What is Bioavailability and Why Does it Matter in Pregnancy Vitamins?
by Nikki Warren on Jun 24, 2025

Imagine this scenario: You’ve diligently been taking your pregnancy vitamins every morning, trusting you're doing the absolute best for you and your growing baby. But did you know that not all pregnancy vitamins are created equal? In fact, the vitamins you’re taking might not even be fully absorbed by your body. Surprised? You should be.
Why Bioavailability Matters
Bioavailability refers to how much of a nutrient actually gets absorbed into your bloodstream and is available for your body to use. Simply put, if your pregnancy vitamins aren't highly bioavailable, you might as well be flushing valuable nutrients—and money—down the drain.
During pregnancy, your nutritional needs significantly increase to support your growing baby. You need assurance that every vitamin and mineral you take is effectively supporting your pregnancy journey. Low bioavailability not only means fewer benefits but also potential nutritional gaps, something every expecting mum wants to avoid.
The Reality Behind Nutrient Absorption
Did you know that the iron in your vitamins might only have a bioavailability rate of about 10% if it's not in the right form? Compare this to a highly bioavailable form like iron bisglycinate, which can offer up to 90% absorption. This stark difference highlights why selecting the best pregnancy vitamins with optimal bioavailability is crucial.
Moreover, essential nutrients like folic acid versus methylfolate also play a big role. While folic acid is commonly included in supplements, up to 40% of women have a genetic mutation that prevents proper absorption. Choosing a vitamin with bioavailable methylfolate ensures everyone gets the critical nutrients needed for a healthy pregnancy.
Supporting Your Pregnancy Journey
Selecting vitamins with high bioavailability doesn't just help meet nutritional requirements; it can profoundly support your entire pregnancy experience. When your body efficiently absorbs and utilises nutrients, you’re likely to notice increased energy, better digestion, and overall improved wellness. Feeling healthier and more energetic during pregnancy is something every mum deserves.
Effectively absorbed nutrients provide the best possible foundation for your baby's development, supporting their brain growth, immunity, and overall health from the earliest stages. Knowing you're optimally nourishing your baby gives peace of mind—a priceless reassurance for every expecting mother.
Key Nutrients and Their Bioavailability
Let’s explore some critical nutrients and their most bioavailable forms:
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Iron (bisglycinate): Gentle on the stomach, offering superior absorption, preventing common pregnancy-related anaemia.
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Calcium and Magnesium: Chelated forms (bound to amino acids) ensure higher absorption, benefiting your bone health and reducing muscle cramps.
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Methylfolate: Highly absorbable form of folate, essential for preventing deficiencies, supporting DNA synthesis, and promoting healthy brain development.
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Vitamin D3: Essential for calcium absorption and healthy bones, ensuring optimal immunity.
Choosing vitamins with these highly bioavailable forms ensures that both you and your baby receive maximum benefits.
What About Men?
Don’t overlook the importance of your partner's nutritional health, especially during preconception. Men's health significantly contributes to a successful conception and a healthy pregnancy. Bioavailable nutrients in preconception multivitamins for men support sperm health and overall vitality, laying a strong foundation for a healthy family.
Empower Your Pregnancy with Bioavailable Nutrients
Feeling overwhelmed by choices? You're not alone. Navigating pregnancy vitamins can be complex, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Prioritise bioavailability and choose supplements specifically designed to meet your evolving nutritional needs through every trimester and beyond.
Selecting the right prenatal vitamins—such as Preconception Multi for Women, Preconception Multi for Men, Prenatal Trimester One with Ginger, and Prenatal Trimester 2 & 3 Plus Breastfeeding—ensures you and your baby get optimal nutrients exactly when needed most.