Pregnancy is a time of great excitement but it also puts demands on your body as it changes to nurture a growing little one. These demands include your body’s needs for the appropriate amount of nutrients to support both the changes and your little one’s growth and development in the womb.

As every stage of your pregnancy will have its specific needs, whether from preconception to the three trimesters to lactation, maternal milk can help your body and your growing little one obtain these specific nutrients.

Introducing Mori-Mama

Introducing Morinaga Mori-Mama ̶ the formula milk with advanced maternal nutrition for women from pregnancy planning to lactation. Formulated with more than 41 nutrients such as Lactoferrin, live cultures of probiotics Bifidobacterium longum BB536 and prebiotics FOS, Folic Acid, Iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin D3, Vitamin B1,2, 6, 12 including Niacin, DHA and ALA, Choline, Calcium, Zinc, Iodine, and many others, these nutrients will nurture mother and child from the inside out.

Here's a look at some of Mori-Mama’s outstanding nutrients.

Lactoferrin Helps Treat Iron Deficiency Anemia

Pregnancy demands a lot of iron due to foetal growth and development. However, Anaemia is very common among women in Malaysia. Anaemia is a condition where the body has fewer red blood cells or less Haemoglobin than normal which reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen to the organs. According to Professor Dr Hamid Jan Bin Jan Mohamed[1], expert in Maternal & Child Nutrition, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Anaemia during pregnancy ranges from 19.3% to 57.4% with iron deficiency being a major contributor. This means that 1 in every 5 pregnant women are Anaemic during pregnancy.

Anaemia in pregnancy may lead to increased risk of neonatal death, preterm birth, low birth weight and poor cognitive development in children. The rapidly developing foetal brain is at particular risk[2]. For the mother, it may lead to breathing difficulties, fatigue, palpitations and sleep difficulties[3]. They also have an increased risk of developing perinatal infection, pre-eclampsia, and bleeding.

Taking iron supplements may not be the answer as iron supplements can cause side effects [4]. such as constipation, nausea and stomach cramps.

Lactoferrin Transports Iron to the Organs for Effective Absorption

This is where Lactoferrin plays a crucial role. Mori-Mama contains Lactoferrin. Lactoferrin is a multifunctional, iron-binding protein[5]. found in high concentrations in mother’s milk especially colostrum. Lactoferrin supports iron absorption by binding to it which allows it to be better absorbed in the guts with fewer digestive side effects.

Apart from binding to iron, protecting it from stomach acids, and transporting it efficiently into the body for effective absorption, Lactoferrin, which has also been called a “Miracle Molecule[6], also provides antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits which are helpful for overall maternal well-being. Lactoferrin maintains healthy iron levels for the little one at birth which is crucial for your child’s optimal development and growth later on. Lactoferrin aids iron absorption from the preconception stage through the three trimesters of pregnancy.

Together with 22 mg of Lactoferrin per serving, Mori-Mama delivers 10 mg of Iron per serving ̶ the highest among all the other brands in Malaysia. This combination may be the better maternal nutrition option than supplements for pregnant mothers as it has better compliance for results for iron levels.

Synbiotic probiotic B. longum BB536 + prebiotic FOS

Mori-Mama contains 2.3X 10⁷ live Bifidobacterium longum BB536 (B.longum BB536). Researched and isolated by Morinaga Probiotics Centre since 1969, this strain of Bifidobacterium longum BB536[7]. (B.Longum BB536) is a well-established, multifunctional, Human-Residential Bifidobacteria (HRB) probiotic strain.

HRB strains are better adapted to the human gut to thrive in the human digestive system[8].as they are originally adapted from the human gut. They have superior colonisation, better stability and survivability in the human digestive tract. strains such as Bifidobacterium longum BB536 have higher potential to support beneficial gut bacteria balance and can maintain a longer presence in the gut, providing more consistent digestive and immune support. On the other hand, non- strains often originate from animals, the environment, or dairy sources. Their adaptation and stability in the human gut may vary and their benefits depend on the specific strain. Their presence in the gut may also be temporary. This goes to show that not all probiotics are the same. Some are better adapted to the human gastrointestinal tract such as B.longum BB536. Mori-Mama is the only maternal milk brand in Malaysia that contains the B.longum BB536.

B. longum BB536 has a long history of being commercially used for over 50 years to improve gastrointestinal health, modulate immune response, and reduce symptoms of common colds and allergies. Clinical studies [9]show it reduces constipation, regulates bowel movements, improves stool consistency, and supports respiratory health.

A healthy gut microbiome in the mother is crucial because she passes her microbes to the little one via the maternal-infant gut axis[10]. The maternal-infant gut axis is the critical transfer of microbes, nutrients, and metabolites from mother to child, establishing the child's early gut microbiota and immune system. This developmental link, beginning in pregnancy and continuing through birth and lactation, influences long-term health, including immune maturation and metabolic programming. In other words, a healthy maternal gut helps lay the foundation for the child’s immune system.

When taken, B.longum BB536 acts like a “manager” in the gut, crowding out the bad bacteria and helping good bacteria to grow. It helps strengthen the gut’s barrier/wall, which is important for preventing inflammation and keeping the body healthy. By ensuring the mother’s gut is healthy, she provides the best start for the child’s own gut development and long-term health.

Mori-Mama also contains the prebiotic Fructo-Oligosaccharides (FOS) to feed the live cultures of B.longum BB536. FOS helps B.longum BB536 to survive better, grow and function more effectively in the gut.

Together, the probiotic B.longum BB536 and prebiotic FOS work in a synergistic manner, creating a synbiotic[11] effect to support healthy digestion and nutrient absorption.

How Mori-Mama supports Every Stage of Pregnancy

With its range of nutrients, Mori-Mama delivers stage-specific support in one continuous formula.

Stage	Main Concerns	Nutrients in Mori-Mama	Functions
Pre-Pregnancy	Builds nutrient stores, prepares for conception, supports iron levels	Folic Acid	Supports early foetus cell development
		Iron + Lactoferrin	Supports healthy red blood cell formation & iron absorption
		Calcium	Strengthens bones
		Synbiotic (B.longum BB536+FOS)	supports gut balance to optimise nutrient absorption
1st Trimester	Neural tube development, fatigue, reduced appetite	Folic Acid	supports neural tube development
		Lactoferrin + Iron	supports increased blood volume needs
		B Vitamins	Helps ease nausea and supports energy metabolism
		Synbiotic (B.longum BB536 + FOS)	supports digestive comfort during hormonal changes
2nd Trimester	Rapid foetal growth & bone & brain development	Calcium + Vitamin D3	supports bone formation
		DHA + Choline	Supports brain & eye development
		Protein	Supports tissue growth
		Synbiotic (B.longum BB536 + FOS)	Maintains gut balance as intake increases
		Lactoferrin	supports efficient iron utilisation and prevents Anaemia
3rd Trimester	Rapid weight gain, brain maturation, immune support, maternal fatigue, preparation for delivery	DHA + Choline	supports continued brain & eye maturation
		Lactoferrin + Iron	supports increased iron needs & healthy red blood cell formation
		Calcium + Vitamin D3	supports final stage bone mineralisation
		Protein	supports foetal weight gain & maternal tissue support
		Synbiotic (B.longum BB536 + FOS)	supports gut balance & provides immune support before delivery
		B Vitamins	supports energy metabolism & reduces tiredness
Lactation	Lactating mom’s need for continuous & higher nutrition support	Synbiotic (B.longum BB536 + FOS)	Supports maternal gut health & digestive balance during lactation
		Iodine + Choline	Supports child’s brain development
		Protein	Supports maternal recovery and milk production
		DHA (Omega 3)	Supports child’s brain and eye development through breastmilk
		Calcium + Vitamin D3	Supports bone health for mother & child
		Vitamin B12	Supports mother & child’s nervous system

Category Leader in Maternal Milk Nutrition

As a trusted heritage brand, Mori-Mama is a category leader in maternal milk nutrition that provides the solution from pregnancy planning to lactation. Only one formula and one serving per day is needed for the entire pregnancy journey. Preparing Mori-Mama is easy. All that is needed is to add 5 level scoops of Mori-Mama (scoop provided) to 200ml of warm water at around 50°C to prevent the loss of the live probiotic B.longum BB536. Stir until fully dissolved and consume immediately.

Apart from the highest Lactoferrin per serving (22mg per serving), Mori-Mama provides the highest Iron per serving (10mg per serving), the highest Folic Acid per serving (347 µg per serving), and the highest probiotic (B.longum BB536) per serving (1.3 billion CFU per serving) as compared to other brands in Malaysia. Mori-Mama has a mild vanilla flavour and does not contain Sucrose.

[1] Jan Mohamed, H. J. (n.d.). Maternal & Child Nutrition insights shared via Facebook Reel. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/reel/2459414401245531

[2] Georgieff, M. K. (2020). Iron deficiency and the developing brain. Nutrients. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7492370/

[3] Breymann, C. (2015). Iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy. Seminars in Hematology. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4375689/

[4] MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Taking iron supplements. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007478.htm

[5] Kell, D. B., & Heyden, E. L. (2022). Lactoferrin as a multifunctional protein. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9104648/

[6] Kell, D. B., & Heyden, E. L. (2022). Lactoferrin: The “Miracle Molecule”. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9104648/

[7] Xiao, J. Z., et al. (2024). Bifidobacterium longum BB536 research overview. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464624001154

[8] Morinaga Milk Industry. (n.d.). Human-Residential Bifidobacteria (HRB). Retrieved from https://morinagamilk-ingredients.com/probiotics/

[9] Morinaga Milk Industry. (n.d.). BB536 efficacy studies. Retrieved from https://morinagamilk-ingredients.com/probiotics/bb536/efficacy.html

[10] Spencer, C. N., et al. (2025). Maternal-infant gut axis and immune development. Infection and Immunity. Retrieved from https://journals.asm.org/doi/full/10.1128/iai.00502-25

[11] Pandey, K. R., et al. (2015). Probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4648921/