• NOT EVERY WOMAN'S BIOLOGICAL CODE IS THE SAME
Folic Acid or Methylfolate? Your Folate Needs During Pregnancy May be Written in Your DNA.
Not sure whether folic acid or methylfolate is the right choice for you? It's one of the most common points of confusion when it comes to prenatal supplementation. Recommendations can vary depending on who you ask, and it's easy to end up unsure whether your supplement is really suited to your body.
Here's where your MTHFR gene comes in. It plays a role in how your body converts folate into the active form it needs - a process that matters across preconception and pregnancy. Variations in this gene are incredibly common, with most Australian women carrying at least one variant without ever knowing it.
The below guide has been designed to help you cut through the confusion and understand what your MTHFR status may mean for your folate needs during preconception and pregnancy.
Understanding your folate pathway
Below are the five folate pathways. Each explains what your MTHFR status means for supplementation across preconception and pregnancy - open the one that fits your biology.
No known variant, or never been tested? Begin with Pathway 01.
Know your variant? Jump straight to your pathway below.
Unsure? We recommend speaking with your healthcare provider.
Not having an MTHFR variant means there is no identified impairment in one of the key processes your body uses to convert folate into its active, usable form. That said, folate metabolism is more than one step - it is a complex process shaped by a range of genetic and nutritional factors. For all women, regardless of genetic profile, evidence-based folate supplementation remains one of the most important nutritional steps you can take before and during pregnancy to support both maternal and foetal health.(1,4)
For women with no confirmed MTHFR variant, folic acid at 400mcg daily is the supplemental form and dose supported by robust clinical evidence.(6,7,8,9)
When taken at least four weeks before conception and throughout the first trimester, folic acid may help to prevent neural tube defects including spina bifida and anencephaly.(6,7,8,9,10)
This evidence spans decades of population-level research across genetically diverse communities, underpinning the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO),(7) the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC),(9) and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG).(8)
H.E.R Code Prenatal + Postnatal contains 400mcg folic acid, which may help to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida and/or anencephaly when taken at least four weeks before conception and throughout the first trimester of pregnancy.(7,8,9,10)
This is the dose supported by leading Australian and international health bodies for this purpose. The formula also contains 100mcg Quatrefolic® (5-MTHF), an active form of folate that does not require MTHFR enzyme conversion, to support folate intake across the full pregnancy journey.
If you are a woman who carries one copy of the C677T variant, the MTHFR enzyme responsible for converting folate into its active form may be working at a reduced but still functional level - estimated at around 60% of typical capacity.(11)
This means your body retains meaningful folate conversion ability. While this partial reduction is worth consideration when choosing a prenatal supplement, current evidence does not support that heterozygous C677T alone causes clinically significant impairment of folate status at standard supplementation doses.(5,17)
For women with a heterozygous C677T variant, folic acid at 400mcg daily remains the dose and form of folate with the strongest clinical evidence to help prevent neural tube defects when taken at least four weeks before conception and throughout the first trimester of pregnancy - as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO),(7) the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC),(9) the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG),(8) and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).(18)
Regardless of MTHFR status, the RACGP specifically recommends that all women planning a pregnancy take folic acid supplements to support neural tube defect risk reduction.(18)
Current 2026 evidence supports that standard-dose folic acid at 400mcg is effective at supporting the folate levels associated with neural tube defect risk reduction across MTHFR genotypes, including heterozygous C677T. (5,17)
H.E.R Code Prenatal + Postnatal contains 400mcg folic acid, which may help to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida and/or anencephaly when taken at least four weeks before conception and throughout the first trimester of pregnancy.(7,8,9,10)
This is the dose supported by leading Australian and international health bodies for this purpose. The formula also contains 100mcg Quatrefolic® (5-MTHF), an active form of folate that does not require MTHFR enzyme conversion, to support folate intake across the full pregnancy journey.
For women with heterozygous C677T, the dual-folate approach in H.E.R Code Prenatal + Postnatal offers an additional layer of support. Because MTHFR enzyme activity is partially reduced, the inclusion of Quatrefolic® (5-MTHF) - an active form of folate that does not require MTHFR enzyme conversion - means your body has direct access to bioavailable folate regardless of conversion efficiency.(11,16) Together, the two forms complement each other: folic acid provides the evidence-based
foundation for neural tube defect risk reduction, while the active methylfolate supports folate status across the pregnancy journey.(5,11,16,17)
If you are a woman who carries one or two copies of the A1298C variant, research suggests that this variant on its own has a much gentler effect on your folate metabolism compared to other MTHFR variants, with an estimated 50-66% residual enzyme function.(3,11,13)
Whether you carry one or two copies of A1298C alone, your body is likely retaining a good level of folate-converting ability, and this variant alone is not associated with significantly raised homocysteine or clinically meaningful difficulty processing folate.
For women with a heterozygous or homozygous A1298C variant, folic acid at 400mcg daily remains the dose and form of folate with the strongest clinical evidence to help prevent neural tube defects when taken at least four weeks before conception and throughout the first trimester of pregnancy - as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO),(7) the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC),(9) the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG),(8) and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).(18)
Regardless of MTHFR status, the RACGP specifically recommends that all women planning a pregnancy take folic acid supplements to support neural tube defect risk reduction.(18)
Current 2026 evidence supports that standard-dose folic acid at 400mcg is effective at supporting the folate levels associated with neural tube defect risk reduction across MTHFR genotypes.(5)
Importantly, the A1298C variant – whether carried as one or two copies – is not independently associated with significantly elevated homocysteine levels or clinically meaningful impairment of folate conversion.(3,11,13,15)
The evidence base for A1298C is less extensive than for C677T, but current guidance does not support that this variant alone requires a modified folate supplementation approach beyond the standard recommendations that apply to all women planning a pregnancy.(15,18)
H.E.R Code Prenatal + Postnatal contains 400mcg folic acid, which may help to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida and/or anencephaly when taken at least four weeks before conception and throughout the first trimester of pregnancy.(7,8,9,10)
This is the dose supported by leading Australian and international health bodies for this purpose. The formula also contains 100mcg Quatrefolic® (5-MTHF), an active form of folate that does not require MTHFR enzyme conversion, to support folate intake across the full pregnancy journey.
For women with the heterozygous or homozygous A1298C variant, the dual-folate approach in H.E.R Code Prenatal + Postnatal offers an additional layer of support. Because MTHFR enzyme activity is partially reduced, the inclusion of Quatrefolic® (5-MTHF) - an active form of folate that does not require MTHFR enzyme conversion - means your body has direct access to bioavailable folate regardless of conversion efficiency.(11,16)
Together, the two forms complement each other: folic acid provides the evidence-based foundation for neural tube defect risk reduction, while the active methylfolate supports folate status across the pregnancy journey.(5,11,16,17)
If you are a woman who carries one copy of the C677T variant and one copy of the A1298C variant, the enzyme responsible for converting
folate into its active form may be working at a reduced but still functional level – estimated at around 50-60% of typical capacity.(3,11,13) While the A1298C variant on its own has a mild impact on folate metabolism, current
evidence suggests it may affect enzyme activity more meaningfully when inherited together with C677T.(2)
Some research indicates a potential link to modestly increased homocysteine
levels in this combined genotype, though this is generally considered mild and of limited clinical significance in the absence of other contributing factors.(2,14)
For women with a compound heterozygous C677T + A1298C variant, folic acid at 400mcg daily remains the dose and form of folate with the strongest clinical evidence to help prevent neural tube defects when taken at least four weeks before conception and throughout the first trimester of pregnancy – as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO),(7) the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC),(9)
the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and
Gynaecologists (RANZCOG),(8)
and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).(18)
The RACGP and the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics
(ACMG) both confirm that MTHFR status does not change the standard dose folic acid recommendation for women of childbearing age.(15,18)
Current 2026 evidence supports that standard dose folic acid at 400mcg is equally effective at achieving the red blood cell folate levels associated with neural tube defect risk reduction. (5,17)
For some women with the compound heterozygous genotype, particularly
those presenting with elevated homocysteine levels or other signs of disrupted folate metabolism, a healthcare provider may consider whether direct methylfolate supplementation has a role alongside or in addition to standard folate support.(16) This is an evolving area of clinical guidance and is best navigated with the support of your GP, obstetrician, or qualified healthcare professional.(16)
Possibly – but given the specific nature of your genotype, a personalised conversation with your healthcare provider is the most important next step.
H.E.R Code Prenatal + Postnatal contains 400mcg folic acid, which helps to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida and/or anencephaly when taken at least four weeks before conception and throughout the first trimester of pregnancy,(7,8,9,10) alongside 100mcg Quatrefolic® (5-MTHF), an active form of folate that does not require MTHFR enzyme conversion.
However, women with the compound heterozygous genotype who present with signs of disrupted folate metabolism may benefit from a tailored supplementation approach that goes beyond what a standard prenatal formula provides.
We would encourage you to discuss your MTHFR status with your GP, obstetrician, or a qualified healthcare
professional to confirm whether H.E.R Code Prenatal + Postnatal meets your
specific needs or whether a tailored approach is more appropriate for your
biology.
At H.E.R Code, we believe every woman’s biological code is unique and so are her health needs – and for some women, that means getting personalised guidance.
If you are a woman who carries two copies of the C677T variant, your folate-converting enzyme is working at a considerably reduced level – estimated at around 30-40% of typical capacity.(1,11)
Of all MTHFR variants, this is the one where the impact on folate metabolism is most significant, and where understanding your individual folate status before making supplementation decisions matters most.
Having this variant does not mean your body cannot process folate – your enzyme is still working, just more slowly and less efficiently than average. Some women with homozygous C677T also present with modestly elevated homocysteine levels as a result of reduced methylation capacity, though this is not universal and is significantly influenced by folate and B12 intake.(2,12,15)
For women with a homozygous C677T variant, folic acid at 400mcg daily remains the dose and form of folate with the strongest clinical evidence to help prevent neural tube defects when taken at least four weeks before conception and throughout the first trimester of pregnancy – as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO),(7) the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC),(9) the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG),(8) and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).(18)
The RACGP and the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) both confirm that MTHFR status does not change the standard dose folic acid recommendation for women of childbearing age.(15,18)
Current 2026 evidence supports that standard dose folic acid at 400mcg is equally effective at achieving the red blood cell folate levels associated with neural tube defect risk reduction, even in women with the homozygous C677T genotype.(5,17)
However, homozygous C677T is the genotype where individual variation in folate response is most clinically relevant – influenced by factors including baseline nutritional status, vitamin B12 status, total dietary folate exposure, and the presence of additional variants affecting the methylation pathway.(5,16) Current evidence increasingly supports a personalised approach to folate supplementation for women with this genotype, with individual clinical
assessment recommended alongside standard supplementation guidance.(5,16)
Possibly – but given the specific nature of your genotype, a personalised conversation with your healthcare provider is the most important next step.
H.E.R Code Prenatal + Postnatal contains 400mcg folic acid, which helps to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida and/or anencephaly when taken at least four weeks before conception and throughout the first trimester of pregnancy,(7,8,9,10) alongside 100mcg Quatrefolic® (5-MTHF), an active form of folate that does not require MTHFR enzyme conversion. Current evidence supports the effectiveness of standard dose 400mg folic acid at achieving protective folate levels across MTHFR genotypes including homozygous C677T, (5,17) and the directly bioavailable Quatrefolic® (5-MTHF) provides additional active folate support without depending on the impaired conversion pathway. (11,16)
Of all five pathways, women with confirmed homozygous C677T have the most to gain from individual clinical assessment before beginning supplementation. We would encourage you to discuss your MTHFR status with your GP, obstetrician, or a qualified healthcare professional to confirm whether H.E.R Code Prenatal + Postnatal meets your specific needs or whether a tailored approach is more appropriate for your biology. (5,16,17)
At H.E.R Code, we believe every woman’s biological code is unique and so are her health needs – and for some women, that means getting personalised guidance.
• EVIDENCE AND individuality, together
H.E.R Code Prenatal + Postnatal was formulated on the principle that evidence and individuality are not in conflict — they are complementary. Our dual-folate formula is designed to serve the broadest possible range of women, with clinical integrity at its core. For the smaller number of women with homozygous C677T, we recognise that your biology is specific, and we will always recommend seeking personalised guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.
No two women's biological codes are the same, and neither are their health needs.
- Wang M, Zheng Q, You L, Wang H, Jia P, Liu X, Zeng C, Xu G. Quantification of multi-pathway metabolites related to folate metabolism and application in natural population with MTHFR C677T polymorphism. Analytical & Bioanalytical Chemistry. 2025 May 25;417(13). Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/387174507_Quantification_of_multi-pathway_metabolites_related_to_folate_metabolism_and_application_in_natural_population_with_MTHFR_C677T_polymorphism
- Long S, Goldblatt J. MTHFR genetic testing: Controversy and clinical implications. Aust Fam Physician. 2016;45(4):237–40. Available from: https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2016/april/mthfr-genetic-testing-controversy-and-clinical-imp
- Graydon JS, Claudio K, Baker S, Kocherla M, Ferreira M, Roche-Lima A, Rodríguez-Maldonado J, Duconge J, Ruaño G. Ethnogeographic prevalence and implications of the 677C> T and 1298A> C MTHFR polymorphisms in US primary care populations. Biomarkers in medicine. 2019 Jun 1;13(8):649-61. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6630484/
- Wilcken B, Bamforth F, Li Z, Zhu H, Ritvanen A, Redlund M, Stoll C, Alembik Y, Dott B, Czeizel AE, Gelman-Kohan Z. Geographical and ethnic variation of the 677C> T allele of 5, 10 methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR): findings from over 7000 newborns from 16 areas world wide. Journal of medical genetics. 2003 Aug 1;40(8):619-25. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/instance/1735571/pdf/v040p00619.pdf
- Yang R, Li G. The roles of folate, MTHFR genetics, vitamin B12 in pregnancy outcomes. Frontiers in Nutrition. 2026 Mar 4;13:1785263. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12995692/
- De‐Regil LM, Peña‐Rosas JP, Fernández‐Gaxiola AC, Rayco‐Solon P. Effects and safety of periconceptional oral folate supplementation for preventing birth defects. Cochrane database of systematic reviews. 2015(12). Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8783750/
- World Health Organization. Periconceptional folic acid supplementation to prevent neural tube defects [Internet]. Geneva: WHO; 2023 [updated 2023 Aug 9; cited 2026 Jun 13]. Available from: https://www.who.int/tools/elena/interventions/folate-periconceptional
- Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Vitamin and mineral supplementation in pregnancy [Internet]. Melbourne: RANZCOG; [cited 2026 Jun 13]. Available from: https://ranzcog.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/Vitamin-Mineral-Supplementation-Pregnancy.pdf
- Intakes IR. Nutrient reference values for Australia and New Zealand. Australia: Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing. 2005. Available from: https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/sites/default/files/images/nutrient-refererence-dietary-intakes.pdf
- Therapeutic Goods Administration. Folic acid — minimum recommended daily dosage 400 micrograms [Internet]. Canberra: TGA, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care; [cited 2026 Jun 13]. Available from: https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/advertising-permissions/folic-acid-minimum-recommended-daily-dosage-400-micrograms
- Menezo Y, Elder K, Clement A, Clement P. Folic acid, folinic acid, 5 methyl tetrahydrofolate supplementation for mutations that affect epigenesis through the folate and one-carbon cycles. Biomolecules. 2022 Jan 24;12(2):197. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8961567/
- Raghubeer S, Matsha TE. Methylenetetrahydrofolate (MTHFR), the one-carbon cycle, and cardiovascular risks. Nutrients. 2021 Dec 20;13(12):4562. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8703276/
- Palomino-Morales R, Gonzalez-Juanatey C, Vazquez-Rodriguez TR, Rodriguez L, Miranda-Filloy JA, Fernandez-Gutierrez B, Llorca J, Martin J, Gonzalez-Gay MA. A1298C polymorphism in the MTHFR gene predisposes to cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis research & therapy. 2010 Apr 26;12(2):R71. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2888227/
- Dean L. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency.
- Hickey SE, Curry CJ, Toriello HV. ACMG Practice Guideline: lack of evidence for MTHFR polymorphism testing. Genet Med. 2013;15(2):153–6. Available from: https://www.acmg.net/docs/MTHFR_gim2012165a_Feb2013.pdf
- He Q, Li J. The evolution of folate supplementation–from one size for all to personalized, precision, poly-paths. Journal of Translational Internal Medicine. 2023 Jul 5;11(2):128-37. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10318921/
- Colson NJ, Naug HL, Nikbakht E, Zhang P, McCormack J. The impact of MTHFR 677 C/T genotypes on folate status markers: a meta-analysis of folic acid intervention studies. European Journal of Nutrition. 2017 Feb;56(1):247-60. Available from: https://research-repository.griffith.edu.au/server/api/core/bitstreams/14345566-5ae2-5414-a122-c7ff210cf988/content
- Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. MTHFR gene testing. In: Genomics in general practice [Internet]. East Melbourne: RACGP; 2023 [cited 2026 Jun 13]. Available from: https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/key-racgp-guidelines/view-all-racgp-guidelines/genomics-in-general-practice/disease-specific-topics/mthfr-gene-testing
H.E.R Code Prenatal + Postnatal comes as a once-daily oral-melt powder in individual sachets – a world-first format for a prenatal supplement.
Each sachet can be taken two ways. You can empty the powder directly onto your tongue in two to three portions and let it dissolve – no water needed. Or you can stir it into 100-200ml of water for a light, flavoured drink. Either way, there are no large tablets or capsules to swallow.
The strawberry watermelon flavoured powder is designed to be a genuinely pleasant part of your daily routine – and with everything contained in one convenient sachet, it is easy to take at home or on the go.
Yes – and this is one of the things women tell us they love most about the format.
Simply open the sachet, empty the powder directly onto your tongue in two to three portions, and let it dissolve. No water, no preparation, no fuss. Each sachet is individually portioned and easy to slip into your bag, making it just as easy to take at your desk or on the go as it is at home.
If you prefer a milder flavour or would like to take it as a drink, you can stir the powder into 100-200ml of water instead.
H.E.R Code Prenatal + Postnatal can be taken with or without food – whichever works best for you and your daily routine.
This flexibility is made possible in part by the form of iron we use. SunActive® Iron is a microencapsulated iron that is absorbed through a specialised pathway in the gut wall rather than relying on the stomach environment for dissolution – meaning food intake is less likely to interfere with how it is absorbed(1). In clinical research conducted in pregnant women, SunActive® Iron demonstrated a strong tolerability and safety profile regardless of meal timing(1).
Whether you prefer to take your sachet first thing in the morning, with breakfast, or at another time that suits your routine, consistency is what matters most – taking it at the same time each day helps make it a sustainable habit throughout pregnancy and the postnatal period.
H.E.R Code Prenatal + Postnatal is naturally flavoured with strawberry and watermelon – and it will be the part of your daily routine you look forward to.
When consuming directly on the tongue, the fast oral-melt dissolving powder delivers a deliciously nostalgic sherbet experience: a bright, sweet strawberry flavour up front, followed by a pleasant sour kick, and finishing with a gentle hint of watermelon.
Those sour notes are a bonus too – sour flavours can be a go-to for pregnant women looking to take the edge off nausea.
Prefer to mix it into water? The flavour becomes subtle – a gentle, barely-there hint of strawberry and watermelon that makes it easy to drink. Unlike strong-flavoured hydration or sports drinks, H.E.R Code Prenatal + Postnatal is light and smooth, so even on the days when your stomach is sensitive, getting it down is effortless.
Some of the most important stages of foetal development, including neural tube formation, occur in the very first weeks of pregnancy – often before many women even know they are pregnant. This is why folic acid supplementation is recommended to begin at least four weeks before conception(6)(7). H.E.R Code Prenatal + Postnatal contains 400mcg of folic acid, which helps prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida and/or anencephaly when taken at least four weeks before conception and throughout the first trimester of pregnancy(7).
For women who are actively planning a pregnancy, we recommend beginning H.E.R Code Prenatal + Postnatal at least one month before trying to conceive and continuing throughout pregnancy and the postnatal period(6).
We hear this question often – and it was one of the reasons we developed this Australian-first oral-melt powder innovation in prenatal supplements.
Many women find large prenatal tablets difficult to swallow at the best of times, let alone when nausea is making everything harder. The once-daily oral powder sachet dissolves directly on the tongue or in water – no swallowing large capsules or tablets required. Research shows that tablet and capsule size is one of the most significant factors affecting whether women continue taking their supplements consistently(2), and we wanted to remove that barrier entirely.
The form of iron we use also matters here. SunActive® Iron is a microencapsulated iron that is absorbed through a gentle pathway in the gut wall rather than dissolving directly in the stomach – a property that is associated with a favourable gastrointestinal tolerability profile in clinical research conducted in pregnant women(1).
H.E.R Code Prenatal + Postnatal contains 400mcg of folic acid – the form with the most robust clinical evidence and the dose recommended by leading Australian and international health authorities to help to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida and/or anencephaly, when taken at least four weeks before conception and throughout the first trimester of pregnancy(7)(9).
Alongside this, the formula contains 100mcg of Quatrefolic® (5-MTHF) – an activated form of folate that requires no enzymatic conversion and is directly usable by the body. Quatrefolic® is also considered more stable and water soluble than other forms of activated folate, making it particularly well suited to a multi-nutrient prenatal formulation(8).
Together, these two forms of folate are designed to support a broad range of women – providing the evidence-based foundation for neural tube defect risk reduction alongside a directly bioavailable source of active folate(6)(7)(8)(9)
H.E.R Code Prenatal + Postnatal contains 400mcg of folic acid – the dose recommended by leading Australian and international health authorities to may help to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida and/or anencephaly when taken at least four weeks before conception and throughout the first trimester of pregnancy(7)(9). Current evidence supports the effectiveness of standard dose folic acid at achieving protective folate levels across MTHFR genotypes(8).
The formula also contains 100mcg of Quatrefolic® (5-MTHF) – an activated form of folate that bypasses the MTHFR enzyme entirely and is directly usable by the body, providing additional folate support for women whose ability to convert folic acid may be reduced(6)(8). However, suitability varies depending on your specific MTHFR genotype. Women with certain variants – particularly those with a confirmed Homozygous C677T genotype – are encouraged to seek personalised advice from their GP, obstetrician, or qualified healthcare professional before use, as their individual folate and homocysteine status may inform a more tailored supplementation approach.
To understand how your specific MTHFR variant may affect your folate needs and whether H.E.R Code Prenatal + Postnatal is right for you, head to this page.
If you have ever avoided an iron supplement because it upset your stomach, caused constipation, or left a metallic taste in your mouth – you are not alone. These are some of the most common reasons women stop taking their prenatal supplements, and they are commonly linked to the type of iron used. Most standard iron supplements use traditional iron salts – forms like ferrous sulphate – that dissolve in the stomach and can irritate the gut lining, leading to nausea, constipation, cramping, and that unpleasant metallic taste. This can be especially problematic during pregnancy, when digestive sensitivity is already heightened.
SunActive® Iron works differently. It is a microencapsulated form of iron – meaning the iron particles are small and wrapped in a protective coating that shields the gut wall from direct contact. Rather than absorbing by traditional routes, SunActive® Iron is absorbed through specialised cells in the gut wall and enters the bloodstream via the lymphatic system(1). This gentler absorption pathway is what makes it so well tolerated – your body gets the iron it needs without the digestive discomfort that puts so many women off supplementing in the first place.
In terms of effectiveness, clinical research supports that SunActive® Iron is bioavailable – meaning it is easy to absorb and readily available for your body to use(3). In a 2025 clinical study conducted on pregnant women, SunActive® Iron supported iron levels just as effectively as a standard iron supplement at a lower elemental iron dose – with zero gastrointestinal side effects reported in the SunActive® group(1).
Calcium plays an important role in healthy foetal development during pregnancy, and in supporting maternal health. Yet three in four Australian adult females do not meet the recommended daily intake for calcium through diet alone, making supplementation an important consideration across the full pregnancy and postnatal journey(10).
Breastfeeding places particular demands on maternal calcium stores. Research has found that nursing mothers transfer an average of 200-250mg of calcium per day to their infants through breast milk(16). This daily transfer reinforces why adequate calcium intake matters not just during pregnancy but throughout the postnatal period as well.
Most prenatal tablets and capsules are unable to accommodate meaningful calcium doses due to the physical size constraints of those formats(2). The sachet format of H.E.R Code Prenatal + Postnatal removes this limitation, delivering 250mg of elemental calcium using a combination of calcium citrate and calcium carbonate – two complementary forms with distinct absorption profiles that together support calcium intake across different digestive states(11).
This is a common concern – and an important one to address with the evidence.
Calcium and non-haem iron have historically been thought to compete for absorption in the gut, leading to recommendations to separate iron and calcium supplementation.
However, the type of iron we use in H.E.R Code Prenatal + Postnatal also makes a difference. SunActive® Iron is a gentle, microencapsulated form of iron that is absorbed differently to traditional iron supplements – it enters your body through a separate pathway that calcium is not known to interfere with(1). This means you get the benefit of both nutrients without one working against the other.
Furthermore, studies show that calcium at doses below 800mg per day is unlikely to meaningfully affect how well your body absorbs iron(4)(5). H.E.R Code Prenatal + Postnatal contains 250mg of calcium – well within this range.
If you are taking additional high dose calcium supplements alongside H.E.R Code Prenatal + Postnatal, we recommend having a conversation with your healthcare provider to make sure your individual iron and calcium needs are being met.
Choline is an essential nutrient that many women do not get enough of during pregnancy. Research shows that up to 70% of pregnant Australian women consume below the recommended daily intake for choline from diet alone, with average intakes sitting at around 362mg per day – approximately 78mg below the 440mg adequate intake recommended for pregnant women(12)(13).
Despite this widespread shortfall, choline is not commonly included in prenatal supplements. H.E.R Code Prenatal + Postnatal contains 110mg of choline per sachet(12)(13).
Yes. H.E.R Code Prenatal + Postnatal has been developed by our clinical practitioner and specialist formulation team, with a combined experience of over 20 years in evidence-based nutraceutical product development. Ingredient selection, nutrient forms, and dosing decisions are informed by current peer-reviewed research and applied clinical nutrition expertise, with equal consideration given to both efficacy and tolerability across the full preconception, pregnancy, and postnatal journey.
Yes – H.E.R Code Prenatal + Postnatal contains no animal-derived ingredients and is suitable for both vegetarian and vegan women.
For women following a plant-based diet, prenatal supplementation is particularly important. Nutrients that are most commonly under-consumed on a vegan or vegetarian diet – including iron, vitamin B12, and choline – are all included in the H.E.R Code Prenatal + Postnatal formula to help support nutritional intake across the preconception, pregnancy, and postnatal periods.
H.E.R Code Prenatal + Postnatal contains no animal-derived ingredients and may be considered suitable for halal diets.
The formula contains only trace amounts of alcohol, which arise as a natural byproduct of the manufacturing process for certain vitamins – not as an added ingredient. These trace levels are consistent with those found in many certified halal-certified food and supplement products.
Please note that H.E.R Code Prenatal + Postnatal does not currently hold formal halal certification. Women for whom halal certification is important are encouraged to speak with their religious advisor or healthcare provider before use.
Yes. According to the current criteria for low-FODMAP thresholds, H.E.R Code Prenatal + Postnatal meets the definition as a low-FODMAP formula.
This formulation contains xylitol (200mg) and mannitol (120mg) per recommended daily dose, included as excipients to support the palatability and stability of the formula. Both are naturally derived, plant-based polyol sweeteners that are sugar-free and calorie-free. While classified as FODMAPs at doses exceeding established tolerance thresholds, both excipients are present at doses below the recognised cut-off value for individual polyols per serve and well below the 500mg total FODMAP threshold per sitting(17).
At these levels, the formula meets the accepted definition of low-FODMAP and is unlikely to contribute meaningfully to FODMAP load in the majority of women, including those with known polyol sensitivity(17).
Women following a clinically supervised low-FODMAP diet, including those managing irritable bowel syndrome or other functional gastrointestinal conditions, are encouraged to review their complete supplement regimen with their treating healthcare professional prior to commencing supplementation, as individual tolerance to polyols may vary.
The inclusion of these excipients reflects a considered formulation approach for a supplement intended for daily use throughout preconception, pregnancy, and the postnatal period, where dietary sugar management and gestational weight considerations are clinically relevant. By selecting naturally derived, calorie-free sweetening excipients, the formula supports consistent daily palatability without contributing to sugar or caloric intake.
No. H.E.R Code Prenatal + Postnatal is formulated exclusively with natural and nature-derived flavouring and sweetening ingredients. There are no artificial flavours, artificial sweeteners, or synthetic taste modifiers in the formula.
To find out more about how the flavour and sweetness profile of our formula is achieved through natural ingredients, see our full excipient transparency breakdown here.
H.E.R Code Prenatal + Postnatal contains no added sugars and has been intentionally formulated with natural sweeteners - including stevia rebaudiana and thaumatin - in place of sugar or artificial sweetening agents.
Any sugars present in the formula arise incidentally from ingredient carriers used in the manufacturing of specific nutrients (such as our K2Vital® Vitamin K2). These incidental sugars contribute less than 100mg per recommended daily dose, equivalent to approximately 0.2% of the recommended daily intake for an adult((18).
As a listed complementary medicine rather than a food product, H.E.R Code Prenatal + Postnatal does not carry a formally declared caloric value. Based on the caloric-contributing excipients present in the formula, the estimated caloric contribution per daily serve is approximately 1.2 calories. This is considered a negligible contribution to daily caloric intake.
This figure is an estimate based on standard caloric conversion factors applied to the excipients present in the formula, rather than a formally declared nutritional value.
Every detail of H.E.R Code has been designed with purpose – and our packaging is no exception.
Each serving is individually sealed in its own foil sachet to protect the integrity of the formula from the moment it's made to the moment you take it. When a powder is stored in a jar, repeated opening exposes the full contents to air and humidity, potentially causing active ingredients to oxidise, lose potency, and the powder to clump over time. Individually sealed sachets reduce that risk, to help protect your first sachet you take to the same standard as the last.
Sustainability matters to us and we also know matters to our community. We are continuously exploring more sustainable packaging solutions, however at this point in time, there are no recyclable paper-based sachets that can effectively eliminate moisture and maintain shelf stability. We chose this format because we're serious about efficacy, and foil-based sachets are the only format we can stand behind with confidence.
