Nutrimum Review – Nutrition For Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Nutrimum Review – Nutrition For Pregnancy & Breastfeeding 

At The Baby Show I met up with Nutrimum. They make innovative snack/breakfast products tailored to the nutritional needs of pregnant and breastfeeding women that contain the key nutrients that women need during these times. It was extra fun for me to see these products launch because I was part of an online focus group providing feedback when they were being developed. It’s nice to see the finished product on the shelves in Boots.

Everybody who visisted The Baby Show NEC could pick up samples of Nutrimum muesli and cereal bars. I got some samples and some extra to show here on my blog. I’m neither pregnant nor breastfeeding at the moment but I do remember the need for even more snacking during these periods of my life and what I did and did not fancy during pregnancy. I’ve tested these products from Nutrimum to see if they are as tasty as they are full of nutrients.

Pregnancy usually comes before breastfeeding, so let’s start by looking at the range for pregnancy. You are meant to eat one portion per day and this replaces your pregnancy supplement. The products are suitable for vegetarians and contain no added artificial colours, flavours and preservatives.

One portion provides you with 5 key nutrients needed during pregnancy:

• 200mg DHA (Omega 3) maternal intake contributes to normal foetal brain and eye development (The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 200mg of DHA in addition to the recommended daily intake of omega 3 fatty acids for adults of 250mg EPA and DHA)
• Iodine enriched with iodine
• Vitamin D to help maintain normal bones
• 400μg Folic acid UK Department of Health recommend 400μg folic acid for all women during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy
• Iron which helps to support normal blood formation and contributes to the normal function of the immune system

The breastfeeding range is like the pregnancy one in the sense that you are only meant to have one portion per day and that this portion replaces other supplements designed for breastfeeding. The products are suitable for vegetarians and contain no added artificial colours, flavours and preservatives.

One portion provides you with 10 key nutrients needed during breastfeeding:

• 200mg DHA (Omega 3) maternal intake contributes to normal brain and eye development of breastfed infants (The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 200mg of DHA in addition to the recommended daily intake of omega 3 fatty acids for adults of 250mg EPA and DHA)
• 10μg Vitamin D UK Department of Health recommend a daily intake of 10μg of vitamin D for all women while breastfeeding
• Iron & Zinc to contribute to the normal function of the immune system
• Iodine enriched with iodine
• Vitamins B₂, B₆ & Folic acid to contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
• Vitamins B₁, Biotin (B₇) to contribute to normal functioning of the nervous system

The breastfeeding crunchy muesli comes in two flavours — Honey & Nut or Red Berries. I’ve tried the Red Berries one which is lovely and I’m sure the Honey & Nut one tastes the same as the pregnancy version which is really tasty, too. I eat mine with yogurt or milk and a banana for breakfast.

The breastfeeding cereal bars also come in two flavours — Cranberry & Chocolate or Red Berries. I’ve tried the Cranberry & Chocolate ones. I love the tartness from the chewy cranberries but again, I’m not a fan of the chocolate bits.

Breastfeeding makes you really hungry and it’s great to have some quick snacks available, especially for those early morning feeds.

I think these products are a great idea! It’s important to remember that one Nutrimum cereal bar or portion of cereal per day replaces the need for other supplements. Do not exceed this recommened intake. You should not combine them with any other form of supplementation without seeking medical advice. Of course, these products should not replace a varied diet.

Some women really struggle to take pills so these are a great option for them. I like them as an alternative to pills and would use them on some days and take supplements on other days.

The cereal bars are quite sweet and are high in sugar but that is just what you want when you suddenly get starving and maybe feel faint and quickly need to raise your blood sugar.

The muesli sachets are healthier since they do not contain as much sugar and, when eaten with yogurt for example, will not raise your blood sugar as quickly. That makes them perfect for breakfast. If you eat the muesli with milk, remember to drink all the milk too, to not loose any of the nutrients.

Here we are at The Baby Show NEC.

Read more about Nutrimum on their website and buy from Boots. There are lots of interesting pregnancy and breastfeeding articles on Nutrimum.co.uk too, be sure to check them out.