Written by

Gina Conley, MS

July 25, 2025

Why Your Prenatal Vitamin Matters More Than You Think: A Conversation with Needed Co-Founder Ryan Woodbury

Nutrition, Podcast

When it comes to pregnancy, nutrition is one of the most critical pieces of the puzzle—not just for your growing baby, but for your own health and well-being. On this episode of the MamasteFit Podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Ryan Woodbury, co-founder of Needed, to talk about why the standard prenatal vitamin isn’t always enough and how a better-designed supplement can truly change the game.

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The Start of Needed: From Passion to Purpose

Ryan didn’t set out to start a supplement company. Her background began in environmental science, driven by a desire to understand the connection between the planet and human health. But a surprising discovery changed everything.

She and her business partner, Julie, tested their own nutrient levels—despite eating whole foods, shopping at farmers markets, and doing “everything right”—and found they had significant nutrient deficiencies.

“That was the aha moment,” Ryan shared. “If we’re this depleted while trying to do everything perfectly, what about everyone else—especially women preparing for pregnancy?”

This realization set them on a mission to rethink the prenatal vitamin from the ground up.

Why the Standard Prenatal Falls Short

Most prenatal vitamins are designed around government RDAs (Recommended Dietary Allowances)—standards that haven’t been updated in decades. Even more shocking?

Many of these recommendations were developed without including women, especially pregnant women, in the studies.
RDAs aim for bare minimums to prevent disease, not optimal levels to truly support a healthy pregnancy.

Ryan explained it perfectly: “There’s a difference between the amount of Vitamin C you need to prevent scurvy and the amount you need to support strong, elastic tissues in your pelvic floor.”

Needed’s approach was different: build a supplement based on current research, input from functional medicine practitioners, and clinical testing to ensure women actually reach optimal nutrient levels.

Research-Backed: Studying Real Pregnant Women

One of the things I love most about Needed is their commitment to real research.

Women have historically been excluded from clinical studies—a policy that only began to change in the 1990s. But Needed isn’t waiting around for outdated guidelines to catch up.

Ryan shared details from their first International Review Board (IRB) study, which compared the nutrient levels of pregnant women using standard prenatals with those using Needed’s prenatal.

The results?

Women on standard prenatals showed widespread nutrient deficiencies.
Women using Needed’s prenatal were far more likely to hit optimal nutrient ranges.

This isn’t just theory—it’s evidence.

Why Ingredient Quality and Form Matter

It’s not just about what’s in your prenatal—it’s about how your body can use it.

Many standard prenatals use cheaper, synthetic forms of nutrients, like folic acid or cyanocobalamin (a form of B12). Needed opts for bioactive forms, such as methylfolate, which your body can actually absorb and use right away.

Ryan gave examples:

Folate vs. Folic Acid: Methylfolate is the form your body needs. Folic acid, while cheaper, is harder to metabolize.
Beta-Carotene vs. Retinyl Palmitate: Beta-carotene requires extra conversion steps, while retinyl palmitate is immediately usable.
Omega-3 Sources: DHA and EPA (from fish oil) are more effective than ALA (from walnuts or chia seeds).

This attention to ingredient form means the supplements actually do their job—without wasting your money.

Why Needed Leaves Out Iron

One interesting thing about Needed’s prenatal: it doesn’t include iron.

At first, that might seem strange—but there’s a smart reason behind it.

Iron competes for absorption with other essential minerals like zinc and selenium. Including iron in a prenatal can actually reduce absorption of those key nutrients.

Instead, Needed sells iron separately, so you can take it when you need it and at the right time of day for maximum absorption.

As Ryan explained, “Not every woman needs the same amount of iron at every stage of pregnancy, so we wanted to give women more control.”

Quality and Testing You Can Trust

Supplements aren’t tightly regulated, which makes third-party testing essential. Needed takes this seriously:

✅ Every batch is tested to ensure it contains exactly what the label says.
✅ They’re the first prenatal certified by the Clean Label Project, verifying their products are free from heavy metals, phthalates, and other contaminants.

That’s peace of mind you can feel good about—especially during pregnancy.

Addressing the “Designer Prenatal” Criticism

Some critics dismiss Needed as a “designer prenatal”—as if it’s just an overpriced luxury.

But Ryan pointed out an important truth:
“If our goal was to make the most money, we’d use folic acid instead of folate. We’d cut costs everywhere. But we didn’t. We designed a prenatal with the best forms, the best dosages, and rigorous testing—because that’s what women deserve.”

The reality is that cheap prenatals may actually be overpriced for what they provide. Paying $25 for something with poor-quality ingredients isn’t a bargain—it’s a waste.

My Personal Takeaway

I’ve used Needed products throughout my pregnancies and postpartum. I’ve seen the difference—in my energy, in my lab work, and in how supported I feel knowing I’m giving my body and baby the best chance.

The care and research Ryan and her team pour into every product is clear. They’re not just selling a vitamin—they’re changing how we think about prenatal nutrition.

Final Thoughts

If you’re pregnant, postpartum, or planning to be, your prenatal vitamin matters more than you think. It’s not just about checking a box—it’s about choosing a supplement that truly supports you and your baby.

You can learn more about Needed’s research-driven approach and products at thisisneeded.com. Use code MAMASTEPOD for 20% off your order.

And if you want more support through pregnancy, check out MamasteFit’s prenatal fitness programs and childbirth education course —because feeling strong, confident, and prepared is the best gift you can give yourself during this transformative time.