Supporting Research

At bloombelly, we carefully select each ingredient with your health and well-being in mind. Our team is committed to providing products that are both effective and safe, backed by scientific research and evidence. We believe in transparency and want you to feel confident in every choice you make for your pregnancy. That’s why we’ve compiled the supporting research for each ingredient, ensuring you have the peace of mind knowing that our formulas are not only thoughtfully crafted but also supported by trusted studies.

Collapsible content

Calcium

Calcium is essential for proper muscle function, including both contraction and relaxation phases. Low calcium levels have been associated with muscle cramps; in pregnancy, some research indicates that calcium deficiency might contribute to frequent leg cramps. Ensuring sufficient calcium (about 1,000 mg/day for pregnant women) may help prevent these cramps. Clinical studies on calcium supplementation for pregnancy leg cramps have shown promising results – early trials reported improvement in cramp frequency. Maintaining normal calcium levels supports healthy muscle and nerve function and may reduce muscle spasm intensity. Calcium, together with magnesium, also serves as an electrolyte, indirectly supporting hydration and neuromuscular stability.

CoQ10

CoQ10 is a naturally occurring antioxidant that plays a key role in mitochondrial energy production. Supplementing with CoQ10 has been shown to reduce fatigue, with a 2022 meta-analysis of 13 trials (1,126 participants) finding significant improvements compared to placebo, especially at higher doses and longer durations. CoQ10 is considered safe, with only rare mild side effects reported. In pregnancy, a trial involving women at risk for pre-eclampsia showed that 200 mg of CoQ10 daily reduced the incidence of pre-eclampsia compared to placebo, suggesting benefits for mitochondrial function and blood pressure regulation. CoQ10 can help improve cellular energy production and reduce fatigue, offering potential benefits for pregnant women experiencing low energy.

Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Chloride)

These minerals are primary electrolytes that maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. Adequate levels of sodium, potassium, and chloride help the body retain water in cells and tissues, preventing dehydration. This is especially important in pregnancy, as dehydration can worsen nausea and other symptoms. Replenishing electrolytes lost through vomiting or sweat supports proper hydration and overall cell function during pregnancy.

Ginger Root

Ginger is a well-known herbal remedy for nausea and an approved natural supplement during pregnancy. While not a vitamin or mineral, it contributes greatly to maternal well-being by reducing nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP), commonly called morning sickness. Multiple clinical trials and reviews have demonstrated ginger’s efficacy in this area – one trial showed ginger users had an improvement of ~4 points on a 40-point nausea scale over 1 week, and by day 6 of treatment 67% of women taking ginger stopped vomiting vs. only 20% in the placebo group. Ginger has performed about as effectively as vitamin B6 in head-to-head comparisons for mild to moderate nausea. By easing persistent nausea, ginger can help pregnant women maintain appetite and hydration, which in turn improves energy levels and nutrient intake for both mom and baby.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a molecule that binds large amounts of water, thereby hydrating tissues and joints. Oral supplementation with hyaluronic acid has been shown to improve skin hydration and elasticity, helping alleviate dryness. For example, a 2023 study found that women taking oral hyaluronic acid had increased skin hydration and improved skin thickness. Hormonal changes in pregnancy often lead to dry skin and joint discomfort which is why we've include it in our nighttime formulation.

L-Glycine

L-Glycine is an amino acid that functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, and it has noteworthy sleep-enhancing properties. Research has found that taking glycine before bedtime can improve sleep quality and next-day alertness. In several small human studies, glycine supplementation at bedtime significantly improved subjective sleep quality, reduced daytime sleepiness, and shortened the time to reach deep sleep. For example, a systematic review in 2023 noted better sleep and reduced fatigue in adults who took glycine nightly. By promoting deeper, more restorative sleep, glycine can support overall restfulness.

L-Theanine

L-Theanine is an amino acid, known for its calming yet focus-enhancing effects. It promotes “calm alertness,” which can help reduce mental fatigue and stress without causing drowsiness. L-theanine supplementation has been shown to lower stress levels and improve cognitive performance: for example, a recent placebo-controlled trial reported significant reductions in perceived stress and improved attention, as well as better sleep quality. By lowering stress and anxiety, L-theanine can indirectly combat fatigue – high stress can be exhausting, so a calmer mind can feel more energized.

Magnesium

Magnesium plays a critical role in muscle and nerve relaxation. It acts as a natural calcium blocker in muscle fibers, helping muscles relax and preventing excessive contraction. In pregnancy, magnesium supplementation is often used to ease muscle cramps (such as leg cramps). Some clinical evidence suggests magnesium can reduce the frequency of pregnancy-related leg cramps. A Cochrane review (2020) found that pregnant women taking magnesium had fewer leg cramp episodes in some studies, with one trial reporting a notable reduction in cramp frequency. Healthcare providers sometimes recommend magnesium for nighttime leg/foot cramps, and ensuring adequate magnesium may also support better sleep due to its calming neuromuscular effects.

Effect of Magnesium Supplement on Pregnancy Outcomes: A Randomized Control Trial

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is well-known for relieving nausea, especially in pregnancy. Clinical trials have shown that 30–75 mg of pyridoxine daily can significantly reduce nausea and vomiting in pregnant women . In fact, medical guidelines (ACOG) recommend vitamin B6 as a first-line treatment for morning sickness due to its safety and efficacy . A 2023 meta-analysis of 18 studies confirmed that vitamin B6 consistently improves pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting symptoms.

Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. New England Journal of Medicine.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is essential for red blood cell formation and neurological function, making it vital for maintaining energy. A deficiency in B12 reduces oxygen-carrying capacity which can lead to profound fatigue, and indeed 70–80% of B12-deficient individuals develop anemia. Adequate B12 in pregnancy supports maternal energy and fetal development – it helps form the fetal nervous system and brain. Research indicates good B12 status is associated with better infant cognitive and motor development. B12 supplements are effective in preventing deficiency during pregnancy and are very safe (no upper toxicity known). Ensuring sufficient B12 can combat pregnancy-related fatigue caused by anemia and support overall energy levels.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, in pregnancy supports the formation of collagen and connective tissue in the growing fetus. It also aids maternal iron absorption, which can prevent iron-deficiency anemia and fatigue in the mother. This highlights that adequate vitamin C contributes to maternal energy levels and overall vitality. In terms of pregnancy outcomes, antioxidant support from vitamin C may protect against some complications. In sum, vitamin C supports overall maternal health (immunity, tissue repair) and fetal development, and by preventing deficiency it may help reduce fatigue and improve pregnancy outcomes.

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy is associated with higher risks of adverse outcomes – including preterm birth, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, miscarriage, and having a low birth weight infant. Additionally, emerging data suggest a link between vitamin D status and maternal well-being: vitamin D deficiency has been associated with pregnancy-related fatigue, poor sleep quality, and musculoskeletal pain . Many pregnant women experience fatigue, and if low vitamin D is a contributing factor, correcting the deficiency can improve energy and physical quality of life. It’s a cornerstone of general prenatal nutrition with well-established safety.