Beli Prenatals are HSA/FSA eligible!

How Beli For Women Fits All Those Nutrients Into Just 3 Capsules

As a mom herself, Beli founder Joni Hanson Davis is intimately familiar with the roller coaster ride that is conceiving and carrying and delivering a baby. She knows that the very last thing moms-to-be want or need are a handful of horse pills that they dread choking down day after day after day. So she did things differently, with a prenatal vitamin designed for the long haul. It needed to have all the right nutrients in all the right amounts to support mom and baby before, during, and after pregnancy. It needed to be free of bulky, low-quality ingredients and fillers of any kind, and it needed to be reasonable both in capsule and serving size.

Spoiler–she made it happen with Beli for Women, a prenatal vitamin packaged in smaller capsules that are easier to swallow, in a very doable three-capsule serving, with an essential-oil based minty essence that is not only delightful, it’s soothing on the tummy, too. But it does beg the question, how exactly does Beli fit alllll those nutrients into just three capsules? Clearly, it was no accident.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Trademarked vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are the gold standard for nutrients, with greater purity, efficacy, and bioavailability.
  • Some formulas take a “everything but the kitchen sink” approach, cramming in a mix of nutrients that increase capsule and serving size.
  • Many prenatal vitamin formulas use fillers as preservatives or for aesthetics, but they also add bulk.

It all comes down to the ingredients. Beli for Women is based on the latest scientific research for fertility, prenatal, and postnatal health, and it’s one of very few formulas on the market meeting current recommendations for choline, folate, iodine, magnesium, and vitamin D. There are 20 ingredients in Beli’s prenatals, all of which are scientifically shown to benefit mom and baby from preconception to postpartum. But it’s not just the nutrients themselves that affect both final serving and individual capsule sizes–it’s the forms of those nutrients.

Branded forms of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are the cream of the crop. These are the purest, cleanest forms you can get, with the greatest bioavailability for the greatest efficacy. And because they’re so pure, these branded forms of key nutrients tend to take up less space. Isn’t that wild? True story–during the research and development process, Beli’s serving size went from four capsules down to three after we switched to the trademarked VitaCholine, widely considered the gold standard for this essential nutrient. We opted for the gold standard as much as possible in our formula, from Ferrochel, a tummy-friendly, chelated version of iron, to zinc from Albion TRAACS, which makes it possible to fit all the necessary nutrients in all the appropriate amounts into just three smaller capsules.

Everything You Need, Nothing You Don’t

What we put into our prenatal vitamins is just as important as what we don’t. Remember, prenatal vitamins are designed to supplement what you eat, which should always serve as the primary source of your nutrition. So the “everything but the kitchen sink” approach that some formulas have really isn’t doing you any favors. Worse, some formulas are crammed with unnecessary ingredients, including artificial colorants, hydrogenated oils, talc, titanium dioxide, etc. (all ingredients on Beli’s personal never, ever list). These fillers may be added to keep ingredients from sticking to one another in a capsule, extend the product’s shelf life, or just make the capsules look prettier, but they also add bulk (not to mention health risks!).

Some formulas have ingredients that don’t meet our personal standards for safety in a prenatal vitamin, such as vitamin A, which is plentiful in the average diet and can be harmful in the earliest stages of pregnancy. Some include ingredients that compete with other nutrients for absorption (like calcium) or aren’t shelf stable when combined with other ingredients (like DHA) and so are best sourced through your daily diet or taken as a separate supplement. The point is, we took a very mindful, intentional approach in the formulation of our prenatal vitamins to create a product that truly serves you in every way it should.

The (Missing) Standard

Spend a little researching prenatal vitamins in the nearest drugstore or online, and you’ll probably be shocked by what seems like endless options. These things come in all shapes and sizes and forms, with serving sizes that vary from a single capsule all the way up to eight (yeah, no). So what gives? Why is there so much variation from one prenatal vitamin to the next? The answer is a little grim. Serving and capsule sizes vary, simply, because there is no single standard. What’s more, as supplements, there is little oversight into what’s actually inside the average prenatal vitamin. That means you, the consumer, need to know not only which vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants you need to successfully conceive and grow an entire little person, but also the appropriate quantities and even the best forms of those nutrients.

Beli for Women makes it easy. But in the event you’re still weighing your options, remember to always, always choose a brand that manufactures in FDA-registered and cGMP-certified facilities. It’s an indication that your vitamins are being produced in a safe, standardized process and an assurance of quality control and consistency. cGMP certified facilities meet high standards for production and monitoring, and they’re quick to spot and address any potential issues that could affect quality, purity, or safety in products coming off the line.

FDA certification, meanwhile, means a facility is regularly inspected, an important safety consideration. Finally, look for third-party testing. Beli, for instance, is the proud recipient of the Purity Award from the Clean Label Project, an organization that tests for ingredient quality and purity. Your prenatal vitamin is the last place you want to compromise, and these certifications can point you in the right direction.

The Takeaway

To us, prioritizing safety, purity, and efficacy is key, and so is thinking through the reality of taking prenatal vitamins day in and day out. Doing everything we can to ensure this isn’t a dreaded part of your day is a big deal to us, and factoring for your comfort is just one way we’re bringing you the very best women’s prenatal on the market. The same is true of our men's formula, which is formulated with science-backed ingredients to support and promote sperm health. Men switching from a multivitamin (highly recommended if the plan is a baby!) will be happy to know the serving size for Beli Vitality for Men is just two capsules a day.

 

Additional Resources

Somewhere between the “let’s have a baby!” conversation and seeing those two pink lines, you’re going to end up researching prenatal vitamins. And trust us when we say you’re going to have a ton of options to wade through. Consider this your handy guide to the best prenatal vitamins for men and women in 2024.

Read More

Here at Beli, we’re working hard to raise awareness of the important role men play in the baby-making equation, which brings us to today’s topic of men’s preconception health and specifically, sperm health. Knowing what you’re working with can save you a lot of time, but is at-home sperm testing considered an important part of men’s preconception health? Let’s break it down.

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Most births occur between June and early November. Count back nine months, and you’ll see that places most conceptions in the fall and winter. So what’s the deal? Is it the cold weather, all the festivities, or something else driving us between the sheets? That ugly sweater is pretty cute, but you can chalk this up to reproductive seasonality. Here’s what that means, why it matters, and what to do to use it to your advantage.

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There’s a certain magic to the holiday season, whether you’re all-in on the decorations and the family time or a self-proclaimed Scrooge from mid-November to the New Year. But when you’re trying to conceive, it can be a challenging time.  We’re sharing five tips for managing the holidays when you’re trying to conceive.

Read More

Everyone knows that alcohol and pregnancy don’t mix. But what about before you’re pregnant, during the trying-to-conceive stage? There’s no evidence that the occasional drink—i.e. one or two a week—is going to torpedo your chances of parenthood. But it is true that the more you drink, the greater the likelihood it will have an effect on your health. Here’s what the research says about alcohol and your fertility.

Read More

You’re clear on the mechanics of making a baby, but how much do you really know about conception and fertility? There are a lot of wild stories, downright falsehoods and notions that are actually rooted in a kernel of truth out there. In the interest of sticking to the facts, we’re debunking 15 of the most common myths about conception and fertility.

Read More

When you’re knocking boots in an effort to get knocked up, timing is everything. Your best chance of conceiving is during the most fertile time of your menstrual cycle—when you ovulate. The key is figuring out exactly when that happens. Fortunately, you have a few ways of detecting ovulation. Here’s what to know about understanding ovulation and timing sex for pregnancy.

Read More

You have big plans for parenthood in 2024, which means this is the time to start laying the groundwork for everything to come. While so much of conception is beyond our control, there are actionable steps you and your partner can take right now to support and nourish your fertility.

Read More

Is there anything worse than the two-week wait? All the listicles out there sensibly advise keeping busy and journaling and talking it out, but we’re sharing more specific recommendations collected from the Beli community. Read on for seven tips for surviving the two-week wait without losing your mind.

Read More

Heard the one about ice baths and testosterone? Spoiler: there's little to no research behind that idea. Here’s what to know about cold plunges and male fertility, according to the research, plus where you should really focus your efforts if you’re trying to improve sperm health.

Read More

As a society, we’re an impatient bunch, and that applies to pregnancy, too. The second you decide it’s time to try for a baby, you’re ready to see those two pink lines. If you’ve recently tossed the birth control and you’re wondering how long it should take to get pregnant, here's what to know.

Read More

Jimmy Fallon. Hugh Jackman. Mark Zuckerberg. Keith Urban. Gordon Ramsey. Kyle Busch. Besides immediate name recognition, what else do these men have in common? They’ve all struggled with infertility issues—and it’s something they’re all talking about publicly. Here's why that matters.

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There’s a persistent misconception that a woman’s egg quality is largely untouchable—you get what you get, and the rest is out of your hands. But for women actively planning on becoming mothers, there are a handful of best practices that can go a very long way. So, can you improve egg quality in 90 days?

Read More

Can weight loss improve your fertility? That depends on what you read. In today’s post, we’re running through all the latest data on weight loss and fertility, and clarifying why the focus should be less on pounds lost and more on prioritizing habits that support your health as a whole.

Read More

Perimenopause is a transitional time that’s pretty wild in its own right, with hormonal changes similar to a roller coaster and major changes to your cycle. Balanced hormones are, of course, key to successfully becoming pregnant and it’s certainly reasonable to wonder whether it’s possible to get pregnant during perimenopause. The short answer is oh yes. 

Read More

While it’s true that popular hair loss meds work minor miracles on that receding hairline and back-of-the-head bald patch, it’s also true that it can come with side effects—some of them sexual. So, what does that mean in terms of male fertility? Here’s what couples should understand about the effects of popular hair-loss medications on sperm health.

Read More

A few years ago, the keto diet was all the rage—a high-fat, low-carb way to shed pounds quickly. While it’s lost a bit of its luster, as all diet trends do, interest in the keto diet remains. Specifically, those hoping to become parents wonder whether following this way of eating could support fertility. Is a diet high in fat and low in carbs the answer? It’s possible. Here’s what to know about the keto diet and whether it might help support fertility.

Read More

When you’re pregnant, of course, you’re told to limit your caffeine consumption. But what about when you’re trying to conceive? Can too much caffeine affect your chances of conception as a couple? It's a good idea to cut back—which means you need to be really clear about sneaky sources of caffeine in your diet.

Read More

Here at Beli, we’re staunch advocates of supporting men's fertility health in anticipation of fatherhood. In fact, our men’s prenatal vitamin, Beli Vitality for Men, is actually our flagship product. Today, we’re diving into the obvious and unexpected benefits of prenatal vitamins for men, starting with what actually happens when you start taking them.

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Forbes Health recently reviewed our men's prenatal vitamins and we love author Leigh Weingus' take: "Beli Men Vitality Multivitamins first caught my eye because while I often see supplements that claim to improve fertility outcomes for women, I rarely see the same thing for men." We hear you, Leigh! Check out the full review here and read on for some highlights.

Read More

Everyone responds to supplementation (not to mention pregnancy!) differently, which is one reason that how you feel isn’t a clue into whether or not your prenatal vitamin is actually working. Instead, you need to be confident about the prenatal vitamin itself, and there are a few things you’ll want to look for.

Read More

We’re back with our second post in our “It Starts With The Sperm” mini series on the key roles sperm plays in conception, pregnancy and baby, and this time, we’re talking DNA. When it comes to male fertility, it’s not enough to have a high sperm count and top marks for motility and morphology. Without low levels of DNA fragmentation, a man’s fertility—along with his ability to successfully conceive with a partner—is affected.

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In this three-part mini series, we’re covering all the ways sperm seals the deal for a healthy conception, pregnancy and baby, with a deep dive into three key functions. First up is how a man’s sperm affects placental development. Spoiler: sperm carries what amounts to the architect’s rendering of the placenta, so it’s no small thing!

Read More

Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, affects 1 in every 10 women of childbearing age, which adds up to a lot of women. Sure, they’re not all actively trying to conceive, but those who are will find PCOS poses a hurdle. The good news—it’s a hurdle that can be managed

Read More

There’s an essential connection between our minds and our bodies, and when we neglect one, it inevitably catches up with us through the other. For women becoming mothers especially, the body-mind connection is worth paying close attention to. Here's how prenatal vitamins can help.

Read More

The role of a prenatal vitamin is to support the healthy growth and development of growing babies, and minimizing the risk of birth defects is front and center. But can your prenatal vitamins really reduce the risk of birth defects? Absolutely!

Read More

There’s a certain magic to the holiday season, whether you’re all-in on the decorations and the family time or a self-proclaimed Scrooge from mid-November to the New Year. But when you’re trying to conceive, it can be a challenging time.  We’re sharing five tips for managing the holidays when you’re trying to conceive.

Read More

Everyone knows that alcohol and pregnancy don’t mix. But what about before you’re pregnant, during the trying-to-conceive stage? There’s no evidence that the occasional drink—i.e. one or two a week—is going to torpedo your chances of parenthood. But it is true that the more you drink, the greater the likelihood it will have an effect on your health. Here’s what the research says about alcohol and your fertility.

Read More

You’re clear on the mechanics of making a baby, but how much do you really know about conception and fertility? There are a lot of wild stories, downright falsehoods and notions that are actually rooted in a kernel of truth out there. In the interest of sticking to the facts, we’re debunking 15 of the most common myths about conception and fertility.

Read More

When you’re knocking boots in an effort to get knocked up, timing is everything. Your best chance of conceiving is during the most fertile time of your menstrual cycle—when you ovulate. The key is figuring out exactly when that happens. Fortunately, you have a few ways of detecting ovulation. Here’s what to know about understanding ovulation and timing sex for pregnancy.

Read More

You have big plans for parenthood in 2024, which means this is the time to start laying the groundwork for everything to come. While so much of conception is beyond our control, there are actionable steps you and your partner can take right now to support and nourish your fertility.

Read More

Welcome to our little corner of common fertility and pregnancy terms! We know that jargon can be overwhelming, so consider this your very own baby-making dictionary. Here, confusing medical terms transform into easy-to-understand facts that help you confidently navigate your family planning journey. 

Read More

Is there anything worse than the two-week wait? All the listicles out there sensibly advise keeping busy and journaling and talking it out, but we’re sharing more specific recommendations collected from the Beli community. Read on for seven tips for surviving the two-week wait without losing your mind.

Read More

As a society, we’re an impatient bunch, and that applies to pregnancy, too. The second you decide it’s time to try for a baby, you’re ready to see those two pink lines. If you’ve recently tossed the birth control and you’re wondering how long it should take to get pregnant, here's what to know.

Read More

There’s a persistent misconception that a woman’s egg quality is largely untouchable—you get what you get, and the rest is out of your hands. But for women actively planning on becoming mothers, there are a handful of best practices that can go a very long way. So, can you improve egg quality in 90 days?

Read More

Can weight loss improve your fertility? That depends on what you read. In today’s post, we’re running through all the latest data on weight loss and fertility, and clarifying why the focus should be less on pounds lost and more on prioritizing habits that support your health as a whole.

Read More

Perimenopause is a transitional time that’s pretty wild in its own right, with hormonal changes similar to a roller coaster and major changes to your cycle. Balanced hormones are, of course, key to successfully becoming pregnant and it’s certainly reasonable to wonder whether it’s possible to get pregnant during perimenopause. The short answer is oh yes. 

Read More

A few years ago, the keto diet was all the rage—a high-fat, low-carb way to shed pounds quickly. While it’s lost a bit of its luster, as all diet trends do, interest in the keto diet remains. Specifically, those hoping to become parents wonder whether following this way of eating could support fertility. Is a diet high in fat and low in carbs the answer? It’s possible. Here’s what to know about the keto diet and whether it might help support fertility.

Read More

When you’re pregnant, of course, you’re told to limit your caffeine consumption. But what about when you’re trying to conceive? Can too much caffeine affect your chances of conception as a couple? It's a good idea to cut back—which means you need to be really clear about sneaky sources of caffeine in your diet.

Read More

Many new mothers are seriously drained. The popular term is postnatal depletion, the combination of hormonal, physical and emotional depletion that’s incredibly common for women following the birth of their babies.  Here’s what to understand about postnatal depletion and its effects on breastfeeding + 4 easy tips to help avoid postnatal depletion.

Read More

Turns out, you really can have too much of a good thing, and nutrient overload during pregnancy is a prime example—particularly if you add a daily prenatal vitamin to the supplements you’re already taking. Here’s why excess nutrients are problematic during pregnancy, and what you can do to keep things balanced.

Read More

The heat and humidity on these endless summer days can be hard to beat, and believe us when we say it’s even harder when you’re pregnant. The good news—you can do this! And we can help with these four not-so-obvious tips to beat the summer heat during pregnancy.

Read More

Everyone responds to supplementation (not to mention pregnancy!) differently, which is one reason that how you feel isn’t a clue into whether or not your prenatal vitamin is actually working. Instead, you need to be confident about the prenatal vitamin itself, and there are a few things you’ll want to look for.

Read More

Up to 90% of pregnant women will end up with stretch marks—call it a maternity souvenir. That’s why the internet is full of creams and lotions and potions that promise to prevent these completely harmless but largely undesirable scars. By and large, stretch mark prevention products are largely anecdotal (and definitely unproven). But what about collagen?

Read More

You may know all the ways collagen benefits you before, during and after pregnancy, but there are a handful of little best practices that can actually make or break the experience. In the interest of ensuring that you’re really reaping the benefits, we’re highlighting three mistakes you’re (probably) making with prenatal collagen.

Read More

Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, affects 1 in every 10 women of childbearing age, which adds up to a lot of women. Sure, they’re not all actively trying to conceive, but those who are will find PCOS poses a hurdle. The good news—it’s a hurdle that can be managed

Read More

Pregnancy is a time to get really particular about what you’re ingesting. From the cleanest prenatal vitamin you can find to ten months of minimal caffeine and zero sushi, you’re taking precautions. And rightfully so! So what does that mean for your favorite collagen supplement? Can you take collagen while you’re pregnant? You certainly can—with caveats.

Read More

Learning that you’re about to become a mother is truly life-changing news, and it's always helpful to have an immediate next step or two. Start checking things off this little list, and you’ll be well on your way to a healthy and minimally stressful pregnancy.

Read More

The role of a prenatal vitamin is to support the healthy growth and development of growing babies, and minimizing the risk of birth defects is front and center. But can your prenatal vitamins really reduce the risk of birth defects? Absolutely!

Read More

Think about good nutrition, and protein is generally front and center. It’s the macronutrient behind so many essential processes and functions in the body, from building and repairing muscle and bone to whipping up hormones and enzymes. And the importance of protein only increases during and after pregnancy. Here's why.

Read More

Somewhere between the “let’s have a baby!” conversation and seeing those two pink lines, you’re going to end up researching prenatal vitamins. And trust us when we say you’re going to have a ton of options to wade through. Consider this your handy guide to the best prenatal vitamins for men and women in 2024.

Read More

Flying, especially these days, is rarely enjoyable. Between the long lines and the inevitable delays and the miserable airline food, it just doesn’t add up to a good time. Throw pregnancy into the mix, and well, things can get especially rough. Fortunately, a little planning goes a very long way. Read on for our four tips for air travel during pregnancy.

Read More

Turns out, you really can have too much of a good thing, and nutrient overload during pregnancy is a prime example—particularly if you add a daily prenatal vitamin to the supplements you’re already taking. Here’s why excess nutrients are problematic during pregnancy, and what you can do to keep things balanced.

Read More

The heat and humidity on these endless summer days can be hard to beat, and believe us when we say it’s even harder when you’re pregnant. The good news—you can do this! And we can help with these four not-so-obvious tips to beat the summer heat during pregnancy.

Read More

Up to 90% of pregnant women will end up with stretch marks—call it a maternity souvenir. That’s why the internet is full of creams and lotions and potions that promise to prevent these completely harmless but largely undesirable scars. By and large, stretch mark prevention products are largely anecdotal (and definitely unproven). But what about collagen?

Read More

You may know all the ways collagen benefits you before, during and after pregnancy, but there are a handful of little best practices that can actually make or break the experience. In the interest of ensuring that you’re really reaping the benefits, we’re highlighting three mistakes you’re (probably) making with prenatal collagen.

Read More

Pregnancy is a time to get really particular about what you’re ingesting. From the cleanest prenatal vitamin you can find to ten months of minimal caffeine and zero sushi, you’re taking precautions. And rightfully so! So what does that mean for your favorite collagen supplement? Can you take collagen while you’re pregnant? You certainly can—with caveats.

Read More

Learning that you’re about to become a mother is truly life-changing news, and it's always helpful to have an immediate next step or two. Start checking things off this little list, and you’ll be well on your way to a healthy and minimally stressful pregnancy.

Read More

There’s an essential connection between our minds and our bodies, and when we neglect one, it inevitably catches up with us through the other. For women becoming mothers especially, the body-mind connection is worth paying close attention to. Here's how prenatal vitamins can help.

Read More

Think about good nutrition, and protein is generally front and center. It’s the macronutrient behind so many essential processes and functions in the body, from building and repairing muscle and bone to whipping up hormones and enzymes. And the importance of protein only increases during and after pregnancy. Here's why.

Read More