• EVERY EXCIPIENT EXPLAINED

What are excipients and why are they in my supplement?

Every supplement – without exception – contains excipients. They are the inactive ingredients that sit alongside the active nutrients in a formula, and they serve an essential purpose. Without them, supplements simply could not be manufactured, stored, or delivered to your body in a form that is safe, stable, and effective. Excipients are responsible for holding ingredients together, preventing them from degrading on the shelf, ensuring nutrients are released and absorbed correctly, and in the case of a powder sachet like H.E.R Code Prenatal + Postnatal, creating a texture and taste that makes the formula pleasant to take every day. They are not fillers, they are not hidden additives, and they are not something to be afraid of – they are a fundamental and necessary part of every supplement formulation on the market, from the most basic single-nutrient tablet to a comprehensive prenatal powder.


At H.E.R Code, we believe you deserve to know exactly what is in your sachet and why. H.E.R Code Prenatal + Postnatal contains 23 active nutrients – one of the most comprehensive prenatal formulas available in Australia. The more active ingredients a formula contains, the more excipients are required to keep those ingredients stable, compatible with one another, and deliverable in a single daily dose. A longer excipient list is not a sign of a lower quality product – in many cases it is a sign of a more complete one. Below is a list of every excipient in our formula so you can understand exactly what it is, where it comes from, and why it is there.

Acacia

A natural plant-derived gum used as a carrier and stabilising agent to protect sensitive nutrients (such as our Vitashine® Vitamin D3, K2Vital® Vitamin K2) during manufacturing and storage.

Calcium Phosphate

A natural mineral compound used as a flow agent to ensure the powder moves smoothly through manufacturing equipment and disperses evenly in each sachet.

Citric Acid

A naturally occurring organic acid used to balance the pH of the formula and support the stability of sensitive nutrients, while contributing to the flavour profile of the sachet.

Colloidal Anhydrous Silica

A natural fine mineral powder used in tiny amounts as a flow agent to prevent the powder from clumping and ensure consistent dosing in every sachet.

Colour

A natural plant-derived raspberry red colour used in small amounts to give the powder its pinky-red appearance.

D-alpha-tocopherol

The natural form of vitamin E, used as an antioxidant to protect fat-soluble nutrients (such as our Vitashine® Vitamin D3) from oxidation during storage, helping maintain potency throughout the product's shelf life.

Flavour

Natural flavours derived from fruit sources, used to create the strawberry watermelon taste that makes H.E.R Code Prenatal + Postnatal a genuinely pleasant part of your daily routine.

Fractionated coconut oil

A natural and highly stable, purified form of coconut oil used as a carrier for fat-soluble nutrients including vitamins D and K2, supporting their stability and delivery in the formula.

Glycine

A naturally occurring amino acid used as a sweetener and flavour modifier to balance the taste profile of the formula, and as a carrier in certain ingredient forms.

Hypromellose

A plant-derived cellulose compound used as a coating agent and carrier for our calcium ascorbate dihydrate.

Lecithin

A naturally derived emulsifier from non-GMO sunflower, used in the SunActive® Iron microencapsulation process to create the protective coating that gives this iron form its gentle tolerability profile.

Liquid Glucose

A naturally derived carbohydrate used in small amounts as a binder and carrier to support the stability and texture of the powder formula.

Maize Starch

A plant-derived starch from corn used as a carrier and flow agent in our Vitashine® Vitamin D3 and K2Vital® Vitamin K2, helping ensure even distribution of nutrients throughout the powder.

Maltodextrin

A naturally derived carbohydrate from sweet potato and corn, used as a carrier in the SunActive® Iron microencapsulation process to support the stability and consistent delivery of iron in each sachet.

Mannitol

A naturally occurring sugar alcohol found in many fruits and vegetables, used as a sweetener and bulking agent to give the powder its pleasant texture and help it dissolve smoothly on the tongue.

Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs)

Naturally derived fats used as a carrier for our fat-soluble Vitashine® Vitamin D3 and K2Vital® Vitamin K2, supporting their stability and absorption in the formula.

Pea Starch

A plant-derived starch from yellow peas used as a natural carrier and bulking agent to support the powder texture and ensure consistent dosing in every sachet.

Purified Water

Purified water is used in its natural form during the processing of stevia extract, present only in trace amounts in the final formula as a result of the manufacturing process.

Silicon Dioxide

A naturally occurring mineral used in very small amounts as a flow agent to prevent clumping and ensure the powder disperses evenly. Silicon dioxide occurs naturally in many everyday foods including wholegrains, oats, and leafy vegetables.

Sodium Alginate

A naturally derived compound extracted from brown seaweed, used as a stabiliser and thickening agent to support the texture and consistency of the powder formula.

Sodium Ascorbate

A natural, buffered, non-acidic form of vitamin C used as an antioxidant to protect our Vitashine® Vitamin D3 from oxidation during manufacturing and storage, helping maintain nutrient potency throughout the product's shelf life.

Sodium Chloride

Natural common salt, used in very small amounts as a processing aid in our SunActive® Iron manufacturing process. Present only in trace amounts in the final formula.

Stevia Rebaudiana

A natural, plant-derived sweetener extracted from the stevia leaf, used to provide gentle sweetness to the formula without contributing sugar or artificial sweeteners.

Sucrose

A small amount of natural sugar present as part of our K2Vital® Vitamin K2 ingredient form, used as a carrier to support the stability of vitamin K2 during manufacturing and storage. The amount contributed to the total formula is minimal.

Tartaric Acid

A naturally occurring organic acid found in grapes and other fruits, present as part of the calcium ascorbate dihydrate ingredient form. It supports the stability of the ingredient and contributes to the overall flavour balance of the formula.

Thaumatin

A natural protein derived from the katemfe fruit, used in very small amounts as a flavour modifier and sweetness enhancer to support the taste profile of the formula without contributing artificial sweeteners.

Xylitol

A naturally occurring sugar alcohol found in many fruits, vegetables, and fibrous plants, used as a sweetener and texture agent to support the pleasant taste and mouthfeel of the dissolving powder.

• FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

You've got questions? We've got answers.

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.

Vegan Friendly Formula

Plant-based formulation suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

No Artificial Colours, Flavours & Sweeteners

All naturally derived colours, flavours and sweeteners.

Third-Party Quality Tested

Every batch is third-party tested in Australia to the highest quality and safety standards.

Australian Made & Owned

Formulated, quality tested, produced and packaged in Australia.