Thinking of having a little bundle of joy to add to your family? Having a child is such a blessed experience but before you begin, you must prepare your body to enable it to nurture another life. As pregnancy will take 40 weeks and involve many changes to the body, taking maternal milk before conception is a convenient way to ensure your body has adequate nutrient stores which are crucial for conception and early foetal development. Nutrition plays a very important role in pregnancy but if you find it hard to ensure your diet meets your daily requirement of nutrients and vitamins, Mori-Mama, Morinaga’s advanced maternal nutrition, can help bridge nutritional gaps and support you on your entire pregnancy journey starting from pregnancy planning to lactation.

Formulated with more than 41 nutrients such as Lactoferrin, Synbiotics (Bifidobacterium longum BB536 + FOS Prebiotics), folic acid, iron, DHA and ALA, choline, calcium, zinc, iodine, and many others, Mori-Mama can provide you with the nutritional solution you will need for the long journey ahead.

When you’re ready to start or grow your family, give you and your child a head start by making sure you are in the best possible health before conceiving. Your health before pregnancy is very important as it can affect the health of your future child.

If you are smoking or drinking alcohol, this is the time to stop as smoking and drinking alcohol affect fertility and increase risks of birth defects and other developmental issues. It is also important to exercise regularly, maintain a proper weight and adopt a healthy, nutrient-rich diet. If you have any pre-existing conditions and are currently on medication, it is best to consult your doctor for advice.

How Mori-Mama can Help Prepare your Body for Pregnancy

Pre-Pregnancy

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
		Lactoferrin + Iron	Supports healthy red blood cell formation & iron absorption
		Calcium	Strengthens bones
		Synbiotic (B.longum BB536+FOS)	Supports gut balance to optimise nutrient absorption

• Folic Acid: Support for Early Foetus Cell Development and Prevention of Neural Tube Defects (NTDs)

To get your body ready for conception, you should start by taking prenatal vitamins such as folic acid. Folic acid, also called folate, is Vitamin B9 and is essential for producing healthy red blood cells[1]. It helps the body form DNA and, consequently, new cells, including red blood cells that transport oxygen to the tissues.

During the pre-pregnancy stage, folic acid is critical for preventing serious birth defects[2] of the child’s brain and spine known as neural tube defects (NTDs). NTDs such as spina bifida and anencephaly can also lead to miscarriage, so folic acid can help prevent miscarriage[3] caused by NTDs. NTDs happen in the first few weeks of pregnancy. This is why it is important to take folic acid at least one month[4] before conceiving to allow it to build up in your body. This is to prevent NTDs which occur within the first month of pregnancy — often before you know you are pregnant. By the time you realize you are pregnant, it might be too late to prevent an NTD.

Mori-Mama has this concern in mind and contains 347µg per serving of folic acid ― the highest among all the other brands of maternal milk in Malaysia.

• Lactoferrin and Iron: Support for Building Iron Stores and Promoting Iron Absorption

Lactoferrin is a multifunctional iron-binding protein that regulates iron absorption without the severe side effects of traditional supplements, while iron is an essential mineral for making haemoglobin (iron-rich protein found in red blood cells) to transport oxygen to tissues.

Lactoferrin and iron are both critical preconception nutrients because they work together[5] to ensure you enter pregnancy with sufficient iron stores. Because you won’t know when you will conceive, having sufficient iron stores before pregnancy is important as your iron needs will increase significantly during gestation to support the developing foetus, placenta, and an expanding blood volume. According to studies, having enough iron also directly influences fertility[6] as iron is essential for ovulation and egg quality. It enhances blood circulation to the ovaries and uterus[7], ensuring proper oxygen and nutrient delivery to the developing eggs. Together, lactoferrin and iron influence fertility by playing interrelated roles in managing oxidative stress, regulating iron homeostasis, and supporting reproductive tissue health[8]. Lactoferrin and iron also reduce the risk of anaemia (a blood disorder caused by iron deficiency), and support early foetal development.

To help you maintain optimal iron levels in your body, Mori-Mama contains 22mg of lactoferrin per serving and 10mg of iron per serving ― the highest among all the other brands of maternal milk in Malaysia.

• Calcium: Support for Strengthening Bones

Calcium supplementation is vital before conception as it builds and maintains maternal bone mineral density and prepares the body for the significant calcium demands of pregnancy and lactation[9] later on. Ensuring adequate intake protects maternal bone strength, prevents pregnancy-related bone loss, and reduces risks of pre-eclampsia (a blood pressure disorder of pregnancy) and hypertension.

Calcium works together with phosphorus and Vitamin D3. They work together in a tight, interdependent partnership to maintain bone health and regulate essential mineral levels[10] in the blood. While calcium provides the structural strength for bones and teeth, phosphorus works alongside it to form calcium-phosphate crystals, and Vitamin D3 acts as the regulator that enables the body to absorb these minerals.

Calcium, phosphorus, and Vitamin D3 are crucial before conception not only to build nutrient reserves for a healthy pregnancy but also to optimise fertility[11] as they regulate reproductive hormones, improve egg quality, and ensure a receptive environment for embryo implantation.

Mori-Mama contains 501mg of calcium, 308mg of phosphorus and 4.6mcg of Vitamin D3 per serving.

• Synbiotic (B. longum BB536+FOS): Support for Gut Balance to Optimise Fertility and Nutrient Absorption

A healthy gut microbiome is important before conception because it optimises fertility, regulates hormones, and supports a healthy immune environment for implantation[12]. A diverse microbiome improves nutrient absorption (folate, zinc, iron) necessary for egg quality. It also prevents pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes and miscarriage, and sets the stage for a healthy immune system for the foetus.

To enhance your gut health, Mori-Mama contains the well-established, multifunctional, live Human-Residential Bifidobacteria (HRB) Bifidobacterium longum BB536[13] (B. longum BB536). HRB strains such as B. longum BB536 are suited to the human gut because they are adapted from the human gut. Because they are adapted to consume specific human-derived nutrients and have high tolerance to intestinal stresses, they achieve superior colonisation, better stability and survivability[14] in the human digestive tract. This gives them higher potential to support beneficial gut bacteria balance which in turn, provides more consistent digestive and immune support.

Mori-Mama is the only maternal milk in the market to contain B. longum BB536. Delivering 1.3 billion CFU per serving ― the highest among all the other brands of maternal milk in Malaysia ― this strain of probiotics helps establish a healthy, balanced maternal gut microbiome which is critical for conception. Acting like a “hidden influencer”, it regulates hormones, supports immune tolerance, and manages inflammation[15], all of these being necessary for successful fertilisation and implantation. It also helps strengthen the gut’s barrier/wall, and lowers the gut pH[16] (shifting it from 6.8 to 5.9), for a more balanced gut microbiome which is important for optimal nutrient absorption.

B. longum BB536 is paired with the prebiotic fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) to feed and grow the live cultures of B. longum BB536. Together, they work in a synergistic manner creating Synbiotic B. longum BB536 + FOS to support healthy digestion and nutrient absorption.

Other Nutrients needed for Conception

Other nutrients needed for conception include omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA and ALA, zinc, iodine, and antioxidants such as vitamins C and E.

• Omega 3-Fatty Acids (DHA and ALA):

DHA and ALA (omega-3 fatty acids) support fertility by improving egg quality, regulating ovulation, balancing hormones, and reducing inflammation[17]. They are crucial for preparing the body for pregnancy, with DHA in particular supporting early embryo development and foetal brain and eye health. Mori-Mama contains a balanced 33mg of DHA and 55mg of ALA per serving.

• Zinc

Zinc is essential for conception as it plays a critical role in egg development, maturation, and ovulation. It helps regulate the menstrual cycle and is necessary for the egg to successfully mature for fertilisation. Studies[18] suggest low levels are associated with a longer time to conceive. Mori-Mama contains 3.9mg of zinc per serving.

• Iodine

Iodine regulates thyroid hormones, which are critical for ovulation, menstrual cycle regularity, and overall fertility[19]. A deficiency can lower the chance of becoming pregnant by nearly 46%[20] and impacts early foetal brain development. Mori-Mama contains 55mcg of iodine per serving.

• Vitamin C

Vitamin C plays a key role in improving egg quality, supporting ovulation, and aiding progesterone production for implantation[21]. As an antioxidant, it protects reproductive cells from damage and helps regulate the menstrual cycle, supporting a better environment for conception. It also helps the body absorb iron, which is essential for a healthy pregnancy. Mori-Mama contains 55mg of Vitamin C per serving.

• Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that protects eggs from oxidative stress and improves egg quality[22]. It helps increase uterine lining thickness for better implantation and aids in managing conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) which disrupts ovulation. Mori-Mama contains 6.3mg a-TE of Vitamin E per serving.

As you can see, nutrients play a big role in supporting conception. Mori-Mama contains all of these quality nutrients in an all-in-one, easy-to-digest supplement that can help support you on your conception journey. Only one serving per day, alongside nutritious meals, is needed to help you fulfil your daily vitamin and nutrient needs. Mori-Mama does not contain added sucrose and has a mild vanilla taste.

[1] Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Folate (folic acid). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-folate/art-20364625

[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Folic acid. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/folic-acid/about/index.html

[3] Tommy’s. (n.d.). Benefits of taking folic acid in pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/planning-a-pregnancy/are-you-ready-to-conceive/benefits-taking-folic-acid-pregnancy

[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). About pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/about/index.html

[5] Lepanto, M. S., et al. (2021). Lactoferrin in aseptic and septic inflammation. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8389615/

[6] Alqaisi, S., et al. (2025). Iron status and female fertility: a systematic review. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11919787/

[7] Lumirous. (n.d.). Iron and blood circulation to ovaries and uterus. Retrieved from https://www.lumirous.com/ask/reproductive-health/post/1597

[8] Ostan, I., et al. (2007). Influence of bioavailability of iron in oxidative stress. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18601971/

[9] Olmos-Ortiz, A., et al. (2022). Calcium supplementation during pregnancy and maternal bone mineral density. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9298950/

[10] Christakos, S., et al. (2009). Vitamin D and calcium interaction. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2669834/

[11] Lerchbaum, E., & Obermayer-Pietsch, B. (2022). Vitamin D and fertility. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9029121/

[12] Al-Naseem, A., et al. (2025). Gut microbiome and female fertility. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12794029/

[13] Morinaga Milk Industry. (n.d.). BB536 clinical evidence. Retrieved from https://morinagamilk-ingredients.com/probiotics/bb536/

[14] Tojo, R., et al. (2020). Intestinal microbiota in health and disease. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7326374/

[15] Inner Buddies. (n.d.). Can gut microbiome data help fertility? Retrieved from https://www.innerbuddies.com/blogs/gut-health/can-gut-microbiome-data-help-fertility

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

[17] Salas-Huetos, A., et al. (2020). Omega-3 fatty acids and female fertility. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7759779/

[18] Garner, T. B., et al. (2018). Role of zinc in female fertility. Fertility and Sterility. Retrieved from https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(18)30119-5/fulltext

[19] Ventura, M., et al. (2025). Iodine, thyroid function and female fertility. Scientific Reports. Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-16545-w

[20] National Institutes of Health. (n.d.). Iodine deficiency may reduce pregnancy chances. Retrieved from https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/iodine-deficiency-may-reduce-pregnancy-chances-nih-study-suggests

[21] Progyny. (n.d.). Best vitamins and supplements for fertility. Retrieved from https://progyny.com/education/best-vitamins-and-supplements-fertility/

[22] Ahmadi, S., et al. (2017). Antioxidant supplements and spermatogenesis — focus on Vitamin E. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5836012/