute, 2 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Extract, Herb Pharm, 4 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Alfafa, Single Herb, Dr. Christophers Original Formulas, 100 Caps TakeHerb: Alfalfa Herb, NOW Foods, 10 Grain, 250 Tabs TakeHerb: Alfalfa Powder, NOW Foods, 1 lb

CATNIP PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs, Catnip Leaf & Flower, Certified Organic, 4 oz to 1 lb. Kalyx: Catnip Leaf & Flower, Cut & Sifted, Frontier Bulk Herbs, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Catnip Leaf & Flower, Organic, Cut & Sifted, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbPro: Catnip Tea, Alvita Teas, 30 Bags HerbsPro: Catnip Extract, Herb Pharm, 1 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Catnip Essential Oil, Health Herbs, 2 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Catnip Extract, Health Herbs, 2 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Catnip Leaf Powder (Nepeta cataria), Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. TakeHerb: Catnip Leaf Organic, Cut & Sifted, Nepeta cataria, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. TakeHerb: Catnip Leaf & Flower, Organic, Cut & Sifted, Frontier, 1 lb. TakeHerb: Catnip Herb, Organic, Natures Way, 760 mg, 100 Caps

COMFREY PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Comfrey Leaf, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Bulk Herbs Kalyx: Comfrey Leaf, Cut & Sifted, Certified Organic, Frontier Natural Brand Bulk Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Comfrey Leaf, Cut & Sifted, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Comfrey Leaf Powder, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Comfrey Leaf Powder, Certified Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb.

KELP-SEAWEED PRODUCTS HerbsPro: Kelp Powder, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Norwegian Kelp, Country Life, 225 mcg, 300 Tabs House of Nutrition: Atlantic Kelp, Natures Life, 6 oz. TakeHerb: Kelp Extract, Health Herbs, 2 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Kelp Powder, Norweigian, Now Foods, 8 oz. TakeHerb: Kelp, Natures Way, Natural Iodine Source, 660 mg, 100 Caps/a>

VITAMIN A: Daily doses of 40,000 units or more of vitamin A during pregnancy may be toxic, while doses lower than 10,000 units appear to be safe. A study of 22,000 pregnant women, those who consumed more than 15,000 units of vitamin A per day from food and supplements, or 10,000 units as a supplement, showed a significant increase in birth defects associated with cranialneural-crest tissue (several-fold higher incidents of birth defects). Most of these women consumed the vitamin A before the seventh week of pregnancy. Rat studies show a possible link to folic acid metabolism. Elevated levels of vitamin A in the blood have also been correlated with low birth weights.

Preterm infants have been shown to be deficient in vitamin A, which may predispose them to development of chronic lung disease. Healthy pregnant women who developed pre-eclampsia were shown to be deficient in vitamin A (but not Beta-Carotene). Pre-eclampsia is a potentially dangerous condition characterized by high blood pressure, swelling, and /or protein spilling into the urine. Supplementation with no more than 6,000 units of vitamin A is recommended. Do not exceed 10,000 IU daily during pregnancy. Beta-carotene, which has the same positive effects as vitamin A, has not been associated with toxicity or teratogenicity in humans or animals.

Plant sources of the non-toxic "provitamin A" beta carotene are organic fruits and vegetables, especially yellow and orange ones; for example, one sweet potato or one cup of carrot juice contains 25,000 IU of beta carotene.

Vitamin A: more than 6,000 IU daily is not recommended. Do not exceed 10,000 IU daily from all supplement sources.
Beta Carotene: 10,000 IU
Food Sources: Yellow and Orange Fruits and Vegetables
Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, Cayenne, Comfrey, Dandelion, Elderberries, Lamb's Quarters, Seaweed

MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Vitamin A

VITAMIN A PRODUCTS House of Nutrition: Vitamin A, Nature's Life, 10,000 IU, 100 Softgels House of Nutrition: Vitamin A, Nature's Life, 10,000 IU, 250 Softgels House of Nutrition: Vitamin A, Nature's LIfe, 25,000 IU, 100 Softgels House of Nutrition: Vitamin A & D-3, BlueBonnet, 25,000 I.U. / 1000 I.U., 100Softgels House of Nutrition: Vitamin A Suppositories, Wise Woman Herbal, 10 Count House of Nutrition: Vitamin A Suppositories, Wise Woman Herbal, 30 Count House of Nutrition: Solaray's Emulsified Dry Vitamin A, 25,000 IU, 60 Caps House of Nutrition: Thompson's Nutritional Vitamin A & D Fish Liver Oil, 10,000 IU / 400 IU, 30 Softgels House of Nutrition: Vitamin A Palmitate, Carlson Lab, 15,000 IU, 120 Gels House of Nutrition: Vitamin A, BlueBonnet, 1000 IU, 100 Softgels TakeHerb: Vitamin A, NOW Foods, 10,000 IU, 100 Softgels TakeHerb: Vitamin A, Nature's Way, 10,000 IU, 100 Softgels Kalyx: Vitamin A & D, TwinLab Allergy D, 10,000 IU / 400 IU, 100 Caps

CAROTENOID PRODUCTS TakeHerb: Advanced Carotenoid Complex, Solgar, 60 Softgels TakeHerb: LycoPom, New Chapter, 60 VCaps TakeHerb: NAT Beta Carotene, NOW Foods, 25,000 IU, 180 Softgels TakeHerb: Oceanic Beta Carotene, Solgar, 25,000 IU, 180 Softgels Kalyx: Beta Carotene, Thompson Nutritional, 25,000 IU, 30 Softgels Kalyx: Beta Carotene, Schiff, 25,000 IU, 90 Softgels Kalyx: Beta Carotene, FoodScience Laboratories, 25,000 IU, 180 Softgels Kalyx: Beta Carotene, Thompson Nutritional, 25,000 IU, 30 Softgels HerbsPro: Carotenoid Complex, Country Life, 60 Softgels House of Nutrition: Biochem Phyto-Nutrient Carotenoid Complex, Country Life, 60 Softgels House of Nutrition: Carotenoid Complex, Pharmax, 60 Caps

ALFALFA SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Alfalfa Leaf, Powder & Sprouting Seed, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Bulk Herbs Kalyx: Alfalfa, Thompson Nutritional, 500 mg, 180 Tabs Kalyx: Alfalfa Sprouting Seed, Certified Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 4 oz. Kalyx: Alfalfa Mint Herbal Tea Blend, Certified Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Alfalfa Leaf, Cut & Sifted, Certified Organic, Frontier Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Alfalfa Juice Extract Powder, 50% Protein, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Leaf, Organic, Cut & Sifted, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Leaf Powder, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Leaf Tea, Alvita Teas, 30 Bags HerbsPro: Alfalco Alfalfa Tonic, Boericke & Tafel, 8 fl oz. HerbsPro: Alfalfa, Organic, Natures Answer, Alcohol Free, 1 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Extract, Eclectic Institute, 2 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Extract, Herb Pharm, 4 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Alfafa, Single Herb, Dr. Christophers Original Formulas, 100 Caps TakeHerb: Alfalfa Herb, NOW Foods, 10 Grain, 250 Tabs TakeHerb: Alfalfa Powder, NOW Foods, 1 lb

CAYENNE PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Cayenne, Organic Bulk Herbs Kalyx: Cayenne, Thompson Nutritional, 515 mg, 60 Caps Kalyx: Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum annum), Nature's Herbs, 1,350 mg (40,000 STU), 100 Caps Kalyx: Cayenne Pepper, Nature's Answer, 450 mg (0.25% Capsaicin), 90 Caps Kalyx: Cayenne Chili Powder, Herbal Extracts Plus, 600 mg (90,000 HU), 90 VCaps Kalyx: Cayenne Chili Pepper (Capsicum) 10:1, Herbal Extracts Plus, 90 VCaps Kalyx: Red Cayenne Chili Pepper Powder (160,000 HU), Starwest Botanicals, Certified Organic, 1 lb Kalyx: Red Cayenne Chili Pepper Powder (90,000 HU), Frontier Spices, Certified Organic, 1 lb Kalyx: Red Cayenne Chili Pepper Powder (30,000 HU), Frontier Spices, Certified Organic, 1 lb Kalyx: Cayenne Pepper Extract (Capsicum annum), Starwest Botanicals, 1 fl. oz. Kalyx: Cayenne Extract (Capsicum annum), Health & Herbs, 2 fl. oz. Kalyx: Cayenne Pepper Extract (Capsicum annum), Starwest Botanical, 4 fl. oz. Kalyx: Cayenne Extract (Capsicum annum), Health & Herbs, 8 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Cayenne, Extra Hot (100,000 HU), Nature's Way, 450 mg, 100 Caps TakeHerb: Cayenne, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 250 Caps TakeHerb: CapsiCool Controlled Heat, Stomach Gentle, Nature's Way, 390 mg, 100 Caps TakeHerb: Cayenne Oil, Health Herbs, 2 oz. TakeHerb: Cayenne Ointment, Deep Heating Balm, Dr. Christopher's Original Formulas, 2 oz. HerbPro: Cayenne Capsicum Tincture, Nature's Answer, 2 fl. oz.

COMFREY PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Comfrey Leaf, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Bulk Herbs Kalyx: Comfrey Leaf, Cut & Sifted, Certified Organic, Frontier Natural Brand Bulk Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Comfrey Leaf, Cut & Sifted, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Comfrey Leaf Powder, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Comfrey Leaf Powder, Certified Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb.

DANDELION PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Dandelion Root, Powder & Roasted, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Bulk Herbs Mountain Rose Herbs: Dandelion Leaf, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Kalyx: Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale), 500 mg, 100 Caps Kalyx: Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale), 500 mg, 500 Caps Kalyx: Dandelion Root Powder, Certified Organic (Taraxacum officinale), 4 oz. Kalyx: Dandelion Leaf, Herbal Extracts Plus, 600 mg, 90 VCaps TakeHerb: Dandelion Leaf Tea Organic, Celebration Herbals, 24 Bags TakeHerb: Dandelion Root Tea, Alvita Teas, 30 Bags TakeHerb: Dandelion Extract, Eclectic Herb, 2 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Dandelion Root Powder, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb TakeHerb: Organic Roasted Dandelion Root Tea, Traditional Medicinals, 16 Bags TakeHerb: Dandelion Root Extract, Alcohol Free, Nature's Answer, 1 oz. TakeHerb: Dandelion Root, Healthier Gall Bladder, Nature's Way, 1620 mg, 180 VCaps TakeHerb: Dandelion Root, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 Caps

ELDERBERRY PRODUCTS Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is a multipurpose fruit used widely throughout Europe. As a centuries old tradition, it has been used by herbalists as a tonic to maintain health and well-being. More recently, Elderberry has been recognized for its high nutritive value. Elderberry provides vitamins A and C, as well as anthocyanins, which are potent free radical scavengers. Elderberry extract is a uniquely concentrated, 100 percent pure extract providing enhanced levels of anthocyanins, the specialized group of flavanoids responsible for elderberry's immune system support. One of the most prized elderberry flavonoids is the compound quercetin. Studies have shown that the antioxidant properties of anthocyanins found in elderberry extract maintain healthy immune function and promote the strength and integrity of vascular walls. Mountain Rose Herbs: Elderberries, Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs HerbsPro: Elderberry Extract, Alcohol Free, Natures Answer, 4 fl oz. House of Nutrition: Elderberry Concentrate, Natural Fresh Whole Fruit, Natural Sources, 16 fl. oz. House of Nutrition: Elderberry Drink Concentrate, Flora Sambu, 17 fl. oz. House of Nutrition: Elderberry Liquid 10:1 Concentrate, Now Foods, 8 fl. oz. House of Nutrition: Elderberry Extract, Pure Encap, 700 mg, 120 VCaps House of Nutrition: Full Spectrum Elderberry Fluid Extract, Planetary Formulas, 8 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Elderberry Extract, Dynamic Health, 100% Natural Black Elderberry Juice Concentrate, 8 fl. oz.

KELP-SEAWEED PRODUCTS HerbsPro: Kelp Powder, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Norwegian Kelp, Country Life, 225 mcg, 300 Tabs House of Nutrition: Atlantic Kelp, Natures Life, 6 oz. TakeHerb: Kelp Extract, Health Herbs, 2 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Kelp Powder, Norweigian, Now Foods, 8 oz. TakeHerb: Kelp, Natures Way, Natural Iodine Source, 660 mg, 100 Caps/a>

VITAMIN C: Vitamin C plays a vital role in the formation of collagen - a major protein found in connective tissue, cartilage, and bone, and is "chronically underdosed." It is essential to the nerves, healthy gums and teeth, and prevents infection. Although one study showed that women who took 5000 mg of vitamin C daily during pregnancy delivered healthy infants who developed scurvy (preg-rel. 528), this "rebound scurvy" is very rare, and the infant recovers quickly without treatment. supplementation with vitamin C may be as effective as calcium for leg cramps during pregnancy. food sources of vitamin C are fruits (particularly citrus), green chilies, tomatoes, honey, cabbage, cucumbers, prunes. Herbal sources include elderberries, rose hips, parsley, dandelion greens, nettles, alfalfa, and cayenne.

Vitamin C: 70 mg per day, RDA
Nursing: 95 mg per day
Food Sources: Cabbage, Cucumbers, Fruits (especially Citrus), Green Chilies, Honey, Tomatoes Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, Cayenne, Dandelion Greens, Elderberries, Nettles, Parsley, Rose Hips

MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Vitamin C

VITAMIN C PRODUCTS Vitamin C with Rosehips offers a rich whole plant source of vitamin C which provides antioxidant protection useful in treating infections, bruising, colds & flu, sinusitis, sore throats, blood clots, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, physical and mental stress, immune function, cholesterol levels, liver toxicity and assists in collagen formation. Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids provides antioxidant protection for many of the body's important enzyme systems. Kalyx: Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Powder, Pure, Nutricology, 1000 mg, 120 Grams Kalyx: Vitamin C, Pure, Nutricology, 1000 mg, 100 Caps Kalyx: HerbaLozenges Orange C, Zand, 125 mg, 15 Per Bag Kalyx: Gummy Vitamin C Slices, Rainbow Light, 30 Single Serve Packets Kalyx: Fruit Snacks, 100% Vitamin C, Farley's & Sathers Candy Co., 5 lbs. Kalyx: Ester- C Powder With Citrus Bioflavonoids, American Health, 8 oz. Kalyx: Ester-C Liquid, American Health, 8 fl. oz. Kalyx: Ester-C Advanced Antioxidant Formula, American Health, 90 Vegetarian Tabs Kalyx: Ester-C Chewable Wafers, American Health, 250 mg, 125 Wafers HerbsPro: Ester-C With Citrus Bioflavonoids, American Health, 1000 mg, 180 VTabs House of Nutrition: Vitamin C-1000 With Bioflavonoids, Natures Way, 1000 mg, 250 VCaps House of Nutrition: Ester-C Powder With Citrus Bioflavonoids (Vegeterian), American Health, 8 oz. TakeHerb: Ascorbic Acid Powder (Vitamin C), NOW Foods, 3 lbs. TakeHerb: Ascorbate C Powder, TwinLab, 2000 mg, 8 oz. TakeHerb: Liquid C With Rose Hips, Good'n Natural, 300 mg, 4 oz. TakeHerb: Alive! Organic Vitamin C Powder, Made With Organic Fruit, Nature's Way, 120 grams TakeHerb: Vitamin C-500 Complex With Bioflavonoids, Acerola & RoseHips, NOW Foods, 100 Tabs

ALFALFA SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Alfalfa Leaf, Powder & Sprouting Seed, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Bulk Herbs Kalyx: Alfalfa, Thompson Nutritional, 500 mg, 180 Tabs Kalyx: Alfalfa Sprouting Seed, Certified Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 4 oz. Kalyx: Alfalfa Mint Herbal Tea Blend, Certified Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Alfalfa Leaf, Cut & Sifted, Certified Organic, Frontier Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Alfalfa Juice Extract Powder, 50% Protein, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Leaf, Organic, Cut & Sifted, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Leaf Powder, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Leaf Tea, Alvita Teas, 30 Bags HerbsPro: Alfalco Alfalfa Tonic, Boericke & Tafel, 8 fl oz. HerbsPro: Alfalfa, Organic, Natures Answer, Alcohol Free, 1 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Extract, Eclectic Institute, 2 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Extract, Herb Pharm, 4 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Alfafa, Single Herb, Dr. Christophers Original Formulas, 100 Caps TakeHerb: Alfalfa Herb, NOW Foods, 10 Grain, 250 Tabs TakeHerb: Alfalfa Powder, NOW Foods, 1 lb

CAYENNE PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Cayenne, Organic Bulk Herbs Kalyx: Cayenne, Thompson Nutritional, 515 mg, 60 Caps Kalyx: Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum annum), Nature's Herbs, 1,350 mg (40,000 STU), 100 Caps Kalyx: Cayenne Pepper, Nature's Answer, 450 mg (0.25% Capsaicin), 90 Caps Kalyx: Cayenne Chili Powder, Herbal Extracts Plus, 600 mg (90,000 HU), 90 VCaps Kalyx: Cayenne Chili Pepper (Capsicum) 10:1, Herbal Extracts Plus, 90 VCaps Kalyx: Red Cayenne Chili Pepper Powder (160,000 HU), Starwest Botanicals, Certified Organic, 1 lb Kalyx: Red Cayenne Chili Pepper Powder (90,000 HU), Frontier Spices, Certified Organic, 1 lb Kalyx: Red Cayenne Chili Pepper Powder (30,000 HU), Frontier Spices, Certified Organic, 1 lb Kalyx: Cayenne Pepper Extract (Capsicum annum), Starwest Botanicals, 1 fl. oz. Kalyx: Cayenne Extract (Capsicum annum), Health & Herbs, 2 fl. oz. Kalyx: Cayenne Pepper Extract (Capsicum annum), Starwest Botanical, 4 fl. oz. Kalyx: Cayenne Extract (Capsicum annum), Health & Herbs, 8 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Cayenne, Extra Hot (100,000 HU), Nature's Way, 450 mg, 100 Caps TakeHerb: Cayenne, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 250 Caps TakeHerb: CapsiCool Controlled Heat, Stomach Gentle, Nature's Way, 390 mg, 100 Caps TakeHerb: Cayenne Oil, Health Herbs, 2 oz. TakeHerb: Cayenne Ointment, Deep Heating Balm, Dr. Christopher's Original Formulas, 2 oz. HerbPro: Cayenne Capsicum Tincture, Nature's Answer, 2 fl. oz.

DANDELION PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Dandelion Root, Powder & Roasted, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Bulk Herbs Mountain Rose Herbs: Dandelion Leaf, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Kalyx: Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale), 500 mg, 100 Caps Kalyx: Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale), 500 mg, 500 Caps Kalyx: Dandelion Root Powder, Certified Organic (Taraxacum officinale), 4 oz. Kalyx: Dandelion Leaf, Herbal Extracts Plus, 600 mg, 90 VCaps TakeHerb: Dandelion Leaf Tea Organic, Celebration Herbals, 24 Bags TakeHerb: Dandelion Root Tea, Alvita Teas, 30 Bags TakeHerb: Dandelion Extract, Eclectic Herb, 2 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Dandelion Root Powder, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb TakeHerb: Organic Roasted Dandelion Root Tea, Traditional Medicinals, 16 Bags TakeHerb: Dandelion Root Extract, Alcohol Free, Nature's Answer, 1 oz. TakeHerb: Dandelion Root, Healthier Gall Bladder, Nature's Way, 1620 mg, 180 VCaps TakeHerb: Dandelion Root, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 Caps

ELDERBERRY PRODUCTS Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is a multipurpose fruit used widely throughout Europe. As a centuries old tradition, it has been used by herbalists as a tonic to maintain health and well-being. More recently, Elderberry has been recognized for its high nutritive value. Elderberry provides vitamins A and C, as well as anthocyanins, which are potent free radical scavengers. Elderberry extract is a uniquely concentrated, 100 percent pure extract providing enhanced levels of anthocyanins, the specialized group of flavanoids responsible for elderberry's immune system support. One of the most prized elderberry flavonoids is the compound quercetin. Studies have shown that the antioxidant properties of anthocyanins found in elderberry extract maintain healthy immune function and promote the strength and integrity of vascular walls. Mountain Rose Herbs: Elderberries, Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs HerbsPro: Elderberry Extract, Alcohol Free, Natures Answer, 4 fl oz. House of Nutrition: Elderberry Concentrate, Natural Fresh Whole Fruit, Natural Sources, 16 fl. oz. House of Nutrition: Elderberry Drink Concentrate, Flora Sambu, 17 fl. oz. House of Nutrition: Elderberry Liquid 10:1 Concentrate, Now Foods, 8 fl. oz. House of Nutrition: Elderberry Extract, Pure Encap, 700 mg, 120 VCaps House of Nutrition: Full Spectrum Elderberry Fluid Extract, Planetary Formulas, 8 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Elderberry Extract, Dynamic Health, 100% Natural Black Elderberry Juice Concentrate, 8 fl. oz.

GREEN PRODUCTS TakeHerb: Organic Wheat Grass, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 500 Tabs TakeHerb: Wheat Grass Juice Powder, Pines, 8 oz. TakeHerb: Wheat Grass Powder, Pines, 10 oz. Takeherb: Wheat Grass Powder, Pines, 3.5 oz. TakeHerb: Wheat Grass Powder, 24 oz. TakeHerb: Wheat Grass Extract, Health Herbs, TakeHerb: Ultimate Green, Nature's Secret, 300 Tabs TakeHerb: Kyo-Green, No Maltodextrin, Wakunaga, 2.8 oz. TakeHerb: Kyo-Green, No Maltodextrin, Wakunaga, 10 oz. TakeHerb: Progreens With Advanced Probiotic Formula, Nutricology, 180 Caps TakeHerb: Progreens Powder With Advanced Probiotic Formula, Nutricology, 145 gm TakeHerb: Progreens Powder With Advanced Probiotic, Nutricology, 265 gm Kalyx: Wheatgrass, Certified Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 500 mg, 500 Caps

NETTLE SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Nettle Leaf, Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs Mountain Rose Herbs: Nettle Leaf Powder, Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs Mountain Rose Herbs: Nettle Root, Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs Mountain Rose Herbs: Nettle Root Powder, Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs Kalyx: Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica), Cut & Sifted, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica), Cut & Sifted, Organic, Frontier Bulk Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Nettle Leaf Powder (Urtica dioica), Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Nettle Root (Urtica dioica), Cut & Sifted, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Nettle Root (Urtica dioica), Cut & Sifted, Organic, Frontier Bulk Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Nettle Root Powder (Urtica dioica), Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Nettle Root Power, Natures Herbs, 60 Caps HerbsPro: Nettle Leaf Tea, Alvita, 24 Tea Bags HerbsPro: Organic Nettle Leaf Tea, Traditional Medicinals Tea, 16 Bags HerbsPro: Nettle Blend Extract, Herb Pharm, 1 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Nettle Glycerite Extract, Alcohol Free, Herb Pharm, 1 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Nettle Blend Extract, Herb Pharm, 4 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Nettle Glycerite Extract, Alcohol Free, Herb Pharm, 4 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Stinging Nettle Leaf, Enzymatic Therapy, 600 mg, 90 Caps HerbsPro: Nettle Root Extract, Now Foods, 250 mg, 90 VCaps HerbsPro: Nettle Root Power, Natures Herbs, 60 Caps House of Nutrition: Nettle Blend Extract (Urtica dioica), Herb Pharm, 8 fl. oz. House of Nutrition: Nettle Leaves, Solaray, 450 mg, 180 Caps House of Nutrition: Nettle Herb, Natures Way, 870 mg, 100Caps TakeHerb: Nettles, Freeze Dried, Allergen Exposure Support, Oregon's Wild Harvest, 90 VCaps TakeHerb: Nettles Leaf, Cut & Sifted, Wildcrafted, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb.

PARSLEY PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Parsley Leaf, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Bulk Herbs Kalyx: Parsley Leaf Flakes, Certified Organic, Frontier Natural Brand Bulk Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Parsley Leaf Flakes, Frontier Natural Brand Bulk Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Parsley Leaf Powder, Frontier Natural Brand Bulk Herbs, 1 lb.

ROSE HIPS PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Rose Hips & Powder, Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs Kalyx: Rosehips (Rose Hips) Powder, Herbal Extracts Plus, 1 lb. Kalyx: Rose Hips Extract (Rosa canina), Herbs & Herbs, 2 fl. oz. Kalyx: Rose Hips Extract (Rosa canina), Herbs & Herbs, 8 fl. oz. Kalyx: Rosehips (Rose Hips), Herbal Extracts Plus, 600 mg, 90 VCaps HerbsPro: Organic Rosehips, Cut & Sifted, Seedless, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Rosehips Extract, Eclectic Institute, 2 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Vitamin C-1500 With Rosehips, Time Released, Source Naturals, 1500 mg, 250 Tabs TakeHerb: Rosehips, Whole, Wildcrafted Rosa Canina, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. TakeHerb: Rosehips Powder, Wildcrafted Rosa Canina, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. TakeHerb: Rosehips Tea, Organic, Caffeine Free, Starwest Botanicals, Approx. 170 Tea Bags, 1 lb. TakeHerb: Rose Hips Tea, Alvita Teas, 30 Tea Bags TakeHerb: Liquid C With Rose Hips, Good'n Natural, 300 mg / Teaspoonful, 4 fl. oz.

VITAMIN D: The absorption of vitamin D (as well as calcium, which vitamin D helps metabolize) is enhanced during pregnancy, and since vitamin D tends toward toxicity, supplementation should be "judicious," to prevent excessive amounts of it from spilling into the urine. Fish oil and sunshine are good sources of natural vitamin D, which benefits the development of good teeth and bones. Herbal sources of vitamin D are alfalfa and nettles; and, of course, sunshine!

Vitamin D: 10 mcg per day, RDA
Nursing: 10 mcg per day
Source: Sunshine
Food Sources: Fish
Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, a href="http://edge.affiliateshop.com/public/AIDLink?AID=028148&Redirect=/bulkherb/n.php">Nettles

MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Vitamin D

VITAMIN D PRODUCTS Kalyx: Vitamin D-3, Maximum Strength, Natrol, 10,000 IU, 60 Tabs Kalyx: Vitamin D-3, Lemon Flavored, Thompson, 2500 IU, 90 Chewable Tabs Kalyx: Vitamin D, Shiff, 2000 IU, 100 Tabs Kalyx: Vitamin D Gummy Vitamins For Adults, Nutrition Now, Blackberry, Peach & Strawberry, 2000 IU, 75 Count Kalyx: Vitamin D-3, Fast Dissolve Wild Cherry, Natrol, 2000 IU, 90 Mini Tabs Kalyx: Dry Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol), Solaray, For Fat-Restricted Diets, 1000 IU, 90 Tabs Kalyx: Vitamin D-3 Plus Fish Oil, Heart & Immune Support, Natrol, 1000 IU, 90 Softgels Kalyx: Vitamin D Gummy Slices, Slice of Life, Natural Lemon Flavor, 1000 IU, 60 Slices Kalyx: Vitamin D Sunny Gummies, Rainbow Light, Lemon Flavor, 1000 IU, 100 Count Kalyx: Vitamin D Yummi Bears, Hero Nutrition, 600 IU, 60 Count Kalyx: Vitamin D (Fish Liver Oil), Thompson, 400 IU, 30 Softgels Kalyx: Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol), Thompson, 400 IU, 30 Tabs Kalyx: Vitamin D (Fish Liver Oil), Thompson, 400 IU, 30 Softgels TakeHerb: Vitamin D-3, Life Extension, 5000 IU, 60 Caps TakeHerb: Vitamin D-3 Fast Acting Liquid, Good'n Natural, 5000 IU, 2 oz. TakeHerb: Vitamin D-3 Drops, Animal Parade, Nature's Plus, 200 IU, 10 ml

ALFALFA SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Alfalfa Leaf, Powder & Sprouting Seed, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Bulk Herbs Kalyx: Alfalfa, Thompson Nutritional, 500 mg, 180 Tabs Kalyx: Alfalfa Sprouting Seed, Certified Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 4 oz. Kalyx: Alfalfa Mint Herbal Tea Blend, Certified Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Alfalfa Leaf, Cut & Sifted, Certified Organic, Frontier Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Alfalfa Juice Extract Powder, 50% Protein, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Leaf, Organic, Cut & Sifted, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Leaf Powder, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Leaf Tea, Alvita Teas, 30 Bags HerbsPro: Alfalco Alfalfa Tonic, Boericke & Tafel, 8 fl oz. HerbsPro: Alfalfa, Organic, Natures Answer, Alcohol Free, 1 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Extract, Eclectic Institute, 2 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Extract, Herb Pharm, 4 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Alfafa, Single Herb, Dr. Christophers Original Formulas, 100 Caps TakeHerb: Alfalfa Herb, NOW Foods, 10 Grain, 250 Tabs TakeHerb: Alfalfa Powder, NOW Foods, 1 lb

NETTLE SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Nettle Leaf, Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs Mountain Rose Herbs: Nettle Leaf Powder, Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs Mountain Rose Herbs: Nettle Root, Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs Mountain Rose Herbs: Nettle Root Powder, Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs Kalyx: Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica), Cut & Sifted, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica), Cut & Sifted, Organic, Frontier Bulk Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Nettle Leaf Powder (Urtica dioica), Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Nettle Root (Urtica dioica), Cut & Sifted, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Nettle Root (Urtica dioica), Cut & Sifted, Organic, Frontier Bulk Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Nettle Root Powder (Urtica dioica), Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Nettle Root Power, Natures Herbs, 60 Caps HerbsPro: Nettle Leaf Tea, Alvita, 24 Tea Bags HerbsPro: Organic Nettle Leaf Tea, Traditional Medicinals Tea, 16 Bags HerbsPro: Nettle Blend Extract, Herb Pharm, 1 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Nettle Glycerite Extract, Alcohol Free, Herb Pharm, 1 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Nettle Blend Extract, Herb Pharm, 4 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Nettle Glycerite Extract, Alcohol Free, Herb Pharm, 4 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Stinging Nettle Leaf, Enzymatic Therapy, 600 mg, 90 Caps HerbsPro: Nettle Root Extract, Now Foods, 250 mg, 90 VCaps HerbsPro: Nettle Root Power, Natures Herbs, 60 Caps House of Nutrition: Nettle Blend Extract (Urtica dioica), Herb Pharm, 8 fl. oz. House of Nutrition: Nettle Leaves, Solaray, 450 mg, 180 Caps House of Nutrition: Nettle Herb, Natures Way, 870 mg, 100Caps TakeHerb: Nettles, Freeze Dried, Allergen Exposure Support, Oregon's Wild Harvest, 90 VCaps TakeHerb: Nettles Leaf, Cut & Sifted, Wildcrafted, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb.

VITAMIN E: Vitamin E status declines during pregnancy creating deficiencies, and fetal vitamin E levels are usually low. Lower plasma levels in the mother may be associated with increased risk of pre-eclampsia, as well as premature and low birth weight infants. (54) Supplementation has been shown to be effective in preventing habitual or chronic abortion. Good food sources are parsley, brown rice, and wheat germ. Herbal sources include alfalfa, rosehips, raspberry leaf, dandelion, seaweeds, and watercress (although watercress should be avoided in the first trimester).

Vitamin E: 10 mg per day, RDA
Nursing: 12 mg per day
Food Sources: Brown Rice, Parsley, Wheat Germ, Watercress
Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, Dandelion, Raspberry Leaf, Rosehips, Seaweed

MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Vitamin E

VITAMIN E PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Vitamin E Oil, Mixed Tocopherols, GMO Free, Kosher Certified, 7500 IU per oz., 2 oz. to 1 gallon Kalyx: Vitamin E One Grand, Thompson Nutritional, 1000 IU, 30 Softgels TakeHerb: Natural Vitamin E Oil, Good'n Natural, 30000 IU, 2.5 oz. TakeHerb: Vitamin E, Good'n Natural, 1000 IU, 100 Softgels TakeHerb: Vitamin E, D-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate, NOW Foods, 600 IU, 100 Softgels TakeHerb: Natural Dry Vitamin E, Country Life, 400 IU, 100 Tabs TakeHerb: Vitamin E, Dry, 100% Natural, TwinLab, 400 IU, 100 Caps TakeHerb: Vitamin E, D-Alpha Tocopherol, Source Naturals, 400 IU, 250 Softgels TakeHerb: Vitamin E, Mixed Alpha Tocopherol, Solgar, 400 IU, 100 Softgels TakeHerb: Vitamin E, Natural With Mixed Tocopherols, Enzymatic Therapy, 400 IU, 100 Softgels TakeHerb: Vitamin E, D-Alpha Tocopherol, Source Naturals, 200 IU, 250 Softgels TakeHerb: Vitamin E, Mixed Tocopherols, Solgar, 200 IU, 250 Softgels TakeHerb: Vitamin E, Dry Alpha Tocopherol, Solgar, 200 IU, 100 VCaps TakeHerb: Vitamin E, D-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate, Natural, 21st Century, 200 IU, 110 Softgels TakeHerb: Vitamin E, Mixed Tocopherols, Solgar, 100 IU, 250 Softgels

PARSLEY PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Parsley Leaf, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Bulk Herbs Kalyx: Parsley Leaf Flakes, Certified Organic, Frontier Natural Brand Bulk Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Parsley Leaf Flakes, Frontier Natural Brand Bulk Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Parsley Leaf Powder, Frontier Natural Brand Bulk Herbs, 1 lb.

WHEAT GERM PRODUCTS Kalyx: Wheat Germ, Natural, Raw, Bobs Red Mill, 4 Packages, 16 oz. per package Amazon: Bobs Red Mill Wheat Germ, 1 Package, 16 oz.

ALFALFA SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Alfalfa Leaf, Powder & Sprouting Seed, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Bulk Herbs Kalyx: Alfalfa, Thompson Nutritional, 500 mg, 180 Tabs Kalyx: Alfalfa Sprouting Seed, Certified Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 4 oz. Kalyx: Alfalfa Mint Herbal Tea Blend, Certified Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Alfalfa Leaf, Cut & Sifted, Certified Organic, Frontier Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Alfalfa Juice Extract Powder, 50% Protein, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Leaf, Organic, Cut & Sifted, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Leaf Powder, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Leaf Tea, Alvita Teas, 30 Bags HerbsPro: Alfalco Alfalfa Tonic, Boericke & Tafel, 8 fl oz. HerbsPro: Alfalfa, Organic, Natures Answer, Alcohol Free, 1 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Extract, Eclectic Institute, 2 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Extract, Herb Pharm, 4 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Alfafa, Single Herb, Dr. Christophers Original Formulas, 100 Caps TakeHerb: Alfalfa Herb, NOW Foods, 10 Grain, 250 Tabs TakeHerb: Alfalfa Powder, NOW Foods, 1 lb

DANDELION PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Dandelion Root, Powder & Roasted, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Bulk Herbs Mountain Rose Herbs: Dandelion Leaf, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Kalyx: Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale), 500 mg, 100 Caps Kalyx: Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale), 500 mg, 500 Caps Kalyx: Dandelion Root Powder, Certified Organic (Taraxacum officinale), 4 oz. Kalyx: Dandelion Leaf, Herbal Extracts Plus, 600 mg, 90 VCaps TakeHerb: Dandelion Leaf Tea Organic, Celebration Herbals, 24 Bags TakeHerb: Dandelion Root Tea, Alvita Teas, 30 Bags TakeHerb: Dandelion Extract, Eclectic Herb, 2 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Dandelion Root Powder, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb TakeHerb: Organic Roasted Dandelion Root Tea, Traditional Medicinals, 16 Bags TakeHerb: Dandelion Root Extract, Alcohol Free, Nature's Answer, 1 oz. TakeHerb: Dandelion Root, Healthier Gall Bladder, Nature's Way, 1620 mg, 180 VCaps TakeHerb: Dandelion Root, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 Caps

RED RASPBERRY LEAF SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Red Raspberry Leaf, Bulk Organic Herbs Kalyx: Red Raspberry Leaf, Cut & Sifted, Certified Organic, Frontier Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Red Raspberry Leaf Powder, Certified Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Red Raspberry Leaf Tea, Traditional Medicinals, 16 Tea Bags Kalyx: Pregnancy Tea, Traditional Medicinals, 16 Tea Bags HerbsPro: Red Raspberry Leaf, Natures Answer, 950 mg, 90 Caps HerbsPro: Red Raspberry Leaf Tea, Alvita Teas, 24 Bags HerbsPro: Organic Raspberry Leaf Tea, Traditional Medicinals, 16 Bags HerbsPro: Woman's Raspberry Leaf Tea, Yogi Teas, 16 Bags HerbsPro: Red Raspberry Leaf Extract, Organic, Alcohol Free, 1 fl. oz. House of Nutrition: Red Raspberry Leaf, Natures Way, 350 mg, 100 Caps House of Nutrition: Red Raspberry Leaf Extract, Nature's Answer, Alcohol Free, 1 fl. oz. House of Nutrition: Red Raspberry Leaf Extract, Gaia Herb, 2 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Red Raspberry Leaf Extract, Alcohol Free, Nature's Answer, 1 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Red Raspberry Leaf, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 450 mg, 500 Caps

ROSE HIPS PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Rose Hips & Powder, Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs Kalyx: Rosehips (Rose Hips) Powder, Herbal Extracts Plus, 1 lb. Kalyx: Rose Hips Extract (Rosa canina), Herbs & Herbs, 2 fl. oz. Kalyx: Rose Hips Extract (Rosa canina), Herbs & Herbs, 8 fl. oz. Kalyx: Rosehips (Rose Hips), Herbal Extracts Plus, 600 mg, 90 VCaps HerbsPro: Organic Rosehips, Cut & Sifted, Seedless, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Rosehips Extract, Eclectic Institute, 2 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Vitamin C-1500 With Rosehips, Time Released, Source Naturals, 1500 mg, 250 Tabs TakeHerb: Rosehips, Whole, Wildcrafted Rosa Canina, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. TakeHerb: Rosehips Powder, Wildcrafted Rosa Canina, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. TakeHerb: Rosehips Tea, Organic, Caffeine Free, Starwest Botanicals, Approx. 170 Tea Bags, 1 lb. TakeHerb: Rose Hips Tea, Alvita Teas, 30 Tea Bags TakeHerb: Liquid C With Rose Hips, Good'n Natural, 300 mg / Teaspoonful, 4 fl. oz.

KELP-SEAWEED PRODUCTS HerbsPro: Kelp Powder, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Norwegian Kelp, Country Life, 225 mcg, 300 Tabs House of Nutrition: Atlantic Kelp, Natures Life, 6 oz. TakeHerb: Kelp Extract, Health Herbs, 2 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Kelp Powder, Norweigian, Now Foods, 8 oz. TakeHerb: Kelp, Natures Way, Natural Iodine Source, 660 mg, 100 Caps/a>

VITAMIN K: Necessary for bone metabolism and to maintain healthy bones. Vitamin K (required by law in most states) is given to newborns in the hospital by injection in the foot immediately after birth, or a shot is given during labor, to prevent hemolytic disease in the newborn, characterized by anemia, jaundice, enlargement of the liver and spleen, and generalized edema. Naturopathic doctors recommend checking the pregnant mother's diet for vitamin K deficiency (to see if she is getting enough of the vitamin through her intake of squash and dark leafy vegetables), and adding oral supplementation of vitamin K in the last month of pregnancy, if needed, rather than automatically giving the shots, which have been shown in some studies to link with childhood cancer. Vitamin K helps support proper coagulation and blood clotting. The liver uses Vitamin K to synthesize blood-clotting proteins. Without Vitamin K, the level of the blood-clotting proteins drop, and clotting time is prolonged. Vitamin K cream is used to treat brusing and spider veins (capillaries viewed on the skin surface) helping them to fade. People using anticoagulant or blood thinning medications should consult with their health care provider before taking Vitamin K supplements.

Vitamin K (along with vitamin C) is effective in preventing the nausea and vomiting of early pregnancy, and may reduce the risk of intraventricular hemorrhage in premature infants. Some food sources are parsley and brown rice. Nettle or alfalfa leaf infusion or tea taken throughout the pregnancy will increase available vitamin K and hemoglobin in the blood; also helpful is kelp.

Vitamin K: 65 mcg per day, RDA
Nursing: 65 mcg per day
Food Sources: Parsley, Brown Rice
Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, Nettles

MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Vitamin K

KELP-SEAWEED PRODUCTS HerbsPro: Full Spectrum Vitamin K (Vitamin K-1, K-2), Nutricolorgy, 4050 mcg, 90 Softgels HerbsPro: Vitamin K, Source Naturals, 500 mcg, 200 Tabs HerbsPro: Vitamin K-2, Now Foods, 100 mcg, 100 VCaps HerbsPro: Vitamin K-1, Country Life, 100 mcg, 100 Tabs House of Nutrition: Vitamin D-3 & K-2, Now Foods, 1000 IU / 45 mcg, 120 VCaps House of Nutrition: Vitamin K, Kals, 200 mcg, 100 Tabs TakeHerb: Vitamin K, Natural, Solgar, 100 mcg, 250 Tabs TakeHerb: Vitamin K Cream, Treatment For Bruises, Reviva Labs, 1.5 oz.

PARSLEY PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Parsley Leaf, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Bulk Herbs Kalyx: Parsley Leaf Flakes, Certified Organic, Frontier Natural Brand Bulk Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Parsley Leaf Flakes, Frontier Natural Brand Bulk Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Parsley Leaf Powder, Frontier Natural Brand Bulk Herbs, 1 lb.

ALFALFA SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Alfalfa Leaf, Powder & Sprouting Seed, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Bulk Herbs Kalyx: Alfalfa, Thompson Nutritional, 500 mg, 180 Tabs Kalyx: Alfalfa Sprouting Seed, Certified Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 4 oz. Kalyx: Alfalfa Mint Herbal Tea Blend, Certified Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Alfalfa Leaf, Cut & Sifted, Certified Organic, Frontier Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Alfalfa Juice Extract Powder, 50% Protein, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Leaf, Organic, Cut & Sifted, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Leaf Powder, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Leaf Tea, Alvita Teas, 30 Bags HerbsPro: Alfalco Alfalfa Tonic, Boericke & Tafel, 8 fl oz. HerbsPro: Alfalfa, Organic, Natures Answer, Alcohol Free, 1 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Extract, Eclectic Institute, 2 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Extract, Herb Pharm, 4 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Alfafa, Single Herb, Dr. Christophers Original Formulas, 100 Caps TakeHerb: Alfalfa Herb, NOW Foods, 10 Grain, 250 Tabs TakeHerb: Alfalfa Powder, NOW Foods, 1 lb

NETTLE SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Nettle Leaf, Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs Mountain Rose Herbs: Nettle Leaf Powder, Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs Mountain Rose Herbs: Nettle Root, Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs Mountain Rose Herbs: Nettle Root Powder, Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs Kalyx: Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica), Cut & Sifted, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica), Cut & Sifted, Organic, Frontier Bulk Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Nettle Leaf Powder (Urtica dioica), Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Nettle Root (Urtica dioica), Cut & Sifted, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Nettle Root (Urtica dioica), Cut & Sifted, Organic, Frontier Bulk Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Nettle Root Powder (Urtica dioica), Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Nettle Root Power, Natures Herbs, 60 Caps HerbsPro: Nettle Leaf Tea, Alvita, 24 Tea Bags HerbsPro: Organic Nettle Leaf Tea, Traditional Medicinals Tea, 16 Bags HerbsPro: Nettle Blend Extract, Herb Pharm, 1 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Nettle Glycerite Extract, Alcohol Free, Herb Pharm, 1 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Nettle Blend Extract, Herb Pharm, 4 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Nettle Glycerite Extract, Alcohol Free, Herb Pharm, 4 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Stinging Nettle Leaf, Enzymatic Therapy, 600 mg, 90 Caps HerbsPro: Nettle Root Extract, Now Foods, 250 mg, 90 VCaps HerbsPro: Nettle Root Power, Natures Herbs, 60 Caps House of Nutrition: Nettle Blend Extract (Urtica dioica), Herb Pharm, 8 fl. oz. House of Nutrition: Nettle Leaves, Solaray, 450 mg, 180 Caps House of Nutrition: Nettle Herb, Natures Way, 870 mg, 100Caps TakeHerb: Nettles, Freeze Dried, Allergen Exposure Support, Oregon's Wild Harvest, 90 VCaps TakeHerb: Nettles Leaf, Cut & Sifted, Wildcrafted, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb.

CALCIUM: Calcium is the only mineral whose requirement doubles during pregnancy. Low dietary intake is associated with pre-eclampsia, a potentially dangerous (but preventable) condition characterized by high blood pressure (hypertension), swelling, and/or protein spilling into the urine. Supplementation with calcium may reduce the risk of preterm delivery, often associated with pre-eclampsia, and may also prevent the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Calcium supplementation can also help to ease leg cramps during pregnancy.

Excessive levels of calcium in the body, however, can result in spillage into the urine and the increased possibility of kidney stones. Supplementation with calcium must be done with efficient forms of the mineral, such as calcium citrate or citrate/malate, which are the more absorbable forms. And attention must be paid to the relationship between calcium and other minerals, such as magnesium and zinc.

Raspberry leaf infusion contains calcium in its most absorbable form; also nettle infusions, fresh parsley, and watercress. Other food sources of calcium include milk products, (although consumption of these can lead to an allergic condition in the baby) dark green leafy vegetables, asparagus, and pumpkin seeds. Avoid bone meal or oyster shell calcium tablets, which have been found to be high in lead, mercury, cadmium, and other toxic metals.

Calcium: 1,000 mg per day if age 19-50, 1,300 mg per day if under age 18; may be able to use lower doses if using calcium citrate/malate.
Nursing: Same as for pregnancy.
Food Sources: Asparagus, Dairy Products, Dark Green Leafy Vegetables, Pumpkin Seeds
Herbal Sources: Raspberry Leaf, Nettles, Horsetail

MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Calcium

CALCIUM PRODUCTS Gold Crown Natural Products: Liquid Calcium with Vitamin D, 1200 mg / 400 IU, 60 Softgels Kalyx: Calcium With Vitamin D, TwinLab, 1000 mg / 400 IU, 120 Tabs Kalyx: Calcium Citrate Powder, Frontier Natural, 1 lb. Kalyx: Calcium Complex, Calcium & Magnesium, All One, 1000 mg / 500 mg, 8.5 oz. HerbsPro: Calcium Plus Liquid, French Vanilla, Buried Treasure Products, 16 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Calcium Plus Liquid, Blueberry, Buried Treasure Products, 16 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Calcium with Magnesium Chewable Wafers, Vanilla / Orange, Country Life, 1000 mg / 500 mg, 120 Wafers HerbsPro: Calcium Magnesium Complex Powder, All-One Nutri-Tech, 1000 mg / 500 mg, 8.5 oz. HerbsPro: Calcium Magnesium Liquid, Mint Flavor, Enzymatic Therapy, 16 oz. HerbsPro: Yummi Bears Vegetarian Calcium With Vitamin D, Hero Nutritional Products, 90 Bears HerbsPro: Calcium Soft Chews, Chocolate, Nutrition Now, 500 mg, 75 Chews HerbsPro: Calcium Soft Chews, Fruit Flavor, Nutrition Now, 500 mg, 75 Chews HerbsPro: Just An Ounce Liquid Calcium & Magnesium, Almond Flavor, Trimedica, 16 oz. HerbsPro: Calm Plus Calcium, Raspberry-Lemon, Peter Gillhams Natural Vitality, 8 oz. TakeHerb: Bone Strength Take Care, New Chapter, 120 Tabs TakeHerb: Liquid Coral Calcium Complex, Natural Calcium, Dynamic Health Labs, 32 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Osteo Rx, Bone Health & Density, Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals, 120 Tabs TakeHerb: Calcium, Liquid Health, 32 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Calcium Citrate Chew, TwinLab, 1000 mg, 60 Wafers TakeHerb: Total Soy Calcium Shake, Vanilla, Naturade, 1000 mg, 17.3 oz. TakeHerb: Super Calcium-Magnesium With Vitamin D & Boron, Schiff, 1200 mg / 400 mg / 400 IU / 3 mg, 90 Softgels TakeHerb: Super Calcium With Vitamin D, Schiff, 1200 mg / 400 IU, 120 Softgels TakeHerb: Calcium Citrate With Magnesium, TwinLab, 300 mg / 150 mg, 250 Caps TakeHerb: Coral Calcium Complete Liquid, Buried Treasure, 32 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Coral Calcium Powder, Source Naturals, 8 oz.

RED RASPBERRY LEAF SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Red Raspberry Leaf, Bulk Organic Herbs Kalyx: Red Raspberry Leaf, Cut & Sifted, Certified Organic, Frontier Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Red Raspberry Leaf Powder, Certified Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Red Raspberry Leaf Tea, Traditional Medicinals, 16 Tea Bags Kalyx: Pregnancy Tea, Traditional Medicinals, 16 Tea Bags HerbsPro: Red Raspberry Leaf, Natures Answer, 950 mg, 90 Caps HerbsPro: Red Raspberry Leaf Tea, Alvita Teas, 24 Bags HerbsPro: Organic Raspberry Leaf Tea, Traditional Medicinals, 16 Bags HerbsPro: Woman's Raspberry Leaf Tea, Yogi Teas, 16 Bags HerbsPro: Red Raspberry Leaf Extract, Organic, Alcohol Free, 1 fl. oz. House of Nutrition: Red Raspberry Leaf, Natures Way, 350 mg, 100 Caps House of Nutrition: Red Raspberry Leaf Extract, Nature's Answer, Alcohol Free, 1 fl. oz. House of Nutrition: Red Raspberry Leaf Extract, Gaia Herb, 2 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Red Raspberry Leaf Extract, Alcohol Free, Nature's Answer, 1 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Red Raspberry Leaf, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 450 mg, 500 Caps

ROSE HIPS PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Rose Hips & Powder, Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs Kalyx: Rosehips (Rose Hips) Powder, Herbal Extracts Plus, 1 lb. Kalyx: Rose Hips Extract (Rosa canina), Herbs & Herbs, 2 fl. oz. Kalyx: Rose Hips Extract (Rosa canina), Herbs & Herbs, 8 fl. oz. Kalyx: Rosehips (Rose Hips), Herbal Extracts Plus, 600 mg, 90 VCaps HerbsPro: Organic Rosehips, Cut & Sifted, Seedless, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Rosehips Extract, Eclectic Institute, 2 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Vitamin C-1500 With Rosehips, Time Released, Source Naturals, 1500 mg, 250 Tabs TakeHerb: Rosehips, Whole, Wildcrafted Rosa Canina, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. TakeHerb: Rosehips Powder, Wildcrafted Rosa Canina, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. TakeHerb: Rosehips Tea, Organic, Caffeine Free, Starwest Botanicals, Approx. 170 Tea Bags, 1 lb. TakeHerb: Rose Hips Tea, Alvita Teas, 30 Tea Bags TakeHerb: Liquid C With Rose Hips, Good'n Natural, 300 mg / Teaspoonful, 4 fl. oz.

NETTLE SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Nettle Leaf, Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs Mountain Rose Herbs: Nettle Leaf Powder, Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs Mountain Rose Herbs: Nettle Root, Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs Mountain Rose Herbs: Nettle Root Powder, Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs Kalyx: Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica), Cut & Sifted, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica), Cut & Sifted, Organic, Frontier Bulk Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Nettle Leaf Powder (Urtica dioica), Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Nettle Root (Urtica dioica), Cut & Sifted, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Nettle Root (Urtica dioica), Cut & Sifted, Organic, Frontier Bulk Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Nettle Root Powder (Urtica dioica), Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Nettle Root Power, Natures Herbs, 60 Caps HerbsPro: Nettle Leaf Tea, Alvita, 24 Tea Bags HerbsPro: Organic Nettle Leaf Tea, Traditional Medicinals Tea, 16 Bags HerbsPro: Nettle Blend Extract, Herb Pharm, 1 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Nettle Glycerite Extract, Alcohol Free, Herb Pharm, 1 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Nettle Blend Extract, Herb Pharm, 4 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Nettle Glycerite Extract, Alcohol Free, Herb Pharm, 4 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Stinging Nettle Leaf, Enzymatic Therapy, 600 mg, 90 Caps HerbsPro: Nettle Root Extract, Now Foods, 250 mg, 90 VCaps HerbsPro: Nettle Root Power, Natures Herbs, 60 Caps House of Nutrition: Nettle Blend Extract (Urtica dioica), Herb Pharm, 8 fl. oz. House of Nutrition: Nettle Leaves, Solaray, 450 mg, 180 Caps House of Nutrition: Nettle Herb, Natures Way, 870 mg, 100Caps TakeHerb: Nettles, Freeze Dried, Allergen Exposure Support, Oregon's Wild Harvest, 90 VCaps TakeHerb: Nettles Leaf, Cut & Sifted, Wildcrafted, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb.

HORSETAIL (SHAVEGRASS) PRODUCTS TakeHerb: Shavegrass (Horsetail) Herb, Organic, Cut & Sifted, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb TakeHerb: Shavegrass (Horsetail) Herb Powder, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb TakeHerb: Horsetail Grass, Dr. Christopher's Original Formulas, 475 mg, 100 VCaps TakeHerb: Silica With Bioflavonoids, Alta Health Products, 60 Tabs TakeHerb: Silica With Bioflavonoids, Alta Health Products, 120 Tabs TakeHerb: Super Silica Complex, Futurebiotics, 60 Tabs TakeHerb: Silica, World Organics, 10% Silica, 500 mg, 200 Tabs TakeHerb: Horsetail Extract, Alcohol-Free, Nature's Answer, 1 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Shavegrass (Horsetail) Extract, Health Herbs, 2 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Horsetail Grass Tea, Caffeine Free, Alvita Teas, 24 Bags TakeHerb: Silica Complex, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 180 Tabs HerbsPro: Horsetail Extract, Herb Pharm, 4 fl. oz.

CHROMIUM, COBALT, & COPPER: These three trace minerals were positively associated in studies with higher infant birth weights, and supplementation is therefore recommended.

Chromium: 120 mcg per day, RDA
Cobalt: Presumably as part of B-12, 2 mcg per day, RDA
Copper: 2 mg per day; RDA


MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Chromium

MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Copper

CHROMIUM PICOLINATE PRODUCTS Kalyx: Chromium Picolinate, TwinLab, 200 mcg, 200 Caps Kalyx: Chromium Picolinate, TwinLab, 200 mcg, 60 Tabs TakeHerb: Chromium Picolinate, TwinLab, 200 mcg, 200 Caps TakeHerb: Chromium Picolinate, Chromax, Olympian Labs, 200 mcg, 100 Caps TakeHerb: Chromium Picolinate, Yeast-Free, Source Naturals, 200 mcg, 240 Tabs TakeHerb: Mega Chromium Picolinate, Source Naturals, 300 mcg, 60 Tabs TakeHerb: Ultra Chromium Picolinate, Good'n Natural, 500 mcg, 100 Tabs TakeHerb: Mega Chromium Picolinate, Good'n Natural, Once Daily Formula, 800 mcg, 90 Tabs

COPPER SUPPLEMENT PRODUCTS TakeHerb: OptiZinc Plus Copper, NOW Foods, 30 mg / 300 mcg, 100 Caps TakeHerb: Copper, TwinLab, 2 mg, 100 Caps TakeHerb: Chelated Copper, Solgar, 2.5 mg, 100 Tabs TakeHerb: Copper Sebacate, Source Naturals, 22 mg, 120 Tabs Kalyx: Copper Sebacate, Nutricology, 4 mg, 75 Caps HerbsPro: Copper Sebacate, Nutricology, 4 mg, 75 Caps

COBALT SUPPLEMENT PRODUCTS TakeHerb: Metallic Cobalt, Hannas Vibropathics, 1 oz. Kalyx: Liquid Colloidal Mineral Energy, World Organics, 72 Trace Minerals Plus Chelating Agents & Herbs, Lemon-Lime, 16 fl. oz. Kalyx: Liquid Colloidal Mineral Energy, World Organics, 72 Trace Minerals, Natural Fruit Flavors, 16 fl. oz.

IRON: Some researchers have concluded that iron supplementation is essential during pregnancy in order to maintain adequate maternal iron stores. But iron supplementation can exacerbate zinc depletion by blocking absorption of that mineral, so any supplementation should be warranted by tests that show a deficiency in the mother's hemoglobin, so routine iron supplementation during pregnancy is not clearly indicated.

If a woman gets sufficient iron in the first trimester of pregnancy, then studies show a definite positive association with infant birthweight and size (but not in the second and third trimesters. Good food sources are almonds, honey, beets (including greens), and high quality protein foods like egg yolks and organ meats (liver, kidney, heart). Herbs high in iron are nettles, dandelion, and alfalfa, as well as kelp.

Iron: 30 mg per day, RDA
Nursing: 15 mg per day
Food Sources: Almonds, Beets (including Greens), Egg Yolks, Honey, Organ Meats (Liver, Kidney, Heart)
Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, Dandelion, Nettles

MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Iron

IRON SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS Kalyx: Iron Phosphate - #4 Ferr Phos Homeopathic 6X, Nuage Labs, 125 Tabs HerbsPro: Iron Complex, Now Foods, 27 mg, 250 Tabs HerbsPro: True Organic Iron, Enzymatic Therapy, 18 mg, 60 Tabs House of Nutrition: Iron Liquid Supplement, Natrol, 15 mg, Fruit Flavor, 8 fl. oz. TakeHerb: True Organics Iron, Enzymatic Therapy, 60 Tabs TakeHerb: Easy Iron, Good'n Natural, 28 mg, 90 Caps TakeHerb: Herbal Iron, Liquid Iron & Multivitamin, Yeast Free, NatureWorks, 8.5 oz. TakeHerb: Herbal Iron, Liquid Iron & Multivitamin, Yeast Free, NatureWorks, 17 oz. TakeHerb: Iron Ease, Healthy Origins, 27 mg, 60 Caps TakeHerb: Ferro-Tone Liquid Iron Plus Herbs, World Organics, 16 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Nourish Iron Assimilation, Dr. Christophers Original Formulas, 100 VCaps TakeHerb: Iron (Chelated Ferrous Fumarate), TwinLab, 18 mg, 100 Caps TakeHerb: Iron & Herbs, Floradix Herbal Extracts, 90 Tabs TakeHerb: Iron Chelate, Source Naturals, 25 mg, 250 Tabs

ALFALFA SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Alfalfa Leaf, Powder & Sprouting Seed, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Bulk Herbs Kalyx: Alfalfa, Thompson Nutritional, 500 mg, 180 Tabs Kalyx: Alfalfa Sprouting Seed, Certified Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 4 oz. Kalyx: Alfalfa Mint Herbal Tea Blend, Certified Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Alfalfa Leaf, Cut & Sifted, Certified Organic, Frontier Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Alfalfa Juice Extract Powder, 50% Protein, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Leaf, Organic, Cut & Sifted, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Leaf Powder, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Leaf Tea, Alvita Teas, 30 Bags HerbsPro: Alfalco Alfalfa Tonic, Boericke & Tafel, 8 fl oz. HerbsPro: Alfalfa, Organic, Natures Answer, Alcohol Free, 1 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Extract, Eclectic Institute, 2 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Extract, Herb Pharm, 4 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Alfafa, Single Herb, Dr. Christophers Original Formulas, 100 Caps TakeHerb: Alfalfa Herb, NOW Foods, 10 Grain, 250 Tabs TakeHerb: Alfalfa Powder, NOW Foods, 1 lb

DANDELION PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Dandelion Root, Powder & Roasted, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Bulk Herbs Mountain Rose Herbs: Dandelion Leaf, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Kalyx: Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale), 500 mg, 100 Caps Kalyx: Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale), 500 mg, 500 Caps Kalyx: Dandelion Root Powder, Certified Organic (Taraxacum officinale), 4 oz. Kalyx: Dandelion Leaf, Herbal Extracts Plus, 600 mg, 90 VCaps TakeHerb: Dandelion Leaf Tea Organic, Celebration Herbals, 24 Bags TakeHerb: Dandelion Root Tea, Alvita Teas, 30 Bags TakeHerb: Dandelion Extract, Eclectic Herb, 2 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Dandelion Root Powder, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb TakeHerb: Organic Roasted Dandelion Root Tea, Traditional Medicinals, 16 Bags TakeHerb: Dandelion Root Extract, Alcohol Free, Nature's Answer, 1 oz. TakeHerb: Dandelion Root, Healthier Gall Bladder, Nature's Way, 1620 mg, 180 VCaps TakeHerb: Dandelion Root, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 Caps

NETTLE SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Nettle Leaf, Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs Mountain Rose Herbs: Nettle Leaf Powder, Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs Mountain Rose Herbs: Nettle Root, Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs Mountain Rose Herbs: Nettle Root Powder, Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs Kalyx: Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica), Cut & Sifted, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica), Cut & Sifted, Organic, Frontier Bulk Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Nettle Leaf Powder (Urtica dioica), Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Nettle Root (Urtica dioica), Cut & Sifted, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Nettle Root (Urtica dioica), Cut & Sifted, Organic, Frontier Bulk Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Nettle Root Powder (Urtica dioica), Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Nettle Root Power, Natures Herbs, 60 Caps HerbsPro: Nettle Leaf Tea, Alvita, 24 Tea Bags HerbsPro: Organic Nettle Leaf Tea, Traditional Medicinals Tea, 16 Bags HerbsPro: Nettle Blend Extract, Herb Pharm, 1 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Nettle Glycerite Extract, Alcohol Free, Herb Pharm, 1 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Nettle Blend Extract, Herb Pharm, 4 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Nettle Glycerite Extract, Alcohol Free, Herb Pharm, 4 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Stinging Nettle Leaf, Enzymatic Therapy, 600 mg, 90 Caps HerbsPro: Nettle Root Extract, Now Foods, 250 mg, 90 VCaps HerbsPro: Nettle Root Power, Natures Herbs, 60 Caps House of Nutrition: Nettle Blend Extract (Urtica dioica), Herb Pharm, 8 fl. oz. House of Nutrition: Nettle Leaves, Solaray, 450 mg, 180 Caps House of Nutrition: Nettle Herb, Natures Way, 870 mg, 100Caps TakeHerb: Nettles, Freeze Dried, Allergen Exposure Support, Oregon's Wild Harvest, 90 VCaps TakeHerb: Nettles Leaf, Cut & Sifted, Wildcrafted, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb.

MAGNESIUM: Magnesium deficiencies are associated with preeclampsia, and preterm labor. Supplementation must be in the first trimester to positively affect birthweight and size. Researchers think that magnesium may act by opposing calcium-dependent arterial vasoconstriction, and also prevent cell damage and death, making magnesium sulfate the "drug of choice" in the treatment of pre-eclampsia. In general, supplementation may reduce the complications of pregnancy and improve the health of the infant. In studies, magnesium-treated women had a 29.5 percent reduction in the risk of hospitalization, as well as a 37 percent reduction in per capita hospital days. Food sources are honey, almonds, barley, dried fruits, and potatoes. Herbs are dandelion, alfalfa, and watercress (avoid in first trimester), as well as dulse (seaweed). Magnesium-Calcium should be taken with 1 part magnesium to 2 parts Calcium (e.g., 250 mg / 500 mg)

Magnesium: 300 mg per day, RDA
Nursing: 355 mg per day
Food Sources: Almonds, Barley, Dried Fruits, Honey, Potatoes
Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, Dandelion, Dulse

MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Magnesium

MAGNESIUM PRODUCTS Kalyx: Magnesium, Thompson Nutritional, 100 mg, 120 Tabs Kalyx: Magnesium, TwinLab, 400 mg, 100 Caps Kalyx: Magnesium, TwinLab, 400 mg, 200 Caps Kalyx: Magnesium Chloride Liquid, Nutricology, 8 oz. Kalyx: Magnesium Citrate Powder, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Magnesium Citrate Powder, Frontier Natural, 1 lb. Kalyx: Magnesium Malate, Thompson Nutritional, 400 mg, 120 Tabs HerbsPro: Chelated Magnesium, Country Life, 250 mg, 180 Tabs HerbsPro: Buried Treasure Liquid Magnesium, 16 oz. HerbsPro: Bone Builder With Magnesium Glycinate, Ethical Nutrients, 220 Tabs TakeHerb: Chelated Magnesium, Solgar, 400 mg, 100 Tabs TakeHerb: Chelated Magnesium, Solgar, 400 mg, 250 Tabs TakeHerb: Magnesium Blend Liquid, Orange Vanilla, Lifetime, 16 fl. oz.

ALFALFA SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Alfalfa Leaf, Powder & Sprouting Seed, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Bulk Herbs Kalyx: Alfalfa, Thompson Nutritional, 500 mg, 180 Tabs Kalyx: Alfalfa Sprouting Seed, Certified Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 4 oz. Kalyx: Alfalfa Mint Herbal Tea Blend, Certified Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Alfalfa Leaf, Cut & Sifted, Certified Organic, Frontier Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Alfalfa Juice Extract Powder, 50% Protein, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Leaf, Organic, Cut & Sifted, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Leaf Powder, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Leaf Tea, Alvita Teas, 30 Bags HerbsPro: Alfalco Alfalfa Tonic, Boericke & Tafel, 8 fl oz. HerbsPro: Alfalfa, Organic, Natures Answer, Alcohol Free, 1 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Extract, Eclectic Institute, 2 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Extract, Herb Pharm, 4 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Alfafa, Single Herb, Dr. Christophers Original Formulas, 100 Caps TakeHerb: Alfalfa Herb, NOW Foods, 10 Grain, 250 Tabs TakeHerb: Alfalfa Powder, NOW Foods, 1 lb

DANDELION PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Dandelion Root, Powder & Roasted, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Bulk Herbs Mountain Rose Herbs: Dandelion Leaf, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Kalyx: Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale), 500 mg, 100 Caps Kalyx: Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale), 500 mg, 500 Caps Kalyx: Dandelion Root Powder, Certified Organic (Taraxacum officinale), 4 oz. Kalyx: Dandelion Leaf, Herbal Extracts Plus, 600 mg, 90 VCaps TakeHerb: Dandelion Leaf Tea Organic, Celebration Herbals, 24 Bags TakeHerb: Dandelion Root Tea, Alvita Teas, 30 Bags TakeHerb: Dandelion Extract, Eclectic Herb, 2 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Dandelion Root Powder, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb TakeHerb: Organic Roasted Dandelion Root Tea, Traditional Medicinals, 16 Bags TakeHerb: Dandelion Root Extract, Alcohol Free, Nature's Answer, 1 oz. TakeHerb: Dandelion Root, Healthier Gall Bladder, Nature's Way, 1620 mg, 180 VCaps TakeHerb: Dandelion Root, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 Caps

KELP-SEAWEED PRODUCTS HerbsPro: Kelp Powder, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Norwegian Kelp, Country Life, 225 mcg, 300 Tabs House of Nutrition: Atlantic Kelp, Natures Life, 6 oz. TakeHerb: Kelp Extract, Health Herbs, 2 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Kelp Powder, Norweigian, Now Foods, 8 oz. TakeHerb: Kelp, Natures Way, Natural Iodine Source, 660 mg, 100 Caps/a>

POTASSIUM: Potassium levels may be deficient in pregnancy, with lowest concentrations in women with eclampsia. Supplementation is recommended. Food sources are bananas, potatoes (especially peels), olives, bran, and green leafy vegetables. Herbs are nettles, dandelion, alfalfa, and chamomile.

Food Sources: Bananas, Bran, Green Leafy Vegetables, Olives, Potatoes (especially peels)
Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, Chamomile, Dandelion, Nettles

MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Potassium

POTASSIUM PRODUCTS Kalyx: Potassium Citrate, Nutricology, 99 mg, 120 Caps HerbsPro: Potassium Chelate, Natures Way, 99 mg, 100 Caps HerbsPro: Potassium Gluconate, 100% Pure Powder, Vegetarian, Now Foods, 540 mg, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Potassium Gluconate, Now Foods, 99 mg, 250 Tabs HerbsPro: Potassium Chloride Powder, Sodium-Free Salt Substitute, 730 mg, 8 oz. HerbsPro: Potassium Citrate, Skeletal Health Support, Jarrow Formulas, 99 mg, 120 Tabs HerbsPro: Liqui-K Plus, Potassium & Magnesium, TwinLab, 99mg / 100 mg, 16 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Ultra Potassium, Nerve Function Maintenance, Source Naturals, 99 mg, 200 Tabs House of Nutrition: BodyBio/E-Lyte 1 Potassium, Trace Minerals, 4 oz. House of Nutrition: Mega-Potassium Liqui-Mins, Trace Minerals, 60 mg, 4 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Potassium Plus, Enzymatic Therapy, Natural From Oranges & Bananas, Vegetarian, 90 Tabs TakeHerb: Liquid K - Liquid Potassium, TwinLab, 16 fl. oz.

ALFALFA SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Alfalfa Leaf, Powder & Sprouting Seed, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Bulk Herbs Kalyx: Alfalfa, Thompson Nutritional, 500 mg, 180 Tabs Kalyx: Alfalfa Sprouting Seed, Certified Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 4 oz. Kalyx: Alfalfa Mint Herbal Tea Blend, Certified Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Alfalfa Leaf, Cut & Sifted, Certified Organic, Frontier Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Alfalfa Juice Extract Powder, 50% Protein, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Leaf, Organic, Cut & Sifted, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Leaf Powder, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Leaf Tea, Alvita Teas, 30 Bags HerbsPro: Alfalco Alfalfa Tonic, Boericke & Tafel, 8 fl oz. HerbsPro: Alfalfa, Organic, Natures Answer, Alcohol Free, 1 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Extract, Eclectic Institute, 2 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Alfalfa Extract, Herb Pharm, 4 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Alfafa, Single Herb, Dr. Christophers Original Formulas, 100 Caps TakeHerb: Alfalfa Herb, NOW Foods, 10 Grain, 250 Tabs TakeHerb: Alfalfa Powder, NOW Foods, 1 lb

GERMAN CHAMOMILE SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Chamomile, Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs TakeHerb: Chamomile Flowers Powder, Organic German Chamomile, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. TakeHerb: German Chamomile Flower, Whole, Frontier, 0.86 oz. TakeHerb: German Chamomile Flowers, Whole, Frontier, 1 lb. TakeHerb: German Chamomile Oil, Starwest Botanicals, 1/6 oz. TakeHerb: German Chamomile Oil, Starwest Botanicals, 4 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Organic German Chamomile Tea, Herbal Calmative & Digestive, Traditional Medicinals, 16 Bags

DANDELION PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Dandelion Root, Powder & Roasted, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Bulk Herbs Mountain Rose Herbs: Dandelion Leaf, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Kalyx: Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale), 500 mg, 100 Caps Kalyx: Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale), 500 mg, 500 Caps Kalyx: Dandelion Root Powder, Certified Organic (Taraxacum officinale), 4 oz. Kalyx: Dandelion Leaf, Herbal Extracts Plus, 600 mg, 90 VCaps TakeHerb: Dandelion Leaf Tea Organic, Celebration Herbals, 24 Bags TakeHerb: Dandelion Root Tea, Alvita Teas, 30 Bags TakeHerb: Dandelion Extract, Eclectic Herb, 2 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Dandelion Root Powder, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb TakeHerb: Organic Roasted Dandelion Root Tea, Traditional Medicinals, 16 Bags TakeHerb: Dandelion Root Extract, Alcohol Free, Nature's Answer, 1 oz. TakeHerb: Dandelion Root, Healthier Gall Bladder, Nature's Way, 1620 mg, 180 VCaps TakeHerb: Dandelion Root, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 Caps

NETTLE SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Nettle Leaf, Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs Mountain Rose Herbs: Nettle Leaf Powder, Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs Mountain Rose Herbs: Nettle Root, Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs Mountain Rose Herbs: Nettle Root Powder, Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs Kalyx: Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica), Cut & Sifted, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica), Cut & Sifted, Organic, Frontier Bulk Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Nettle Leaf Powder (Urtica dioica), Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Nettle Root (Urtica dioica), Cut & Sifted, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Nettle Root (Urtica dioica), Cut & Sifted, Organic, Frontier Bulk Herbs, 1 lb. Kalyx: Nettle Root Powder (Urtica dioica), Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Kalyx: Nettle Root Power, Natures Herbs, 60 Caps HerbsPro: Nettle Leaf Tea, Alvita, 24 Tea Bags HerbsPro: Organic Nettle Leaf Tea, Traditional Medicinals Tea, 16 Bags HerbsPro: Nettle Blend Extract, Herb Pharm, 1 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Nettle Glycerite Extract, Alcohol Free, Herb Pharm, 1 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Nettle Blend Extract, Herb Pharm, 4 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Nettle Glycerite Extract, Alcohol Free, Herb Pharm, 4 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Stinging Nettle Leaf, Enzymatic Therapy, 600 mg, 90 Caps HerbsPro: Nettle Root Extract, Now Foods, 250 mg, 90 VCaps HerbsPro: Nettle Root Power, Natures Herbs, 60 Caps House of Nutrition: Nettle Blend Extract (Urtica dioica), Herb Pharm, 8 fl. oz. House of Nutrition: Nettle Leaves, Solaray, 450 mg, 180 Caps House of Nutrition: Nettle Herb, Natures Way, 870 mg, 100Caps TakeHerb: Nettles, Freeze Dried, Allergen Exposure Support, Oregon's Wild Harvest, 90 VCaps TakeHerb: Nettles Leaf, Cut & Sifted, Wildcrafted, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb.

ZINC: Zinc is required for proper fetal growth and immunity. Plasma zinc levels decline about 30 percent during pregnancy, and low zinc intake is associated with spontaneous abortion and premature delivery, as well as complications and labor abnormalities. Low zinc was also associated with the specific complication of fetal distress, and may be associated with ONS abnormalities in infants, including neural tube defects, as well as low birthweight infants and toxemia of pregnancy. Supplementation, especially if zinc levels are low, is recommended to reduce the risk of fetal and maternal complications. In one study, complications during labor (vaginal bleeding, fetal acidosis, uterine inertia) were improved. Another study showed a lower incidence of pregnancy-induced hypertension (which is associated with pre-eclampsia and preterm labor). Some food sources of zinc are oysters, beets, broccoli, wheat germ, wheat bran, fish, and lentils; and watercress (not in the first trimester).

Zinc: 15 mg per day, RDA
Food Sources: Beets, Broccoli, Fish, Lentils, Oysters, Wheat Bran and Wheat Germ

MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Zinc

ZINC SUPPLEMENT PRODUCTS Kalyx: Zinc, TwinLab, 30 mg, 100 Caps Kalyx: Zinc, TwinLab, 50 mg, 180 Caps Kalyx: Zinc & Echinacea, Quantum, 48 Cherry Flavored Lozenges HerbsPro: Zinc Orotate, NCI (Dr. Hans Nieper), 60 mg, 200 Tabs HerbsPro: Zinc High Potency, Thompson Nutritional Products, 50 mg, 60 Tabs HerbsPro: Zinc Plus, Olympian Labs, 30 mg, 100 Caps HerbsPro: Opti L-Zinc, Now Foods, 30 mg, 100 Caps HerbsPro: Zinc Lozenges, FoodScience of Vermont, 23 mg, 60 Lozenges HerbsPro: Ultimate Zinc - C, NOW Foods, 100 Lozenges HerbsPro: Zinc Gluconate, NOW Foods, 50 mg, 100 Tabs TakeHerb: Wellness Zinc Lozenges With Vitamin C (Zinc Ascorbate), Source Naturals, 23 mg / 30 mg, 120 Tabs TakeHerb: Wellness Zinc Throat Spray, Source Naturals, 2 oz. TakeHerb: Zinc Plus, Olympian Labs, 30 mg, 100 Caps TakeHerb: OptiZinc, Zinc Monomethionine Complex, Source Naturals, 240 Tabs

WHEAT GERM PRODUCTS Kalyx: Wheat Germ, Natural, Raw, Bobs Red Mill, 4 Packages, 16 oz. per package Amazon: Bobs Red Mill Wheat Germ, 1 Package, 16 oz.

BIOFLAVONOIDS: When women who chronically abort were placed on citrus bioflavonoids daily as soon as a period was missed, many stopped aborting. One study demonstrated that previously Rh immunized mothers treated with bioflavonoids during their pregnancy delivered babies who were less erythroblastotic than expected. (See Vitamin C Supplements above for some recommended products.)

MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Bioflavonoids

BIOFLAVONOID PRODUCTS Kalyx: Ester- C Powder With Citrus Bioflavonoids, American Health, 8 oz. HerbsPro: Ester-C With Citrus Bioflavonoids, American Health, 1000 mg, 180 VTabs HerbsPro: Bioflavonoids Complex Liquid, Organic With Rosehips, 8 fl. oz. House of Nutrition: Vitamin C-1000 With Bioflavonoids, Natures Way, 1000 mg, 250 VCaps House of Nutrition: Ester-C Powder With Citrus Bioflavonoids (Vegeterian), American Health, 8 oz. House of Nutrition: Natural Factors Citrus Bioflavonoids, 650 mg, 90 Caps House of Nutrition: Citrus Bioflavonoids Complex, Carlsons, 500 mg, 100 Tabs TakeHerb: Alive! Organic Vitamin C Powder, Made With Organic Fruit, Nature's Way, 120 grams TakeHerb: Vitamin C-500 Complex With Bioflavonoids, Acerola & RoseHips, NOW Foods, 100 Tabs

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS (EFAs): Essential fatty acids have a unique role during pregnancy because of the rapid development of new cell growth, new tissues, and new organ systems in a developing fetus. Fetal development is associated with a high EFA requirement, and this supply is dependent on the amount and availability of EFAs from the mother.

Prostaglandins are also involved in the development and clinical expression of pre-eclampsia. These prostaglandins are modulators of vascular smooth muscle tone and platelet aggregation (blood platelets sticking together). Pre-eclampsia is characterized by increased vasoconstriction, frequently associated with increased platelet aggregation, reduced uteroplacental blood flow, and premature delivery. In a placebo-controlled clinical trial, a group of pregnant women receiving a combination of evening primrose oil and fish had a significantly lower incidence of edema. Evening primrose oil has also been shown effective in preventing pregnancy-induced hypertension (associated with pre-eclampsia and preterm labor).

There is some evidence that EPO, taken both orally and vaginally can be used to promote cervical ripening. Clinically, EPO supplementation during pregnancy has been found by practitioners of natural childbirth to be an efficacious method to stimulate cervical ripening during labor, and PGE1 is known to stimulate cervical ripening and hasten the progression of labor. Although practitioners using this supplement report no adverse effects, a retrospective trial comparing the oil to no supplement did not note a difference between groups and there was a suggestion that there was an increased incidence of premature rupture of membranes, labor augmentation, and assisted vaginal delivery in the evening primrose group.

The main food sources of essential fatty acids are raw seeds and nuts or fish. Whole and ground flax seeds or the purified flax seed oil are excellent sources of the two essential oils, linoleic acid and linolenic acid. Borage oil and Black Current oil can be taken in capsule form as nutritional supplements.

Maternal levels of omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, decrease during pregnancy. EFAs are components of breast milk and maternal levels may be reduced further in nursing women. For the fetus, a deficiency of EFAs, particularly EPA and DHA, may lead to a poorly developed central nervous system. EFA deficiency may also lead to intrauterine growth retardation leading to a lower whole body weight and slower growth of the brain. Supplementation with a daily complex of essential fatty acids and fish oils during pregnancy provides vital nutrients that supply the necessary EFAs for the increased nutritional and metabolic demand throughout the nine months of gestation.

Several trials have been conducted to study the effects of fish oil supplementation on the duration of pregnancy. In one such study, fish oil was investigated for its effects on pregnancy duration, birthweight, intrauterine growth restriction and pregnancy induced hypertension: 2.7 g/day of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation was compared to an olive oil and/or no supplement. The fish oil supplemented pregnancies lasted 4 days longer and birthweight was 107 gm greater. Fish oil also appeared to be related to a reduction in the risk of preterm delivery in those women who had a previous preterm delivery. There was no effect of fish oil on intrauterine growth restriction or pregnancy induced hypertension.

Although research clearly shows that moderate EFA supplementation is beneficial and safe for pregnant women, caution should be exercised when consuming large doses. Also, there may be some caution about increased fish intake due to the mercury content. Fish like shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish and tuna have higher mercury content than other fish.

MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Essential Fatty Acids

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS PRODUCTS FLAX SEED Mountain Rose Herbs: Flax Meal & Whole Flax Seed, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. TakeHerb: Organic Essential Whole Flaxseed, Spectrum Naturals, 15 oz. TakeHerb: Organic Essential Ground Flaxseed, Spectrum Naturals, 15 oz. TakeHerb: Flax Seed, FiProFLAX Sprouted, Health From The Sun, 16 oz. TakeHerb: Organic Roasted Flaxseed, Spectrum Essentials, 12 oz. TakeHerb: Organic Ground Flaxseed With Mixed Berries, Spectrum Essentials, 12 oz. BORAGE OIL HerbsPro: Flax-Borage Combo, Organic, Health From The Sun, 90 Caps HerbsPro: Mega-Gla 300 Borage Seed Oil, Source Naturals, 120 Softgels HerbsPro: Borage Oil, Natures Way, 1000 mg, 60 Softgels BLACK CURRANT OIL HerbsPro: Black Currant Oil, Health From The Sun, 1000 mg, 60 Caps HerbsPro: Black Currant Oil, Health From The Sun, Hexane Free, 500 mg, 180 Caps SALMON FISH OIL Kalyx: Salmon Oil, American Health, 1000 mg, 120 Softgels HerbsPro: Salmon Oil, NOW Foods, 1000 mg, 250 Softgels TakeHerb: Wholemega Fish Oil, Derived From Extra Virgin Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil, New Chapter, 1000 mg, 180 Softgels TakeHerb: Wholemega Fish Oil, Derived From Extra Virgin Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil, New Chapter, 1000 mg, 120 Softgels TakeHerb: Wholemega Fish Oil, Derived From Extra Virgin Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil, New Chapter, 1000 mg, 30 Softgels TakeHerb: Wholemega Fish Oil, Derived From Extra Virgin Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil, New Chapter, 500 mg, 180 Softgels TakeHerb: Wholemega Fish Oil, Derived From Extra Virgin Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil, New Chapter, 500 mg, 90 Softgels TakeHerb: Wholemega Prenatal Fish Oil, 3 Servings of Wild Alaskan Salmon, New Chapter, 500 mg, 90 Softgels TakeHerb: Alaskan Salmon Oil, Citrus, Healthy Brain & Heart, Nordic Naturals, 8 oz. TakeHerb: Alaskan Salmon Oil, Citrus, Healthy Brain & Heart, Nordic Naturals, 90 Softgels

COENZYME Q-10 (CoQ10): Coenzyme Q10 is a fat soluble quinone occurring in the mitochondria of every cell, whose primary biochemical action is as a cofactor in the electron transport chain on which most cellular functions rely, making it "essential for the health of virtually all human tissues and organs." Plasma levels of this enzyme rise during normal pregnancy, reaching highs of 50 percent above normal by the 36th week. Decreased levels have been linked in studies to spontaneous abortion and threatened abortion, particularly before 12 weeks.

MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: CoEnzyme Q-10 / CoQ10

COENZYME Q-10 (COQ10) PRODUCTS Kalyx: Super CoQ10, TwinLab, 50 mg, 60 Caps Kalyx: CoEnzyme Q-10, Natrol, Time Release, 100 mg, 30 VCaps Kalyx: CoEnzyme Q-10, Natrol, 200 mg, 45 Softgels Kalyx: CoEnzyme Q-10, Natrol, 50 mg, 60 Caps HerbsPro: Coenzyme Q10, Vegan, 25 mg, 60 Tabs HerbsPro: Coenzyme Q10 Sublingual, Peppermint, Source Naturals, 30 mg, 120 Tabs HerbsPro: Coenzyme Q10, Source Naturals, 30 mg, 120 Softgels HerbsPro: Coenzyme Q10 Sublingual, Peppermint, Source Naturals, 60 mg, 120 Tabs HerbsPro: Coenzyme Q10, Source Naturals, 75 mg, 120 Caps HerbsPro: Coenzyme Q10, Source Naturals, 100 mg, 90 Softgels HerbsPro: Coenzyme Q10, Ultra Potency, Source Naturals, 125 mg, 60 Caps HerbsPro: Coenzyme Q10, Source Naturals, 200 mg, 60 Softgels HerbsPro: Coenzyme Q10, Source Naturals, 400 mg, 60 Softgels HerbsPro: CoQ10 Clinical Strength, Healthy Origins, 300 mg, 150 Softgels HerbsPro: CoQ10, 100% Natural, Healthy Origins, 200 mg, 150 Softgels HerbsPro: CoQ10, Now Foods, 100 mg, 150 Softgels HerbsPro: CoQ10 Chewmelt, FoodScience of Vermont, 100 mg, 60 Tabs HerbsPro: CoQ10, Enzymatic Therapy, 60 mg, 60 Tabs HerbsPro: CoQ10 Liquid, Dynamic Health Labs, 50 mg, 8 fl. oz. HerbsPro: CoQ10, Enzymatic Therapy, 50 mg, 120 Softgels HerbsPro: CoQ10, Enzymatic Therapy, 30 mg, 60 Softgels

METHIONINE / SAM-e: Methionine is a component of many proteins, serving as a source of available sulfur for synthesizing both cysteine and taurine, crucial to cellular metabolism. Supplementation with methionine in mice reduced neural tube defects by 47 percent, and also positively affected birthweight and size. SAM-e (S-Adenosyl-Methionine) is a supplement formed in the body by an enzymatic reaction between adenosine-triphosphate (ATP) and methionine. SAM-e (S-Adenosyl-Methionine) was discovered in 1952 in Italy and has been researched and manufactured there. SAM-e works closely with folic acid and vitamin B-12.

MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Methionine / L-Methionine / SAM-e

METHIONINE / L-METHIONINE / SAM-e PRODUCTS METHIONINE HerbsPro: L-Methionine, Nutricology, 500 mg, 100 Caps HerbsPro: L-Methionine, Now Foods, 500 mg, 100 Caps TakeHerb: L-Methionine Powder, Source Naturals, 100 grams, 3.53 oz. TakeHerb: L-Methionine Powder, Carlson Lab, 100 grams TakeHerb: L-Methionine, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 Caps TakeHerb: L-Methionine, Carlson Lab, 500 mg, 100 Caps TakeHerb: L-Methionine, Solgar, 500 mg, 90 VCaps SAM-e Kalyx: SAM-e, Natrol, 200 mg, 20 Tabs Kalyx: SAM-e, FoodScience Labs, 200 mg, 60 Tabs HerbsPro: SAM-e, NOW Foods, 100 mg, 60 Tabs HerbsPro: SAM-e, NOW Foods, 200 mg, 60 Tabs HerbsPro: SAM-e, NOW Foods, 400 mg, 60 Tabs TakeHerb: SAM-e 400 Double Strength, Enteric Coated Suitable For Vegetarians, Doctor's Best, 400 mg, 30 Tabs TakeHerb: SAM-e, Health Herbs, 800 mg, 30 Caps

PHOSPHATIDYL CHOLINE (PC): PC is a primary component of lecithin, sometimes referred to as pure lecithin, from which dietary choline is derived. Dietary choline, after absorption by the intestinal mucosa, is metabolized in the liver to choline, a critical nutrient for brain and nerve development and function. In mammals, amniotic fluid has a ten-fold greater concentration of choline than that in maternal blood and at birth, all mammals studied have plasma choline concentrations much higher than those found in adults. When rats were supplemented with choline, the spatial memory of their offspring was permanently enhanced, they showed more accurate performance on both working and reference memory components of tasks. From these studies, researchers believe that choline is critical for optimal brain development, and therefore supplementation is suggested. Lecithin consists of Choline, Inositol, Linoleic Acid, and as a fat emulsifier in relieving arteriosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, brain function, proper nerve function, and maintains proper electrical energy and nutrients transfer across the cell membranes. Lecithin, a derivative of the soy bean, is needed by the brain to function properly, and helps to break down fatty cholesterol deposits in the body. Lecithin contains phosphorus and stimulates the metabolism. Lecithin is also found in fertile eggs, soy products and, in small amounts, in all vegetables which have been vine ripened.

MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Choline

LECITHIN / CHOLINE / PHOSPHOTIDYL CHOLINE PRODUCTS Kalyx: Lecithin 21 Grain, Schiff, 250 Softgels Kalyx: Lecithin Powder, Dutch Valley, 5 lbs. Kalyx: Lecithin Granules, Dutch Valley, 5 lbs. Kalyx: Lecithin Granules, Frontier Natural, 1 lb. Kalyx: Lecithin Powder, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. HerbsPro: Super Choline, TwinLab, 120 Caps HerbsPro: Phosphatidyl Choline, Country Life, 1200 mg, 200 Softgels HerbsPro: Phosphatidyl Choline, In Lecithin, Source Naturals, 420 mg, 180 Softgels HerbsPro: Lecithin Granules, Country Life, 16 oz. HerbsPro: Lecithin, Now Foods, 1200 mg, 400 Softgels HerbsPro: Lecithin Liquid, Fearn Natural Foods, 32 oz.

TAURINE: Taurine is an amino acid found widely distributed in foods of animal origin (but not milk or milk products). Taurine is biosynthesized from methionine or from cysteine during the metabolic process, and disturbances in enzymatic reactions that take place in this process can lead to mental retardation. Vegetarian mothers who consume no meat products during their pregnancy, and therefore have a low-taurine diet, as well as others on a protein, methionine, or B6 deficient diet might be at particular risk. Although dietary deficiency of taurine has not been demonstrated to impact fetal development in humans, researchers recommend that vegetarian women who intend to have children optimize dietary levels of protein and B-6, since there is no taurine present in plants and vegetables. Meat-eaters are advised to eat only organic or "free range" animals, in order to avoid the high concentrations of hormones and pesticides found in animal products raised in farm "factories."

MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Taurine / L-Taurine

TAURINE PRODUCTS Kalyx: L-Taurine, Nutricology, Pure Free Form Amino Acid, 1000 mg, 250 Caps Kalyx: L-Taurine, Nutricology, Pure Free Form Amino Acid, 500 mg, 100 Caps Kalyx: Mega Taurine, TwinLab, 1000 mg, 50 Caps HerbsPro: L-Taurine, Antioxidant Amino Acid, Jarrow Formulas, 1000 mg, 100 Caps HerbsPro: Taurine, Now Foods, 1000 mg 100 Caps HerbsPro: Taurine, Source Naturals, 1000 mg, 120 Caps HerbsPro: Taurine, Source Naturals, 1000 mg, 240 Caps HerbsPro: Taurine, Now Foods, 500 mg, 100 Caps HerbsPro: Taurine, Source Naturals, 500 mg, 120 Tabs HerbsPro: Taurine Powder, Source Naturals, 100 gm, 3.53 oz. HerbsPro: Taurine Powder, Now Foods, 8 oz. House of Nutrition: American Biologic Taurine Plus Drops, 1 oz. TakeHerb: Taurine Powder, Life Extension, 300 grams

PRENATAL SUPPLEMENT PRODUCTS House of Nutrition: Completia Prenatal, Nature's Way, 240 Tabs House of Nutrition: Early Promise Prenatal Micronutrient Powder, Bluebonnet, Chocolate Flavor, 1.1 lb. House of Nutrition: Buried Treasure's Prenatal Plus DHA Complete, 16 oz. House of Nutrition: New Chapter's Perfect Prenatal, 96 Tabs Kalyx: Complete Prenatal System, Rainbow Light, 180 Tabs Kalyx: Complete Prenatal System, Rainbow Light, 360 Tabs Complete Prenatal System multivitamin is the #1 selling prenatal formula in the health foods industry. The most comprehensive, intelligently formulated product available to support the vibrant health of your baby and yourself, these formulas include a complete range of the nutrients women and developing babies need, including folic acid, with whole foods and herbs to ease digestion.

REFERENCES:

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Source: Pregnancy and the Use of Nutritional Supplements - Women's Health Update
Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, Jan, 2002 by Tori Hudson
Bibliography for "Pregnancy and the Use of Nutritional Supplements - Women's Health Update"
Tori Hudson "Pregnancy and the Use of Nutritional Supplements - Women's Health Update". Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients. Jan 2002. FindArticles.com. 14 Jul. 2007.



NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...

You or your family member has symptoms of placenta previa. Report any bleeding immediately to your midwife or health care provider. Call 9-1-1 and immediately transport to the emergency facility at your local hospital if you start bleeding. This is an emergency! The mother and the baby's life may be in danger and death may occur if it isn't treated.

HELPFUL ORGANIZATIONS FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PLACENTA PREVIA AND TREATMENTS

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
409 12th Street, S.W., P.O. Box 96920
Washington, DC 20090-6920
Phone: 1-800-673-8444
(202) 638-5577
E-mail: resources@acog.org
Web Address: http://www.acog.org
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) is a nonprofit organization of professionals who provide health care for women. The ACOG Resource Center publishes manuals and patient education materials. The Web site has information on many women's health topics, including quitting smoking.

SHARE: Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support
C/o St. Joseph's Health Center
300 First Capitol Drive
St. Charles, MO 63301-2893
Phone: 1-800-821-6819
(636) 947-6164
Fax: (636) 947-7486
E-mail: share@nationalshareoffice.com
Web Address: http://www.nationalshareoffice.com
This organization provides mutual support for bereaved parents and families who have suffered a loss due to miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death. SHARE provides newsletters, pen pals, and information regarding professionals, caregivers, and pastoral care.

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MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information: Miscarriage (Spontaneous Abortion)

MoonDragon's Guidelines: Retained Placenta

MoonDragon's Parenting: Placenta Disposal Rituals & Recipes

MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information: Placenta Abruption

MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information: Placenta Anatomy & Physiology

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