Complete Support Ingredients

Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)

Vitamin B9 (Levomefolate Acid)

Choline

Iron

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Vitamin B3 (Nicotinamide)

Vitamin B5 (Calcium Pantothenate)

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Coenzyme Q10

Betacarotene

Vitamin C

Vitamin D3

Biotin

Vitamin K1 and K2

Calcium

Chromium

Inositol

Iodine

Magnesium

Molybdenum

Potassium

Selenium

Silica

Zinc

Vitamin E
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Zinc (Zinc citrate dihydrate)

Zinc (Zinc citrate dihydrate) Claims

  • support hair health
  • maintains / supports immune system health
  • maintains / supports skin integrity / structure
  • maintains / supports nail health
  • maintains / supports skin regeneration
  • maintains / supports wound healing
  • maintains / supports female reproductive system health

Supports hair health

Zinc plays an important role in hair health during pregnancy. Zinc is required for hair follicle cell growth and the production of hair proteins like keratin and collagen. Pregnancy places additional demands on zinc stores which can lead to deficiency and hair issues. Zinc deficiency in pregnancy has been linked to problems like hair loss, thinning hair, and excessive postpartum hair loss. This is because zinc is needed for processes like hair follicle cell division and keratin synthesis that are necessary for healthy hair. 

Supports immune system health

Zinc plays an important role in supporting the immune system during pregnancy. It’s needed for the functioning and maturation of immune cells like T cells, B cells and natural killer cells. Zinc is also involved in cell signaling pathways that activate immune responses. It helps in the production of cytokines and antibodies that fight infection.

Pregnancy causes changes in the immune system and increases the demand for zinc. A zinc deficiency can lead to reduced activity of immune cells which can compromise immune function. This can make pregnant women more susceptible to infections.

During pregnancy, zinc is required for the development of the baby’s immune system. Supplementing with zinc can help maintain adequate zinc levels to support a healthy immune system and reduce the risk of infections in the mother and developing fetus.

Maintains and supports skin integrity and structure

Zinc is important for maintaining healthy skin during pregnancy for both the mother and her developing baby. Zinc is needed for processes like skin cell growth and wound healing. It helps maintain the integrity of skin structures like collagen and elastin that give skin its strength and elasticity. 

Zinc deficiency in pregnancy has been linked to skin issues like acne, rashes, slow wound healing and dermatitis in both mothers and newborns. Zinc supports healthy skin by activating enzymes involved in skin barrier function and moisturising the skin. 

Zinc maintains and supports nail health

During pregnancy, nails require additional nutrients, including zinc, to support healthy growth and structure. Zinc plays an important role in nail synthesis and maintenance. It helps produce keratin and elastin proteins that form the nail matrix and nail plate. Zinc is also involved in collagen synthesis which provides strength to the nails. Zinc deficiency during pregnancy has been linked to nail issues like brittle nails, splitting nails, vertical ridges and nail discoloration. Supplementing with zinc through diet or supplements can help promote healthy nail growth and structure during pregnancy by ensuring adequate zinc levels for nail function.

Zinc maintains and supports wound healing 

Zinc plays an important role in supporting wound healing. It helps regulate proteins that form structural tissue, it activates enzymes that break down dead tissue and promotes new cell growth in wounds. Pregnant women often have lower zinc levels due to increased demands from the developing baby. Supplementing with zinc through diet or supplements during pregnancy can help ensure adequate zinc levels to optimize wound healing. This is important for wounds from childbirth.

Zinc accelerates wound healing in several ways:

  • It stimulates fibroblasts, cells that produce collagen and proteins for tissue repair.
  • It activates enzymes that break down dead tissue at the wound to allow new tissue growth.
  • It supports skin cell migration and differentiation to re-epithelialise the wound and form an infection barrier.
  • It promotes blood vessel growth within healing wounds. An adequate blood supply delivers nutrients and oxygen to healing cells.
  • It maintains the extracellular matrix by supporting proteins like collagen and elastin. An intact matrix is needed for proper wound healing.

Ensuring adequate zinc levels through diet and supplements during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, can help maximise wound healing after childbirth and reduce complications.

Zinc maintains and supports female reproductive system health

Zinc plays an important role in maintaining female reproductive system health before and during pregnancy. In the preconception period, adequate zinc levels help support ovulation and egg maturation. During pregnancy, zinc is crucial for proper development of the foetus and placenta.

Zinc is needed for the synthesis of estrogen and progesterone, two key hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle and ovulation. Zinc deficiency can disrupt hormone production and signaling, leading to irregular ovulation and anovulatory cycles, making it difficult to conceive. When planning a pregnancy, ensuring adequate zinc intake through diet or supplements can help support regular ovulation and higher quality eggs for fertilisation.

After conception, zinc continues to be important for foetal development and placental function. Zinc is involved in DNA synthesis and cell division, processes that are crucial as the embryo grows and differentiates into various tissues and organs. Zinc also helps regulate genes involved in early placenta formation. The placenta relies on zinc to produce hormones that sustain the pregnancy.

In summary, adequate zinc nutrition is important for female reproductive health at all stages, from preconception efforts through a successful pregnancy. Zinc rich foods like oysters, beef, nuts and whole grains can also help meet the increased zinc demands of pregnancy and promote hair health. 

References: 

Braun, L., & Cohen, M. (2014). Herbs & Natural Supplements – An Evidence-Based Guide. Elsevier.

Gropper, S., Smith, J., & Groff, J. (2009). Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism (5th ed.). Wadsworth Cengage Learning.

Higdon, J. (2003). An evidence-based approach to vitamins and minerals health benefits and intake recommendations. Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Marshall, N. E., Abrams, B., Barbour, L. A., Catalano, P., Christian, P., Friedman, J. E., Hay, W. W., Hernandez, T. L., Krebs, N. F., Oken, E., Purnell, J. Q., Roberts, J. M., Soltani, H., Wallace, J., & Thornburg, K. L. (2022, May). The importance of nutrition in pregnancy and lactation: lifelong consequences. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 226(5), 607–632. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2021.12.035

Murray, M. (1996). Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Harmony.
Scientific Committee. (2013). Standard 1.2.7 – Nutrition, Health and Related Claims (FSANZ).

Scientific Committee. (2016). Multi Vitamin/Mineral Supplement Monograph. Health Canada.