Needed Prenatal Review: The Optimal Nutrition for Moms and Moms-To-Be
As an expectant or new mom, ensuring you get the right nutrition is essential for both your health and your baby‘s development. That‘s why so many women turn to prenatal vitamins to fill in any gaps. But with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to figure out which one truly delivers what you need.
In this comprehensive Needed prenatal review, we‘ll take an in-depth look at this popular vitamin and supplement brand that is on a mission to provide "optimal nourishment for optimal health." Founded by two moms in 2017, Needed has quickly made a name for itself with its science-backed, expertly-formulated products designed to support women before, during and after pregnancy.
We‘ll cover everything you need to know, including:
- Brand overview and history
- Detailed look at their top 3 products
- Comparison to other prenatal brands
- Extensive customer reviews and ratings
- FAQ on products, ordering, shipping and more
- Educational information on key nutrients
By the end, you‘ll have all the information to decide if Needed is the right prenatal choice for your motherhood journey. Let‘s dive in!
About Needed
Needed was founded in 2017 by Julie Sawaya and Ryan Woodbury, two health-conscious moms who realized they were still deficient in many key nutrients despite eating a healthy diet and taking a generic prenatal vitamin.
Determined to create a better solution, they teamed up with leading medical experts to formulate prenatal supplements that provide "needed" nourishment in optimal forms and dosages. Their mission is to empower and educate women to make proactive choices about their health during such a critical life stage.
Today, Needed offers a range of products including a Prenatal Multi, a Pre/Probiotic, a Collagen Protein powder, and more – all rigorously tested and free from fillers and additives. They also provide at-home nutrient testing and educational resources to support moms every step of the way.
Some highlights of the Needed brand:
- Formulated alongside practitioners and health professionals
- Science-backed nutrients in optimal forms and dosages
- Products for preconception, pregnancy, postpartum and beyond
- Supplements available in pill and powder form
- Subscription options for easy ordering
- Educational blog and resources on their website
With a growing community of over 22,000 Instagram followers, it‘s clear Needed is resonating with modern moms seeking a higher standard for prenatal nutrition.
Needed Prenatal Review: A Closer Look
Now let‘s take a closer look at Needed‘s bestselling prenatal products that are getting rave reviews:
Needed Prenatal Multi
Needed‘s flagship product is their Prenatal Multi, a comprehensive supplement available in both capsule and powder form. It stands out for including a whopping 24 vitamins and minerals in their most absorbable, bioavailable forms.
Some key nutrients and dosages in the Needed Prenatal Multi:
- Vitamin D3: 4000 IU to support immune health, bone health, and mood
- Choline: 550 mg to support fetal brain development
- Active B Vitamins: Methylated folate (L-5-MTHF), B6, B12 for energy, red blood cell production, and nervous system function
- Chelated Minerals: Iron, zinc, iodine, and selenium for thyroid health, growth and development
- Vitamin K2: The MK-7 form for bone and cardiovascular health
The Prenatal Multi Powder can easily be added to smoothies with its mild vanilla flavor. It‘s an ideal choice for moms dealing with nausea or who prefer to customize their nutrition.
The capsule form provides a convenient option to ensure you‘re getting those essential nutrients even on the busiest of days. With both forms, you can choose a one-time purchase for $70 or subscribe and save $10 per month.
Needed Pre/Probiotic
Digestive health becomes especially important during pregnancy as it impacts nutrient absorption, immunity, and more. Needed‘s Pre/Probiotic is thoughtfully formulated with 26 billion CFUs of clinically-studied strains to support both mom and baby‘s microbiome.
When taken daily, the Needed Pre/Probiotic works to:
- Promote healthy vaginal flora and pH balance
- Support digestion and regularity
- Improve nutrient absorption
- Boost immune function
- Encourage infant gut and immune development
To ensure potency, Needed uses delayed-release capsules and includes a prebiotic (FOS) to fuel the growth of beneficial bacteria. They recommend starting with 1 capsule every other day and slowly increasing to the full daily dose of 2 capsules.
A 30-day supply of the Needed Pre/Probiotic is $60, or $50 with a monthly subscription – an investment in your gut health that can pay off in so many ways.
Needed Collagen Protein
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, but production starts to decline in our 20s. Pregnancy further increases protein demands. Needed‘s grass-fed, pasture-raised Collagen Protein is an easy way to get more of this crucial nutrient.
Sourced from New Zealand cattle and tested for heavy metals and contaminants, Needed‘s Collagen Protein provides 15 grams of highly absorbable protein per scoop to support:
- Healthy tissue and placenta development
- Skin elasticity to prevent stretch marks
- Reduced joint pain and inflammation
- Postpartum recovery and hair, skin and nail health
With no added flavors or sweeteners, it can easily be added to smoothies, oatmeal, soups and more. Many moms also love to use it in homemade fat bombs or collagen bites for a protein-packed snack.
Like their other products, you can choose to make a one-time purchase for $50 or subscribe and save $10 on each tub.
What Sets the Needed Prenatal Apart?
In the world of prenatal vitamins, Needed differentiates itself in a few key ways:
Optimal Nutrient Forms and Dosages
While many prenatal vitamins focus on just meeting RDA minimums, Needed takes an "optimal" nutrition approach. Their formulas include higher therapeutic dosages and active, bioavailable nutrient forms.
For example, Needed‘s Prenatal Multi includes:
- 4000 IU of Vitamin D3 (10x the RDA)
- 550 mg of Choline (many prenatals contain little to none)
- 300 mg of Magnesium (43% more than the RDA)
- Methylated B Vitamins like L-Methylfolate and Methylcobalamin
- Chelated Minerals like iron and zinc biglycinate for better absorption
Capsules and Powders for Different Needs
Needed is one of the few prenatal vitamin brands to offer their multi in both capsule and powder form. This gives moms options based on their preferences and needs. Struggling with nausea or food aversions? The unflavored powder is easy to slip into a smoothie. Often on the go? Grab your capsules for a quick and mess-free dose of vitamins and minerals.
Synergistic Product Pairings
Beyond the Prenatal Multi, Needed also offers targeted supplements that complement and enhance its effects. Their Pre/Probiotic aids in absorbing all those essential nutrients, while the Collagen Protein supports the heightened demands for this crucial building block. You can even bundle the products for added savings and convenience.
Rigorous Testing and Clean Ingredients
Needed goes above and beyond to ensure the purity and potency of their prenatal supplements. All products are manufactured in the USA in cGMP certified facilities and undergo extensive testing for heavy metals and contaminants. They are also free of fillers, artificial additives, GMOs and major allergens.
Educational Resources and Support
Needed is more than just a supplement brand – they are on a mission to empower and educate women about nutrition during the motherhood journey. Their website includes an extensive blog with evidence-based articles on topics like fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and more. They also offer a free quiz to help you determine which products are right for your needs and stage of life.
Needed Prenatal Review: What Customers Say
Since hitting the market a few years ago, Needed has amassed thousands of positive reviews from new and expectant moms. Here are some highlights:
Needed Prenatal Multi Powder: 5/5 stars out of 27 ratings
"I have been taking this for 6 months now and love it! This prenatal contains higher nutrient levels, and in the best forms, based on the most up-to-date research. Their blog has so many resources, I search for different topics there all the time. With the prenatal, I have noticed higher energy levels, better sleep, and more regular cycles (my hair/skin/nails have also improved!)."
Needed Pre/Probiotic: 5/5 stars out of 25 ratings
"As a prenatal nutritionist, I LOVE recommending these to clients because I‘ve come to trust (and personally have experienced!) the quality and excellent formulation. If you‘re struggling with Strep B overgrowth…these should be an automatic purchase for you!"
Needed Collagen Protein: 5/5 stars out of 31 ratings
"As a nutritionist, I know that protein needs are much higher during pregnancy but it can be really hard to get enough. I love that Needed goes to extra lengths to ensure their Collagen powder is from reputable sources and tested for heavy metals and contaminants, unlike many of the collagen supplements on the market."
Many reviewers appreciate the clean ingredients, science-backed formulas, and how easy it is to incorporate Needed products into their daily routine. Several moms reported positive changes in energy, sleep, digestion and appearance after starting the supplements.
On social media, Needed has an engaged community eager to share their experiences. One Instagram follower shared: "I feel less nauseous this pregnancy and I know it‘s because of this prenatal."
While some international customers wish the shipping costs were lower, the overwhelming majority say Needed‘s unique formulas and quality standards make it well worth the investment in their health.
Comparison: Needed vs. Ritual Prenatal
One of Needed‘s top competitors in the premium, organic prenatal space is Ritual. Both brands focus on clean, science-backed formulas, but there are some key differences:
- Ritual takes a "less is more" approach and only includes 12 nutrients in their prenatal (compared to Needed‘s 24)
- Ritual prenatal only comes in a mint-flavored capsule form
- Ritual operates on a subscription-only model, whereas Needed offers one-time purchases
- Ritual includes Omega-3 (Vegan DHA) in their prenatal, while Needed sells it separately
- Ritual serves all stages of life with multivitamins for men, women and teens
- Needed specializes in preconception, prenatal and postnatal for targeted female nutrition
Both are high quality options, but if you‘re seeking higher dosages, more nutrient forms, and extra support like Pre/Probiotics and Collagen, Needed comes out on top for moms and moms-to-be.
Needed Prenatal Review: Bottom Line
After taking an in-depth look at Needed‘s story, products, and reviews, it‘s clear this prenatal brand is in a league of its own. With so much attention given to optimal nutrient forms, dosages, and supporting supplements, it takes a comprehensive "needed" approach to nourishment during such an important stage of life.
By offering products in both capsule and powder form, Needed also stands out for its flexibility and inclusivity. Whether you‘re a smoothie lover or always on the go, you can find an option that fits your lifestyle and ensures you‘re getting those essential vitamins and minerals.
The only downside is that Needed‘s international shipping costs are quite high, which may be prohibitive for moms outside of the US. However, for most, the investment in high-quality, targeted nutrition is well worth it for both mom and baby‘s health.
As a final sign of confidence, Needed offers a generous 60-day money back guarantee if you‘re not fully satisfied. They also provide a wealth of resources to support you on your motherhood journey, from their educational blog to a team of in-house nutritionists.
So if you‘re looking for a prenatal supplement that truly delivers optimal nourishment, Needed is a brand you can trust. With science-backed formulas, clean ingredients, and a mission to empower moms, they are setting a new standard for prenatal nutrition.
To learn more or to try Needed for yourself, visit thisisneeded.com.
