EP 350: Am I Taking the Right Prenatal

In this episode of our podcast, we delve into the essential topic of prenatal nutrition with Ryan Woodbury, the cofounder of Needed, a company that's revolutionizing the way we think about prenatal vitamins and supplementation.

For many expecting mothers, the journey into pregnancy often brings an overwhelming amount of information about what to eat, what to avoid, and what supplements are necessary. But as Ryan explains, much of the existing prenatal nutrition information and products on the market fall short in actually meeting the real biochemical needs of women.

Ryan’s own fertility and nutrition journey led her to this important realization. Like many women, she was looking for guidance on how to nourish her body during pregnancy, but found that the mainstream prenatal vitamins didn’t offer the quality or comprehensive support needed for optimal health.

It became clear to her that a more holistic approach was needed—one that not only addressed nutrition but also supported the deeper biochemical and emotional needs of mothers-to-be.

This is where Needed comes in. The company is redefining what it means to be nourished during pregnancy by offering products that go beyond the basic requirements.

Instead of the typical one-size-fits-all approach, Needed empowers women to meet their individual nutritional needs with high-quality, carefully sourced supplements designed to fill the gaps in their diet. But what sets Needed apart is not just the quality of the products, but also their commitment to a broader vision of nourishment, which encompasses education, community support, and identifying the unique needs of each woman.

During the episode, Ryan dives deep into what to look for in a prenatal supplement. One of the most important factors is ensuring that a prenatal contains the right forms of vitamins and minerals. For example, folate should be in its methylated form, as this is the most bioavailable form that the body can easily absorb and utilize. Ryan also emphasizes the importance of the right forms of vitamin D, vitamin A, and iodine, which are crucial for supporting both the health of the baby and the mother. Another key point Ryan highlights is that many conventional prenatals don't include sufficient omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain development in the fetus.

However, Ryan also stresses that a high-quality prenatal supplement is just one piece of the puzzle. A balanced, whole-food-based diet is equally important, but even the best diet can sometimes fall short in providing all of the micronutrients needed during pregnancy. This is why thoughtful supplementation can help fill the gaps. For example, magnesium, which is crucial for muscle relaxation and sleep, is one mineral that many women are deficient in, and supplementation can help support overall well-being during pregnancy.

Ryan also addresses the importance of personalized nutrition, acknowledging that every woman's needs are different. Factors like pre-existing health conditions, activity levels, and diet can all influence the type and amount of supplementation needed. With this in mind, she encourages women to work with knowledgeable healthcare providers to create a personalized prenatal nutrition plan that fits their specific needs.

Throughout the episode, Ryan's passion for empowering women shines through. She emphasizes that nutrition during pregnancy is not just about meeting minimum requirements but about nourishing the body in a way that supports both physical health and emotional well-being. Needed isn't just about offering better products; it's about fostering a community of women who can access the knowledge and support they need to feel confident and nourished throughout their entire pregnancy journey.

In summary, this episode with Ryan Woodbury offers a comprehensive guide to prenatal nutrition, covering everything from what to look for in a quality prenatal to the importance of individualized supplementation. Needed is not only changing the prenatal game but is also empowering women to take control of their health and well-being during one of the most important times in their lives.