My GP says if I am eating a good diet, I do not need to take vitamins?

In our view, even if you have a healthy diet – which many people don’t these days, with missed, hurried and convenience meals – you may not be be sure you are getting the vitamins and minerals you need. Not least because intensive food production has stripped many foods of a lot of their nourishment. In our opinion, a good multi-vitamin and mineral supplement is extremely valuable during pregnancy, if only as an insurance policy.

Is it OK to keep on taking Vital Essence 2 when I am into the 3rd Trimester?

It’s perfectly fine to keep on using Vital Essence 2 for a few weeks after the end of the 2nd trimester, for example to finish off a bottle that you have only just started. The differences in the formulation of Vital Essence 3 are not huge, and have just been made in order to fine-tune the formulation to make it as specific as possible to the particular needs of your body as you move into this final stage of pregnancy.

What is “RDA” and why are so many of the ingredients in Vital Essence 2 higher than 100%?

“RDA” is an abbreviation of “Recommended Daily Allowance.” The RDA was devised by the Dept of Health in the UK in 1979 to provide guidance on the intake of a limited number of specific vitamins and minerals that an average adult should have daily in order to avoid a deficiency that may lead to disease or general ill-health. Whereas this was, and remains, a useful benchmark for judging the contribution that any supplement may make to reaching those minimum requirements, it wasn’t intended to represent an indication of optimum intake. You will probably have noticed that many supplements, particularly premium priced ones such as our own, contain daily levels that are frequently many times higher than the RDA, sometimes substantially so. This is because the vitamins and minerals concerned have been set at therapeutic levels in an attempt to boost the body’s store of the nutrients concerned, often for a particular and limited period of time, the need for which can of course vary depending on factors such as general health, age etc. It is universally recognised that pregnancy, and preparing for pregnancy, for example, benefit from special attention to nutrition on the part of both partners. All of the formulations within the Zita West range are well within the Government’s guidelines for what represents the upper safe limit (USL) for long term daily supplementation of any given nutrient.

What is the difference between Vital Essence 1 and 2?

The mix of certain vitamins and minerals have been modified to meet the changing demands of mother and baby during the second trimester.

Do the ingredients in Vital Essence 3 contain the RDA?

Yes – they have been approved by the HFMA and are formulated in conjunction with Department of Health guidelines.

Vital Essence 2 - Second Trimester Vitamins & Minerals

£29.95 Save £-29.95

Vital Essence 2 has been formulated to meet the specific needs of your body during weeks 13 – 28 of pregnancy. New source ingredients increase bio-availability and absorption, and each capsule is packed with specific vitamins and minerals which are particularly important for this phase of your pregnancy’s development. Now with more Vitamin C and Choline.

By the second trimester your baby’s limbs will be fully formed and the joints able to move. Eyelashes and eyebrows are beginning to grow, teeth are starting to develop in the jaw bones and fat stores are being laid down. The organs are maturing and the developing bones are continuing to ossify. The nervous system is becoming more developed and the brain is beginning to rapidly increase in size, its brain cells multiplying at an amazing 50,000 to 100,000 per second.

During this time there is a rapid period of growth for bone development which means calcium, magnesium and vitamin D are important nutrients.

Premium nutrition for mother and baby - weeks 13-28 of pregnancy
Includes the recommended 400mcg of Folate (Folic Acid)
1 month's supply from 90 capsules
Suitable for vegans

Delivery & Shipping Information

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Buy 3 or more from our Vital Essence 2 and save 10%

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Capsules
Dairy Free
Gluten Free
Vegan
Vegetarian
Yeast Free

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Who is it for?

As your pregnancy progresses it is important to make sure your vitamin and mineral intake is protected. Your appetite should return as early feelings of nausea and tiredness pass, but don’t be tempted to 'eat for two'. It is quality not quantity that counts, and excess weight gained now may be hard to shift later. Good nutrition is important for your baby’s development and for your own health during the pregnancy.

Vital Essence 2 provides everything you need to safeguard your everyday diet, including 400ug of Folate (useful for a whole range of cellular activities, not just for helping to minimise the risk of spina bifida) plus lots of protective ingredients such as Beta Carotene, Copper, Magnesium, Manganese and Zinc, all of which support normal cell division and help to protect DNA.

Directions For Use: Take one capsule three times a day with food. Should only be taken on a full stomach. Suitable for vegans. Free from artificial colours, preservatives, gluten and yeast. Non-GM. If under medical supervision, seek guidance from your medical practitioner before using this product.

What’s in it?

B-Vitamins

Female Fertility: Assists with the regulation of hormonal activity and supports female hormonal health generally.

Male Fertility: Important for the healthy functioning of the paternal immune system and regulation of hormonal activity. Also involved in the normal metabolism of protein and glycogen, plus some neurotransmitters, as well as the normal formation of red blood cells.

Pregnancy & Post Natal: Important for the normal functioning of the immune system and regulation of a mother’s hormonal activity

Vitamin C

Fertility: Important antioxidant which assists in protecting both partners' DNA from oxidative damage for healthy eggs and sperm. Also critical for the normal function of the immune system and helps with absorption of Iron

Pregnancy: Helps with the absorption of iron and supports the normal function of the nervous system and immune system

Vitamin E

Fertility: Important antioxidant that helps to protect the egg as well as sperm DNA from damage

Pregnancy & Postnatal: Essential for metabolism and the development of the nervous system throughout pregnancy and if breastfeeding

Iron

Fertility: Important for the normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin, normal oxygen transport and the proper functioning of the immune system

Pregnancy: Makes haemoglobin, the substance which carries oxygen in the blood. Women can have low Iron status entering pregnancy because of menstrual blood loss and need to build up reserves in preparation for labour. Also important for normal function of the immune system, normal cognitive function and normal cell division of the growing baby

Selenium

Female Fertility: Antioxidant that helps to protect maternal DNA, as well as proteins and lipids from oxidative damage. Also important for the normal functioning of the immune and thyroid systems

Male Fertility: Important for normal sperm production. Also helps protect DNA, and sperm membranes from oxidative damage, as well as supporting male thyroid function, which is very important for fertility

Pregnancy: A powerful antioxidant, especially important to help protect maternal DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage. Also important for the normal functioning of the mother’s immune and thyroid systems

Vitamin D

Female Fertility: Contributes to normal cell division, the normal functioning of the immune system and healthy inflammatory response, which is necessary for the fertilised egg to implant

Male Fertility: Contributes to normal cell division, the normal functioning of the immune system and healthy inflammatory response

Pregnancy: Helps your baby's bones, teeth, kidneys, heart and nervous system to develop

Post Natal: Important to help maintain a healthy inflammatory response and the normal functioning of the immune system

Magnesium

Female Fertility: Important for the synthesis of proteins and maintenance of a healthy maternal metabolism

Pregnancy: Essential for energy production, for normal neuro-transmission and for many major metabolic reactions

Lycopene

Female Fertility: Important for cell growth

Male Fertility: Has powerful anti-oxidant characteristics

CoQ10

CoQ10 is a fat-soluble compound which is important to our overall health as it is present in almost every single cell in our body. Egg cells have many times the concentration of mitochondria (responsible for energy production) as regular cells.

CoQ10 helps produce ATP which is the energy for almost every biological process in our body.

There are two forms of CoQ10 (Ubiquinone and Ubiquinol), Ubiquinone needs to be converted by the body into Ubiquinol before it can be used, whereas Ubiquinol is already active and many times more potent, meaning that optimal levels of CoQ10 can be restored more quickly and efficiently.

Myo-Inositol

Inositol is active in cell to cell communication, transmitting nerve impulses. Cells need inositol to regulate various functions mediated by hormones and it is an important component in the development and maturation of eggs.

Although inositol occurs naturally in cereals, fruits and nuts, many women with PCOS suffer from an inositol deficiency. Supplementing with myo-inositol can therefore assist in maintaining levels of this important nutrient.

Beta Carotene

Female Fertility: A good maternal store helps protect against cell mutation following conception. Safe form of delivery of extra Vitamin A as the body converts it on an "as needed" basis

Pregnancy: Helps protect, safely, against Vitamin A deficiency. Supports normal cell differentiation, normal function of the immune system as well as the normal metabolism of iron

Post Natal: Helps protect, safely, against Vitamin A deficiency and cell mutation. Supports normal function of the immune system as well as the normal metabolism of Iron. Passed on through mother’s milk

Zinc

Female Fertility: Essential for many of the body’s functions, including normal cell division. Also supports normal cognitive function and the normal metabolism of fatty acids. Zinc deficiency is often found in women with fertility problems
and in long-term users of the contraceptive pill

Male Fertility: Very important for male fertility. Needed to make the outer layer and tail of the sperm. Zinc is lost in the semen, so needs to be replenished regularly

Calcium

Female Fertility: Helps to maintain normal muscle function and neurotransmission. Also assists in maintaining a healthy digestion

Pregnancy: Needed initially for the development of the nervous system and strong healthy bones and teeth

Post Natal: Needed for the development of your baby’s nervous system and strong, healthy bones and teeth

3 capsules per day typically provide:		NRV%
Beta Carotene	4mg
Vitamin D3 1000iu	25ug	500
Vitamin E 9iu	6mg TE	50
Vitamin C	240mg	300
Thiamin (Vitamin B1)	10mg	909
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)	10mg	714
Niacin (Vitamin B3)	36mg NE	225
Vitamin B6	20mg	1429
Folate – as 5-MTHF (Vit. B9)	400ug	200
Vitamin B12	20ug	800
Biotin	200ug	400
Pantothenic Acid (Vit B5)	25mg	417
Calcium	200mg	25
Magnesium	100mg	27
Iron	18mg	129
Zinc	15mg	150
Copper	1000 ug	100
Manganese	1mg	50
Selenium	100ug	182
Chromium	15ug	37.5
Iodine	220 ug	147
Pomegranate Extract	60mg
Choline Bitartrate	50mg
N-Acetyl Cysteine	50mg
Alpha Lipoic Acid	33mg
Grapeskin Extract	25mg
Coenzyme Q10	16mg
Inositol	10mg
Lycopene	1mg
Lutein	1mg

Source Ingredients:

Calcium Citrate, Magnesium Citrate, Vegetarian Capsule Shells (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose), Calcium Carbonate, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Magnesium Oxide, Choline Bitartrate, Ferrous Fumarate, Pomegranate Hull Extract (Punica Granatum ), N-Acetyl Cysteine, Zinc Citrate, Nicotinamide, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (Vitamin 86), Calcium Pantothenate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Grape Skin Extract (Vitus vinifera ), Rice Hull Concentrate, Coenzyme Q10, Thiamine Mononitrate, Anti-caking Agents (Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide), Inositol, Riboflavin, D-Alpha Tocopheryl Succinate (Vitamin E), Sodium Alginate, Corn Starch, Modified Corn Starch, Pea Starch, Beta Carotene, Manganese Citrate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Tapioca Maltodextrin, Acacia Gum, Copper Citrate, Lutein, Sucrose, Antioxidants (Natural Mixed Tocopherols, Ascorbyl Palmitate, DL-Alpha Tocopherol, Sodium Ascorbate), Fractionated Coconut Oil, Lycopene, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Quatrefolic® 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate Glucosamine Salt, Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3), Glucose Syrup, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite, Biotin, Chromium Picolinate, Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12)

Allergy Advice
For allergens, including cereals containing gluten, see ingredients in bold.

Frequently Asked Questions

My GP says if I am eating a good diet, I do not need to take vitamins?

In our view, even if you have a healthy diet – which many people don’t these days, with missed, hurried and convenience meals – you may not be be sure you are getting the vitamins and minerals you need. Not least because intensive food production has stripped many foods of a lot of their nourishment. In our opinion, a good multi-vitamin and mineral supplement is extremely valuable during pregnancy, if only as an insurance policy.
Is it OK to keep on taking Vital Essence 2 when I am into the 3rd Trimester?

It’s perfectly fine to keep on using Vital Essence 2 for a few weeks after the end of the 2nd trimester, for example to finish off a bottle that you have only just started. The differences in the formulation of Vital Essence 3 are not huge, and have just been made in order to fine-tune the formulation to make it as specific as possible to the particular needs of your body as you move into this final stage of pregnancy.
What is “RDA” and why are so many of the ingredients in Vital Essence 2 higher than 100%?

“RDA” is an abbreviation of “Recommended Daily Allowance.” The RDA was devised by the Dept of Health in the UK in 1979 to provide guidance on the intake of a limited number of specific vitamins and minerals that an average adult should have daily in order to avoid a deficiency that may lead to disease or general ill-health. Whereas this was, and remains, a useful benchmark for judging the contribution that any supplement may make to reaching those minimum requirements, it wasn’t intended to represent an indication of optimum intake. You will probably have noticed that many supplements, particularly premium priced ones such as our own, contain daily levels that are frequently many times higher than the RDA, sometimes substantially so. This is because the vitamins and minerals concerned have been set at therapeutic levels in an attempt to boost the body’s store of the nutrients concerned, often for a particular and limited period of time, the need for which can of course vary depending on factors such as general health, age etc. It is universally recognised that pregnancy, and preparing for pregnancy, for example, benefit from special attention to nutrition on the part of both partners. All of the formulations within the Zita West range are well within the Government’s guidelines for what represents the upper safe limit (USL) for long term daily supplementation of any given nutrient.
What is the difference between Vital Essence 1 and 2?

The mix of certain vitamins and minerals have been modified to meet the changing demands of mother and baby during the second trimester.
Do the ingredients in Vital Essence 3 contain the RDA?

Yes – they have been approved by the HFMA and are formulated in conjunction with Department of Health guidelines.

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Vital Essence 2 - Second Trimester Vitamins & Minerals

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Capsules

Dairy Free

Gluten Free

Vegan

Vegetarian

Yeast Free