Frequently Asked Questions

We met as friends, fellow-nutrition nerds, and “someday-to-be” mamas while studying at Stanford’s business school.

Through navigating our own fertility and nutrition journeys, we realized most prenatal nutrition information and products fall far short of empowering real nourishment for mamas-to-be. We started Needed to meet our needs and that of the thousands of women and health practitioners we’ve met along this journey. We’re on a mission to create broader nourishment through better products, information, and community. More about us here. 

Needed HQ is located in sunny West Los Angeles.

If you have any further questions, or just want to chat, you can email us at hello@thisisneeded.com or message us through Instagram at @nourishmentisneeded. We love hearing from you.

You can follow us on Instagram @nourishmentisneeded or subscribe to our newsletter via the field on the lower right of our homepage. And, be sure to visit our blog for existing and regularly updated educational content.

The Needed community is constantly growing, and we are so happy that you want to join us. There are several ways that you can get involved. Get started by following us on Instagram and signing up for our newsletter. If you are a health practitioner who would like to learn more about our Practitioner Referral Program, visit the Practitioners page. If you are a wellness professional, scientific researcher, or a curious consumer with great ideas, visit the Collaboration page. 

We are always on the lookout for fellow nutrition nerds, operational whizzes, and education gurus to join our team. If you think you could be a good fit, please email hello@thisisneeded.com with your resume and why you'd like to join Needed. 

Yes, Needed is working to expand access to better nutrition products and education to all women. Please find more information about our commitment to nourish mamas, including Mama Earth here. 

Through our community give back program, we are committed to donating product to pregnant and breastfeeding women in need, including through partnerships with healthcare clinics focused on serving these women.

Through our research partnership program, we contribute product and monetary support for much-needed nutrition research on fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum health.

We hope to close the gender health research gap that has disadvantaged women for too long.

We are a 1% for the Planet member. 

We are a pending B-Corporation, committed to the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.

Our Omega-3 carton, Pre/Probiotic bottle, and shipping boxes are recyclable. Unfortunately, our Prenatal Multi and Collagen gusset bags and Omega-3 packets are not at this time. We are always looking at ways to increase our sustainability and decrease our environmental impact, from our ingredient sourcing, to our packaging, fulfillment, and more, but have not found other options yet that properly protect the powders. Please find more information about our commitment to nourish mamas, including Mama Earth here. 

Share Needed with your family and friends. Give $10, and get $10 off your next order.

Naturopathic doctors (ND) attend an accredited four-year, graduate-level medical school like an MD, but their program is focused on physiology, nutritional biochemistry, and complementary therapies such as herbal medicine and homeopathy. This training is incredibly important in designing supplements. Very few MDs have nutritional training as only 25% of accredited US MD Medical Schools require a single nutrition course. Functional medicine doctors may be NDs or MDs who have gone through additional training in preventive medicine. 

We also collaborate with a number of other practitioners and researchers in developing and vetting products including OB-GYNS, midwives, nutritionists, biochemists, and microbiologists. 

Our products are manufactured in accordance to the FDA’s current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs), which help ensure quality and safety. Needed also completes third party lab testing for heavy metals, microbes, allergens, and other contaminants, helping to ensure our products are compliant within current guidelines and regulations. That said, by law, the FDA does not approve dietary supplements.

Whether you are a serious nutrition nerd, or just starting off on your nutrition journey, we believe in empowering our consumers with much-needed information on the fundamentals of nutrition. Our quiz is designed to educate you on the benefits of proper prenatal nutrition at every stage of life, and to help you determine which products are best for you based on your life stage and other needs.

At this time, no. But, go ahead and take the quiz again. 

Yes, we hope you will. Just be sure to answer the questions to the best accuracy you can.

The only constant in nature is change, and that is the same with our bodies. We recognize that nothing in our world is static, so we recommend you retake the quiz as your life stage or lifestyle evolves. 

Nature is nuanced. We pay close attention to nutrient content, and only formulate with ingredients - naturally-derived or lab-produced - that work synergistically with the body. We use lab-synthesized ingredients over naturally-sourced when the quality and purity of natural sources don’t meet our strict standards. All ingredients are selected and dosed in partnership with leading practitioners and researchers.

Using the highest quality natural ingredients is important to us, which is why we only source from vendors who meet our quality standards and whose focus is on organic, non-GMO ingredients.

Our products are all proudly manufactured in the USA in the highest quality GMP facilities. See notes per product in their respective sections. 

Our Practitioner Referral Partners are champions of our community. They serve as product educators and help drive our mission to empower everyone to find true nourishment through nutrition, education, valued experiences, and so much more. We are so lucky to work with an amazing community of doctors, midwives, nutritionists, acupuncturist, doulas, health coaches, chiropractors and so many more. Join us in our mission to empower real nourishment in women on their motherhood journey. 

Visit our Practitioners page, and submit an application. We will review your information and get back to you with next steps. 

Through these partnerships, we build a deep understanding of the nutrition needs practitioners are seeing with their patients and communities. Together, we create thoughtful nutrition products and education to meet these needs.

Additionally, our referral program rewards Practitioner Partners and their communities for prioritizing better nutrition. To learn more about the specific rewards program email us at practitioners@thisisneeded.com.

Instead of asking to order wholesale inventory, we provide our Practitioner Referral Partners with codes that are then shared with patients and clients. Then they may visit our site and shop directly from us, entering the code at checkout and attributing the sale to the appropriate Practitioner Referral Partner. If you are a practitioner who only sells wholesale supplements, please reach out to us at practitioners@thisisneeded.com to discuss how we can best serve your practice's needs. 

If you have forgotten your password, there is an option on the login page that will redirect you to enter the email address associated with your account. We will then send you an email with a link to reset your password. If you are still stuck, send us an email at hello@thisisneeded.com and we'll help you out.

Once you have created your account, you will receive a welcome email, confirming that your account has been activated. 

Email us at hello@thisisneeded.com, and we will help you out. 

You can review your orders and order history under the "my profile" tab, once you have logged in. 

No. However, we suggest a subscription and you can pause or cancel at any time. 

When you place your order, we will charge your payment method immediately, and bill and ship future orders every 30 days. 

We know that it can be a challenge to keep on top of your daily supplements. If you feel that you need to pause or cancel your subscription, you can do so through your online account at any time. Please note, however, that if your order is already on its way, your subscription adjustments will be reflected in your following order.

Please reach out to us at hello@thisisneeded.com and we’ll help you track your order.

Simply log into your account to manage your billing and shipping preferences at any time. If you have trouble doing so, email us at hello@thisisneeded.com.

Yes. However, we value customer safety, security, and privacy, so you can be certain that our payment system is very secure. 

See our privacy policy.

Once your order ships, you will receive an order confirmation and tracking email, which includes your tracking number. 

Outbound shipping within the US is free. For international orders, shipping fees apply. If you choose to return unopened products, we will send you a prepaid shipping label and deduct $10 from your return. We cannot accept returns on international orders.

Simply log into your account to manage your shipping address. If your order has already processed, please reach out to hello@thisisneeded.com.

We do! We have partnered with Passport to ship orders internationally. Please note that shipping fees, duties, and taxes may apply and we cannot accept returns on international orders.

Domestic orders with in-stock products are estimated to arrive within 3 to 5 business days after leaving our warehouse. International shipping speeds vary by location, but typically arrive within 9 to 11 business days after leaving our warehouse. A shipping notification with tracking link is emailed to you as soon as your order ships.

We want to make sure you love your Needed products, and our return/refund policy reflects this. Please note, though, that given the nature of our products, we are unable to accept returns or refunds on all orders. 

We sell sample packs of all powdered products, and we recommend trying before you buy a full size product if you are hesitant about taste. We do not offer refunds on sample packs or full size products due to taste preferences.

Unopened, sealed products may be returned for a refund, less a $10 return shipping charge will be deducted from your refund. Email us at hello@thisisneeded.com to commence your return. Please note that we cannot accept returns on international orders.

For reasons not covered above, we consider refunds on a case by case basis. Please note our products are designed to optimally nourish you -- that means there can be a transition period for your system to get used to the higher nutrient content in our products versus many which are minimal in their nutrition value. Please reach out if you have questions about getting started with our products, we are glad to help. 

If your order does not arrive safely, please email us at hello@thisisneeded.com for assistance.

Unfortunately, due to our fast shipping speeds, we cannot cancel orders once they are placed. You are welcome to return unopened products to us. Reach out to hello@thisisneeded.com and we will generate a prepaid shipping label for you. $10 will be deducted from your return to cover the cost of shipping your items back to Needed.

We work directly with practitioners to select nutrients that work best in the body, and dosages intended to fully nourish, unlike most prenatals that provide inadequate nutrient amounts and tough-to-absorb forms. 

Powder allows our Prenatal Multi to deliver all of the vitamins, minerals, and botanicals needed for complete, comprehensive nourishment — many of the best nutrients are bulky and can’t fit into 1- or 2-a-day prenatal capsules. You’ll see that a number of nutrient dosages are quite unique including 550mg of Choline and 400mg of Magnesium. Powder is more easily absorbed into the body. There is no need for additives or coatings. And, it tastes great and is seamless to incorporate into daily meals, drinks, or snacks (like smoothies, protein bites, nut milks, and more).

Take it before, during, after pregnancy — and even beyond — for the nourishment you need to feel your best and avoid depletion, and to give your baby everything their body needs to thrive from the very start. We like to stress the importance of preconception nutritional preparation and postpartum recovery, so this product is for you even if you are a few years away from having kids or a few years postpartum. 

Why do the amounts of some of the nutrients in Prenatal Multi exceed the percent Daily Value?

We designed our Prenatal Multi for optimal nourishment rather than to meet bare minimum needs. Daily Values are set off of the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) which most often do not offer enough nutritional value.

Our Prenatal Multi is vegetarian, but not vegan. There are considerable sustainability questions around the common vegan source of Vitamin D3, lichen. Lichen is a moss-like organism that exists as a composite of fungus and algae. It is an important part of the Arctic tundra ecosystem and grows "extremely slowly", less than a millimeter per year. For this reason, we prefer a “mind-fully made” D3 originally sourced from lanolin. 

It is allergen free, meaning no milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, and gluten. It is also free of GMOs, artificial colors, artificial flavors, preservatives, and other additives and fillers. 

Yes! Our Prenatal Multi includes many nutrients supportive of men's health (and sperm) including Vitamin C, E, Folate, Zinc, Selenium, and Antioxidants. We make a daily duo smoothie almost every morning. We’re working on a specific formula for the men in our lives that will have a few more sperm boosters like CoQ10. In the meantime, our Conception Support Plan for Two is a great start.

It may at times, especially with consistent use. B Vitamins in particular can cause urine to change to a bright yellow hue. Your body is excreting what it doesn’t need. We use nutrients forms that are most easily absorbed by the body, but because we set dosages to be fully supportive, the nutrient amounts may sometimes be more than you need. At our dosages, this is not harmful in any way, but just a guarantee you hit optimal amounts. Less is not more in more mind! 

The Prenatal Multi is manufactured in the United States at a FDA, GMP and QAI Certified Organic facility.  

We test every batch for performance and quality, including through third parties that test for nutritional content, pesticides and herbicides, heavy metals, microbes, allergens, and other contaminants.

Many pregnant mamas find our product more pleasant to take than a pill, and can often find something palatable to mix the powder into, even while nauseated. It is simple to incorporate the powder into the meals or beverages that sound appealing like smoothies, meals, protein bites, etc. 

Our Prenatal Multi is the most comprehensive available, but some extra support is always needed during this life stage. Our products are designed to be taken together. We recommend pairing the Prenatal Multi with our Omega-3 powder, Collagen Protein, and Pre/Probiotic to fully support you and baby before, during, and after pregnancy. Keeping the products separate allows us to maintain quality. For example, we find the Omega-3 (DHA + EPA) is compromised when taken out of the context (our liposomes keep the Omega-3 in their natural context) and mixed into a multivitamin. Shop our Base and Complete Plans and save. 

Daily, continuous supplementation is needed to maintain optimal levels for you and your baby before, during, and after pregnancy. Our subscription ensures you never miss a day of optimal nourishment. We’ll send you an email each month, a few days before we charge you and ship your next box. You can delay an order, or cancel your subscription at any time, right from your account page.

Yes, our product is tailored for before, during, and after pregnancy, but it is beneficial at all stages of life. Research suggests that a mom’s habits prior to conception influence her baby’s well-being not just at birth, but also for its entire lifetime. We recommend taking our Prenatal Multi prior to becoming pregnant to build your stores of key nutrients that are commonly depleted during pregnancy. The more you have prior to pregnancy, the better you may be able to feel during pregnancy. 

Don't sweat it. We know how busy life can get. We suggest building your Prenatal Multi consumption into an existing routine (like your morning smoothie), to keep the habit strong. Taking your Prenatal Multi every day will provide positive, long-lasting results.

A strong and healthy microbiome (digestive system, skin, vagina) is needed for a healthy pregnancy — for you and baby. What you eat is the number one determiner or microbiome health, but because the health of mama's microbiome is so important during pregnancy and it can be difficult to get enough of certain key strains from food, we highly recommend supplementing with our tailored Pre/Probiotic. 

Our Pre/Probiotic is formulated in partnership with leading microbiome experts to give you the targeted strains you need, and to seed your baby’s microbiome for optimal health. It is formulated to protect vaginal and gut microbiomes; boost maternal and infant immune functions; balance mood; optimize digestion; and support healthy blood sugar and pressure.

Our Pre/Probiotic does contain Lactoferrin which is derived from milk, therefore it is not vegan. Note that the amount of lactose per serving is less than 1.5 mg. By comparison, a teaspoon of milk has around 270 mg of lactose. It does not contain egg, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, and gluten. It is also free of GMOs, artificial colors, artificial flavors, preservatives, and other additives and fillers.  

The Pre/Probiotic is manufactured in the United States at a FDA, GMP and NSF Certified facility.  

We suggest storing at room temperature or cooler. Refrigeration is not necessary unless your home is consistently 79° F or warmer for extended periods.  

No, the capsules are not enteric coated. Research shows that our strains do not require enteric coated capsules to deliver the same benefits. The capsules are just a delivery system. That's why it's okay to open them up.

Possible symptoms may include abdominal cramping, loose stools, and changes in bowel movements. Though these symptoms may be uncomfortable, they are a sign that the product is working! Symptoms should resolve within 2-3 days.

We suggest taking the capsules as follows for your system to adjust: Week 1: Take 1 capsule every other day, Week 2: Take 1 capsule daily, Week 3+: Take 2 capsules daily.

We test every batch for performance and quality, including through third parties that test for strain content, pesticides and herbicides, heavy metals, microbes, allergens, and other contaminants.

Our Pre/Probiotic offers the flexibility to swallow the two capsule whole or break it open and mix the powder into food or drink. Many pregnant mamas find that something will work for them, despite nausea. 

Our products are designed to be taken together for optimal nutrition. We recommend pairing the Pre/Probiotic with our Omega-3 powder, Collagen Protein, and Prenatal Multi to fully support you and baby throughout pregnancy. Shop our Complete Plan and save. 

Daily, continuous supplementation is needed to maintain optimal levels for you and your baby before, during, and after pregnancy. Our subscription ensures you never miss a day of optimal nourishment. We’ll send you an email each month, a few days before we charge you and ship your next box. You can delay an order, or cancel your subscription at any time, right from your account page.

Yes, our product is tailored for before, during, and after pregnancy, but it is beneficial at all stages of life. Research suggests that a mama’s habits prior to conception influence her baby’s well-being not just at birth, but also for her entire lifetime. Our Pre/Probiotic supports a healthy microbiome not only for mama and baby, but for generations to come. Mamas-to-be can benefit from improving their microbiome prior to conception and may receive benefits like balanced mood, optimized digestion, and healthy blood sugar and pressure. 

Don't sweat it. We know how busy life can get. We suggest building your Pre/Probiotic consumption into an existing routine (like your morning smoothie), to keep the habit strong. Taking your Pre/Probiotic every day will provide positive, long-lasting results.

Protein requirements are elevated during pregnancy. Mamas need protein for blood sugar management, minimizing nausea, and to grow baby's cells and the placenta. Collagen Protein has certain amino acids that aren’t readily available in other common protein sources that support mama's joints, pelvic floor tissue, skin elasticity, immune system, and gut health. 

Our Collagen Protein is not vegan, it ethically sourced from the hides of New Zealand grass-fed, pasture-raised, and hormone free bovines. There is nothing else in it other than hydrolyzed bovine Collagen Protein.. 

It is allergen free, meaning no milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, and gluten. It is also free of GMOs, artificial colors, artificial flavors, preservatives, and other additives and fillers. 

Yes, we do. We make a “couples smoothie” almost every morning mixing our Collagen Protein with our Prenatal Multi and Omega-3. Conception is a two-way street. (We then separately take our Pre/Probiotic.)

The Collagen Protein is manufactured in the United States at a FDA, GMP and QAI Certified Organic facility.  

We test every batch for performance and quality, including through third parties that test for strain content, pesticides and herbicides, heavy metals, microbes, allergens, and other contaminants.

Yes, protein is known to help minimize nausea. Our Collagen Protein is easy to incorporate into the meals or beverages that sound appealing like smoothies, oatmeal, lattes, etc. For more recipes and ideas click here. 

Our products are designed to be taken together for optimal nutrition. We recommend pairing the Collagen Protein with our Prenatal Multi, Omega-3 powder, and  Pre/Probiotic to fully support you and baby throughout pregnancy. Shop our Complete Plan and save. 

Daily, continuous supplementation is needed to maintain optimal levels for you and your baby before, during, and after pregnancy. Our subscription ensures you never miss a day of optimal nourishment. We’ll send you an email each month, a few days before we charge you and ship your next box. You can delay an order, or cancel your subscription at any time, right from your account page.

Yes, our product is tailored for before, during, and after pregnancy, but it is beneficial at all stages of life. It’s never too early or too late to start reaping the benefits -- healthy tissues to your immune system. 

Don't sweat it. We know how busy life can get. We suggest building your Collagen Protein consumption into an existing routine (like your morning smoothie), to keep the habit strong. Taking your Collagen Protein every day will provide positive, long-lasting results.

Omega-3 is critical fat for before, during, and after pregnancy. You cannot make Omega-3, and must obtain it from diet or supplementation. There are three main types of Omega-3, ALA, DHA, and EPA. ALA is found in plants like chia seeds, flax seeds, and walnuts. ALA needs to be converted into the DHA and EPA forms of Omega-3 in order to be used by the body. This conversion process is highly inefficient (often less than 1%), so it is important for mom and baby to consume DHA and EPA directly. Fatty fish and supplements are the two reliable dietary sources. Fish do not make the DHA and EPA, but instead bioaccumulate them from eating algae.

Our testing kit can help. Many are surprised to find that even if they eat a lot of salmon and sardines, their Omega-3 levels are lower than optimal. Our’s were! And, research shows that up to 95% of women are deficient. Even if you are not deficient, the more Omega-3 in your diet the better you will feel, especially when you are building baby as ⅓ of his or her brain is made of Omega-3.

Our Omega-3 is vegan, we source it from algae. Fish actually don’t make their own Omega-3 they just bioaccumulate it from algae.

It is allergen free, meaning no milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, and gluten. It is also free of GMOs, artificial colors, artificial flavors, preservatives, and other additives and fillers.  

Our products are designed to be taken together for optimal nutrition. We recommend pairing the Omega-3 powder with our Prenatal Multi, Pre/Probiotic, and Collagen Protein to fully support you and baby throughout pregnancy. Shop our Starter or Complete Plans and save. 

Yes, our product is tailored for before, during, and after pregnancy, but it is beneficial at all stages of life. Research suggests that a mom’s habits prior to conception influence her baby’s well-being not just at birth, but also for its entire lifetime. At every stage of life, the more Omega-3 in your diet, the better you will feel. So, it’s never too early to start a subscription. 

Don't sweat it. We know how busy life can get. You can go ahead and double-up on your packets for any days missed. Going forward, we recommend that you try to take your Omega-3 everyday to see positive, long-lasting results.

Together with naturopathic and functional medicine doctors, and other leading practitioners and researches, we developed plans that provide the complete nutrition a mama needs before, during, and after pregnancy. These plans are designed to optimally nourish you and baby to help you feel your best and help support baby’s development. And, with a single monthly shipment, you simplify your nourishment routine. All products can be easily blended into your favorite smoothie at once or separately. And, the plans allow you to save significant dollars. 

Many mamas enjoy the savings of the Plans but if you would like to customize your own nourishment, any item is available to purchase one-time or as a subscription.

The products are designed to be consumed every day. You will receive a 30 day supply of each product in your plan, and plans are shipped monthly. If you are not able to consume all of your product in a month and need to delay your next subscription you can do so easily from your account page. 

The test kit includes a blood collection card, lancet, alcohol pad, gauze pad, bandage, and a prepaid return envelope. See here.

The results provide your Omega-3 Index, a % measure of Omega-3s DHA + EPA in your blood.

An Omega-3 Index in the range of 8-12% is one indicator of better overall health. An Index of 5% or less (which is common in the US) indicates the highest risk for not having enough Omega-3 for mom or baby in pregnancy.

We use a single drop of blood to measure the Omega-3 Index. This eliminates the need to have your blood drawn at a clinic. You can collect your sample and send it through the mail from the comfort of your own home! And, it is highly accurate. Our testing partner, OmegaQuant, has led research on Omega-3 intake for 30 years, and has over 80 published research papers in this field.

The prick creates a slight pinch.

There is minimal physical risk to you from the finger prick. The prick may cause a small amount of pain and bruising, and the site may bleed slightly for a time after the blood is collected. There is also a very rare chance that the stick site could become infected. If this happens, you might require medical treatment.

There is a very small risk associated with the collection of confidential health information. However, we are making every effort to protect your identity.

Your results will be ready within 2 to 3 weeks of our lab receiving your results by mail.

Once you have begun your new supplementation routine, we suggest waiting at least 4 months before retesting to allow time for your body to replenish its stores of Omega-3.

We suggest supplementing with a quality DHA + EPA like our Omega-3 powder right away. You may feel a difference within a couple of weeks, or, it can take a number of months. While DHA and EPA intake is the primary driver of your Omega-3 Index, your genes, overall health, and lifestyle can affect the Omega-3 Index response to dietary changes. For example, if you are breastfeeding or pregnant, it may take longer to improve your levels as you are still giving so much Omega-3 to baby.

If your Omega-3 Index level is below 5%, we suggest doubling-up on your dosage for a period of several months. It is ideal to re-test your levels after 3-6 months of continuous, daily supplementation when your starting levels are sub-optimal.

Whether there is an upper limit of safety for the Index is not clear, but there is likely a value above which there is not likely to be any additional health benefit. We recommend an Omega-3 Index target value of 8-12% because this is where most research indicates a positive effect. Above 12% has not proven to be disadvantageous, but there is little research for high values. Research suggests up to 95% of women of childbearing age are failing to meet their Omega-3 needs. Of the nearly 250 health-conscious women of childbearing age whose Omega-3 levels we’ve tested thus far, 96% were found to be deficient in DHA+EPA.

The results of your test will be kept strictly confidential.

Your results from the test are personal and private. Records will be kept confidential to the extent provided by federal, state, and local law. Only relevant Needed and OmegaQuant team members will have the right to look at your individual test results and records.

Your results will be grouped with the results from other individuals’ tests into a study. Needed and OmegaQuant may share results of this study in marketing, meetings, journals or other forums, but your individual identity will remain secret.