Safety Profile of Supplements During Pregnancy

This guide summarizes current evidence on the safety of key supplements commonly used for wellness, digestion, hormonal support, and nutrient optimization during pregnancy. Before starting any supplementation routine, we strongly recommend consulting with your primary healthcare provider.

Magnesium

Magnesium supplements—including formulas like Magnesium Breakthrough—are considered safe and beneficial during pregnancy. Research shows that magnesium supports fetal development, reduces leg cramps, improves sleep quality, and helps maintain bone health. It is well tolerated and does not increase risks such as stillbirth.

Probiotics

Probiotics are generally regarded as safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Systemic absorption is extremely rare, and reviews published in PMC show no significant safety concerns. Benefits may include improved gut health, stronger immune function, and support of vaginal microbiota, potentially reducing risks like preeclampsia.

Some brands—including BiOptimizers—advise using probiotics under medical supervision in pregnancy.

Digestive or Systemic Enzymes

Due to the lack of long-term safety studies in pregnancy, digestive or systemic enzymes are typically avoided unless prescribed. Plant-based enzyme formulas may interact with medications or cause unexpected reactions, so they are not recommended without medical clearance.

Vitamin D and Adaptogens

Vitamin D is safe during pregnancy at dosages up to 4,000 IU per day. Adaptogens such as those found in Stress Guardian are generally recognized as safe, but because herbal extracts can vary in potency, use should only be under physician supervision.

Beef Organ Supplements

Grass-fed beef organ supplements supply bioavailable nutrients such as folate, B12, iron, zinc, DHA/EPA, and CoQ10—nutrients essential for fetal neural development, maternal energy production, red blood cell formation, and immune function.

However, organ supplements carry a critical risk: excess preformed vitamin A (retinol). High intake above 10,000 IU per day is associated with increased risk of birth defects, particularly in the first trimester. Because liver is extremely high in retinol, pregnant women should only use desiccated organ supplements at low doses and with strict medical supervision.

Brands in the ancestral nutrition space (Heart & Soil, Ancestral Supplements) claim organ supplements are “safe and required,” but scientific evidence emphasizes caution due to retinol levels. Some studies advise avoiding daily beef liver entirely during pregnancy, regardless of source.

Summary of Benefits and Risks

• Folate from natural sources supports neural tube development
• B12 and iron reduce risk of gestational anemia
• CoQ10 and fatty acids support fetal brain growth
• Main risk: excess vitamin A from beef liver products
• Safe use requires medical dosing and monitoring

Final Recommendation

Supplements during pregnancy can be helpful, but they must be selected carefully. Magnesium and probiotics are generally safe. Digestive enzymes, adaptogens, and organ supplements require strict professional supervision, and liver-based supplements must be used with caution due to vitamin A risks. Always consult your physician before starting any supplement protocol.