Natavi Health, a subsidiary of Krona Therapeutics, Inc. and producer of high-quality supplements for women, has launched an educational campaign to help reduce the risks of birth defects.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, birth defects affect 3% of the children born in the United States each year and are the leading cause of infant death.
Birth Defects
Birth defects range in severity and can cause problems with the nervous, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, or musculoskeletal systems. Down Syndrome, Spina Bifida, Anencephaly, Tetralogy of Fallot, cleft palate, and limb reduction are a few of the possible defects.
Most defects occur during the first three months in utero, while organs are still forming. Some causes are unavoidable, but proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices help reduce the chances of birth defects.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggests seeing a doctor and starting a vitamin supplement three to twelve months before pregnancy. Use medications carefully, and avoid cigarettes, alcohol, and recreational drugs. Proper nutrition and exercise are beneficial for both mother and baby before, during, and after pregnancy.
Nutrients and Vitamins to Reduce Birth Defects
Certain nutrients and vitamins have been proven to effectively reduce birth defects.
Folic Acid is the synthetic form of folate, a B vitamin. Because of its important role in the development of the neural tube in early pregnancy, the American Pregnancy Association says women of childbearing age should have between 400-800 micrograms a day. A lack of folic acid in the diet can cause neural defects such as Spina Bifida and anencephaly, an underdeveloped brain.
Calcium helps to regulate the mother's fluids and builds the baby's bones and tooth buds. The recommended dose during pregnancy is 1000 milligrams.
Vitamin C helps heal wounds, fight infections, and repair tissue. It also plays a role in tooth and bone development and protects cells.
Omega-3s, DHA and EPA, are essential not only for neurological and visual developments in the baby but also play an important role in pregnancy and should be taken together. An increase in these fatty acids can reduce the chances of preeclampsia, pre-term labor,low birth weight, and postpartum depression.
Iodine is crucial for brain development. Daily requirements increase substantially during pregnancy, but most foods are low in iodine content, according to the World Health Organization.
The National Center for Biotechnology Information says that there is a possible link in anemia, or low iron, during pregnancy and low birth weight, preterm birth, and perinatal mortality. Iron supplies the placenta, increases oxygen, and decreases the chances of blood loss during delivery. Infants and pregnant women are at the highest risk for low iron levels, often making it necessary to supplement.
Natavi Health produces three different supplements for women. Natavi Prima for preconception, Natavi PNV for pregnancy,and Natavi Lactant for breastfeeding. Each one is formulated to meetthe specific needs of each stage and contains the recommended doses of each vitamin, making nutrition easy. The products are Halal-certified, meaning they meet the dietary requirements specified by the Koran. The Natavi supplements contain no gluten, lactose, sugars, or animal gelatin, and are non-GMO. The strawberry-flavored soft gel capsules are small, making them easy to swallow and digest. Once or twice a day dosing is convenient for those that struggle with dose tolerance.
"Natavi Health is dedicated to educating women on the steps they can take to help lower the probability of brain defects. It is our mission to help women have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies," said Angel Biaggi, President of Krona Therapeutics, Inc., producer of Natavi supplements.
As part of the campaign to reduce birth defects, educational materials about the nutritional needs of women will be distributed through Natavi's website, social media, videos, emails, and blogs. The hope is to inform and encourage women to take the necessary steps to reduce the risks of birth defects.
Contact Us for More Information
For more information, contact Monika Misiuta, Chief Commercial Officer, Krona Therapeutics, Inc. (781) 336-0122, ext. 104 or monika.misiuta@kronatx.com. Follow Natavi Health on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest for updates and campaign information, or go directly to their website: www.natavihealth.com.
