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How is Bellybar different from other snack bars?
Bellybar is uniquely fortified to provide key prenatal vitamins and minerals women need before, during and after pregnancy. Bellybar was created after extensive research to identify the optimal combination of nutrients and natural ingredients to ensure nutritional efficacy and maximum benefit. The combination of nutrients are unique to Bellybar, and they are specific to women's special nutritional needs pre-conception, during pregnancy and while nursing. And, taste for yourself, but we're pretty sure you'll decide it tastes better than any other bars available -- and that may be the most important difference of all!
What is DHA and why is it important?
Omega-3 DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is one of the critical Omega-3 fatty acids. It serves as a primary building block for the brain and the eyes and supports brain, eye and cardiovascular health throughout life. DHA has been shown to support a healthy pregnancy and nursing, and to play a role in brain, eye and nervous system development in infants. In order to meet the recommended levels (200-300mg/day), most pregnant and breastfeeding women must take DHA in addition to her prenatal vitamins. Each Bellybar contains 50mg of DHA and is a convenient and delicious way to help you achieve the recommended amounts!
There is a large and growing body of scientific evidence demonstrating that people of all ages, from infants to aging adults, benefit from an adequate supply of DHA in their diets. Scientific reviews have noted the importance of DHA in proper brain and eye function, and there are studies currently underway to investigate its role in decreasing the prevalence of certain neurological disorders. Yet despite its importance, Americans have among the lowest dietary intakes of DHA in the world.
Bellybar has partnered with Martek Biosciences Corporation to provide DHA for Bellybar. Martek's DHA is unique in the market because it is derived from a sustainable and vegetarian source. Made from microalgae under tightly controlled manufacturing conditions, the DHA is free of oceanic contaminants that may be present in certain fish or fish oils. Microalgae is the best vegetarian source of DHA, the key Omega-3 for brain and eye development and function.
Should I take Bellybar instead of a prenatal vitamin?
The Bellybar team works with nutritionists and medical advisors who are knowledgeable about and extremely experienced in prenatal nutrition. Our research suggests that if you eat a healthy diet, one Bellybar daily will provide the supplemental nutrients needed for normal pregnancies. You get vitamins in most of the foods you eat, and we have identified the nutrients needed to "fill the gap" for most women. However, as with any important decision regarding your pregnancy and nursing, you should consult your health care provider to discuss your individual nutritional needs.
Why do you include Vitamin A?
Vitamin A is important for aiding cell and organ development in the fetus. Many women are slightly deficient in Vitamin A, thus requiring a low level of supplemental Vitamin A. Beta-carotene, the Vitamin A source in Bellybar, is a water soluble, natural source that is converted to Vitamin A in the body. The body converts the amount of Vitamin A needed, and excretes any excess.
Adverse effects have been observed with consumption of high levels of Vitamin A during pregnancy; however, such effects are only evidenced when Vitamin A is consumed from a retinyl source, such as Vitamin A Palmitate. Beta-carotene, however, does not have the same risks of "overdose". Bellybar provides the recommended amount of supplemental Vitamin A to fill the gap observed in most diets, and it is included as a natural beta-carotene source.
Why should I consume Bellybar before I'm pregnant?
Bellybar is designed to provide critical pre-conception nutrients, such as folic acid and iron. The United States National Institute of Health (NIH) recommends that adult women consume at least 400 mcg of folic acid daily prior to conception, because "folate deficient women who become pregnant are at greater risk of giving birth to low birth weight, premature, and/or infants with neural tube defects". Folic acid is critical during the first 6-8 weeks of pregnancy - a time when many women don't even know they are pregnant. Therefore, women of childbearing years should ensure their diet is sufficient in folic acid. Also, many women enter pregnancy iron deficient, and the iron in Bellybar should help women increase their iron levels prior to conception.
Is it ok if my husband eats Bellybar?
Many men can't keep their hands off Bellybar! Bellybar is fortified with key nutrients women need before, during and after pregnancy; however, many of the nutrients in Bellybar are beneficial to adult health in general. So, although Bellybar is not specifically designed for him, he can certainly enjoy the delicious taste of Bellybar - if you are willing to share! We recommend that if he is eating Bellybars often that he consult his physician about the iron content - men don't deplete iron every month like women do, and he might not need the additional source. (Individuals should of course review ingredient information prior to consuming any snack food to make sure you do not have any personal allergies or intolerances.)
How much sugar is in a Bellybar?
The sweetness in Bellybar primarily comes from brown rice syrup, which is 50% complex carbohydrate, and is therefore absorbed more slowly into the bloodstream than refined sugar. There is a very small amount of refined sugar in Bellybar, and it comes as a sub-ingredient in some of the premium ingredients we use, such as the real chocolate in the chocolate flavors. We always strive to include the most nutritious and delicious ingredients, and to provide the best possible sources to deliver a great tasting snack!
Is the nonfat milk powder pasteurized?
Yes, the small amount of nonfat milk powder in Bellybar is pasteurized.
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