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, given missed, hurried or convenience meals – you can’t always be sure you are getting the vitamins and minerals you need. Not least because intensive food production and processing have stripped many foods of a lot of their nourishment. In our opinion, a good multi-vitamin and mineral supplement is valuable during pregnancy, if only as an insurance policy.

My appetite has gone off, I don’t want to eat as much. May I take Vital Essence 3 instead of food?

No, you must maintain a good diet, especially one rich in carbohydrates, during the end of pregnancy. Carbohydrates will give you fuel for labour.

What is “RDA” and why are so many of the ingredients in Vital Essence 3 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.

Vital DHA during the third trimester

During the last trimester of pregnancy, the baby goes through a period of intense development called the brain spurt. At this time, your baby’s brain will take up 70% of your calorie intake and demand for DHA is greater than ever. We strongly recommend that all our clients consider supplementing their DHA intake before and after this critical period.

Do I need prenatals in third trimester?

We recommend continuing to take prenatal vitamins throughout the third trimester. This is because there are still a number of nutritional requirements for your growing baby during this period, and taking these can support a balanced diet in ensuring your reserves are not depleted which is important going into your 4th trimester.

How can I improve my third trimester?

Firstly, ensure you are getting all the essential nutrients, we recommend taking Zita West Vital Essence 3. This supplement contains essential minerals and vitamins, as well as omega 3 fatty acids, which are important for your baby’s development. We also recommend Zita West Vital DHA , which contains omega 3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) plus zinc. It is also important to remember to look after your mental health during the third trimester. While it is natural to feel excited and anxious at the same time, it is important to take time for yourself. A massage or a warm bath can also help you to relax. We recommend Zita West Back Ease Massage Oil , a rich blend of essential oils includes jojoba oil which moisturizes your skin without leaving an oily residue. We also recommend Zita West Preconditioning Down Under from 34 weeks of pregnancy. This rich combination of natural plant oils into the tissues of the perineum daily to help keep the perineal tissue flexible, supple and elastic to reduce the risk of tearing and help to improve recovery time.

How important are vitamins in the third trimester?

In the third trimester, your baby is growing faster than ever, which means you need to ensure that your diet is packed with quality nutrients during this period. Vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, calcium, omega-3 and more are required to support your growing baby. Supporting your diet with additional vitamins in supplement form can help support you and your baby. However, we recommend taking a supplement formulates specifically for this trimester.

Can I stop taking prenatal vitamins at 36 weeks?

In the final phase of pregnancy, your child will grow faster than ever. The remaining weeks are vitally important for achieving full development. Ensuring that your nutrient reserves are not depleted can help support both you and your baby in the final weeks of pregnancy. We recommend taking nutritional supplements, alongside a balanced diet up to birth and beyond. All of the supplements in our Trimester 3 Support Pack have been designed to support the needs of you and your baby during this period. The pack also includes Vitamin D, which is now recommended for pregnant people throughout their pregnancy.

Vital Essence 3 - Third Trimester Vitamins & Minerals

¥270.00 Save ¥-270.00

Vital Essence 3 has been developed to meet the specific needs of your body in the final trimester of pregnancy. In weeks 28-40, your blood volume increase by 40% and your baby is growing faster than at any other time.

Vital Essence 3 is designed to help meet all these needs and to help you keep as fit and healthy as possible in preparation for labour, birth, and breast-feeding. The formulation contains 30 of the most important micro-nutrients for this key stage of your pregnancy, including Calcium, to help with muscle growth and nerve and muscle functions, and Magnesium to help with the synthesis of protein and healthy cell division.

Premium nutrition for mother and baby - weeks 28-40 of pregnancy
Includes the recommended 400mcg of Folate (Folic Acid)
1 month's supply from 90 capsules
Suitable for vegans

Delivery & Shipping Information

Special Offer:
Buy 3 or more from our Vital Essence 3 and save 10%

Offer not valid on subscription purchase

Capsules
Dairy Free
Gluten Free
Vegan
Vegetarian
Yeast Free

Who is it for?

Most of a baby's Calcium is deposited in this trimester as his or her bones and teeth harden. The foetus takes up Calcium at the rate of approximately 350mg a day during this stage of the pregnancy, so it is good to have a plentiful supply to prevent it being scavenged from your own skeleton. There's plenty of Iron in Vital Essence 3, helping to support your immune system and production of red blood cells in preparation for the birth.

Vital Essence 3 also has good levels of Vitamin D and Vitamin B3 and Choline to help support the structural integrity of your cell membranes. All 30 nutrients in this supplement have been carefully selected for the role they play in the 3rd trimester.

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

Biotin

Pregnancy: Important for the maintenance of cellular energy and the normal function of the nervous system.

Post Natal: The concentration of biotin in breast milk is 15 times higher than in the mother’s blood, which may suggest a link between Biotin and a baby’s growth and development

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%
Vitamin D 3 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)	400ug	200
Vitamin B12	20ug	800
Biotin	200ug	400
Pantothenic Acid (Vit B5)	25mg	417
Calcium	225mg	28
Magnesium	113mg	30
Iron	20mg	143
Zinc	15mg	150
Copper	1000ug	100
Manganese	1mg	50
Selenium	100ug	182
Chromium	20ug	50
Iodine	150ug	100
Choline Bitartrate	80mg
Pomegranate Extract	60mg
N-Acetyl Cysteine	50mg
Alpha Lipoic Acid	33mg
Grapeskin Extract	25mg
Inositol	10mg
Coenzyme Q10	20mg
Beta Carotene	4mg
Lutein	1mg
Lycopene	1mg

Source Ingredients:

Calcium Citrate, Magnesium Citrate, Vegetarian Capsule Shells (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose), Calcium Carbonate, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Choline Bitartrate, Magnesium Oxide, Ferrous Fumarate, Pomegranate Hull Extract (Punica granatum), N-Acetyl Cysteine, Zinc Citrate, Nicotinamide, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (Vitamin B6), Calcium Pantothenate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Grape Skin Extract (Vitus vinifera), Coenzyme Q10, Rice Hull Concentrate, 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, Sodium Selenite, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Chromium Picolinate, Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12)

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, given missed, hurried or convenience meals – you can’t always be sure you are getting the vitamins and minerals you need. Not least because intensive food production and processing have stripped many foods of a lot of their nourishment. In our opinion, a good multi-vitamin and mineral supplement is valuable during pregnancy, if only as an insurance policy.
My appetite has gone off, I don’t want to eat as much. May I take Vital Essence 3 instead of food?

No, you must maintain a good diet, especially one rich in carbohydrates, during the end of pregnancy. Carbohydrates will give you fuel for labour.
What is “RDA” and why are so many of the ingredients in Vital Essence 3 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.
Vital DHA during the third trimester

During the last trimester of pregnancy, the baby goes through a period of intense development called the brain spurt. At this time, your baby’s brain will take up 70% of your calorie intake and demand for DHA is greater than ever. We strongly recommend that all our clients consider supplementing their DHA intake before and after this critical period.
Do I need prenatals in third trimester?

We recommend continuing to take prenatal vitamins throughout the third trimester. This is because there are still a number of nutritional requirements for your growing baby during this period, and taking these can support a balanced diet in ensuring your reserves are not depleted which is important going into your 4th trimester.
What supplements should I take in the third trimester?

Most of a baby's Calcium is deposited in this trimester as his or her bones and teeth harden. The foetus takes up Calcium at the rate of approximately 350mg a day during this stage of the pregnancy, so it is good to have a plentiful supply to prevent it being scavenged from your own skeleton. There's plenty of Iron in Vital Essence 3, helping to support your immune system and production of red blood cells in preparation for the birth.
Vital Essence 3 also has good levels of Vitamin D and Vitamin B3 and Choline to help support the structural integrity of your cell membranes. All 30 nutrients in this supplement have been carefully selected for the role they play in the 3rd trimester.
How can I improve my third trimester?

Firstly, ensure you are getting all the essential nutrients, we recommend taking Zita West Vital Essence 3. This supplement contains essential minerals and vitamins, as well as omega 3 fatty acids, which are important for your baby’s development.
We also recommend Zita West Vital DHA, which contains omega 3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) plus zinc.
It is also important to remember to look after your mental health during the third trimester. While it is natural to feel excited and anxious at the same time, it is important to take time for yourself. A massage or a warm bath can also help you to relax. We recommend Zita West Back Ease Massage Oil, a rich blend of essential oils includes jojoba oil which moisturizes your skin without leaving an oily residue. We also recommend Zita West Preconditioning Down Under from 34 weeks of pregnancy. This rich combination of natural plant oils into the tissues of the perineum daily to help keep the perineal tissue flexible, supple and elastic to reduce the risk of tearing and help to improve recovery time.
How important are vitamins in the third trimester?

In the third trimester, your baby is growing faster than ever, which means you need to ensure that your diet is packed with quality nutrients during this period. Vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, calcium, omega-3 and more are required to support your growing baby.
Supporting your diet with additional vitamins in supplement form can help support you and your baby. However, we recommend taking a supplement formulates specifically for this trimester.
Can I stop taking prenatal vitamins at 36 weeks?

In the final phase of pregnancy, your child will grow faster than ever. The remaining weeks are vitally important for achieving full development.
Ensuring that your nutrient reserves are not depleted can help support both you and your baby in the final weeks of pregnancy.
We recommend taking nutritional supplements, alongside a balanced diet up to birth and beyond. All of the supplements in our Trimester 3 Support Pack have been designed to support the needs of you and your baby during this period. The pack also includes Vitamin D, which is now recommended for pregnant people throughout their pregnancy.

Related blogs

Article

Third Trimester Nutrition

Nutrition for you In this trimester your baby will be gaining weight faster than ever, but it is ...
Article

Mind, Body, Baby – Third Trimester

Mind This is the time to really focus on building your relationship with your baby. She or he wil...
Article

7 ways to kickstart labour

Towards the end of pregnancy most women are tired, your body might ache from the extra weight you...