Pregnancy places substantial nutritional demands on the body. Blood volume expands by 40 to 50%, foetal development draws on maternal nutrient stores, and requirements for iron, folate, choline, and protein increase significantly. The standard approach is a prenatal multivitamin, but many women are seeking a food-first complement to their supplementation.
Bone broth and chicken liver have been consumed during pregnancy across cultures for centuries. Not as medicine, but as food, chosen for its nutrient density, digestibility, and practicality during a period when appetite and energy for cooking may be reduced.
Key Nutrients During Pregnancy and Where to Find Them
Iron
Iron requirements increase significantly during pregnancy to support blood volume expansion and foetal development. Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in pregnant Australian women. Heme iron from animal sources like chicken liver is absorbed at 15 to 35%, compared to 2 to 20% for the non-heme iron in most prenatal supplements. BBBB Organic Chicken Liver Capsules provide heme iron from certified organic, pasture-raised chicken liver, with naturally lower vitamin A levels than beef liver, making them a gentler choice for pregnancy.
Folate
Folate is critical for cell division and neural tube development, particularly in the first trimester. Chicken liver provides approximately 145% of the daily value per 100g serve, in its naturally occurring food form rather than as synthetic folic acid. For women with MTHFR polymorphisms that impair folic acid conversion, food-sourced folate may be particularly relevant.
Choline
Choline requirements increase substantially during pregnancy, yet 61 to 99% of pregnant Australian women do not meet the adequate intake. (Australian Eggs / SAHMRI, 2019.) Choline contributes to foetal brain development and is present in breast milk. Most prenatal supplements contain little or no choline. Chicken liver provides approximately 53% of the daily value per 100g serve.
Glycine and Gelatin
Glycine is a conditionally essential amino acid during pregnancy, meaning the body's ability to synthesise sufficient quantities may be exceeded by the increased demand. Glycine is required for collagen synthesis (supporting the expanding uterus, skin, and connective tissue), glutathione production (antioxidant protection), and foetal growth. Bone broth is one of the richest whole-food sources of dietary glycine.
Practical Use During Pregnancy
Bone broth is gentle on the stomach, easy to prepare, and versatile in the kitchen. It can be sipped warm as a morning drink, used as a cooking liquid for soups and grains, or added to any recipe that calls for stock. For women experiencing nausea, the warm, savoury profile of bone broth can be more appealing than many other foods.
BBBB Organic Chicken Liver Capsules (two to three daily with food) provide the nutrient density of liver in a format that avoids the taste and preparation challenges. The Glow Stack pairs capsules with bone broth for a comprehensive daily ritual.
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The Glow Stack: whole-food prenatal nutrition. Capsules for nutrient density, broth for amino acids. Available online with delivery across Australia. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bone broth safe during pregnancy?
Bone broth made from certified organic ingredients is a traditional whole food that has been consumed during pregnancy across cultures. It provides glycine, gelatin, and naturally occurring minerals. As with any dietary change during pregnancy, consult your healthcare practitioner.
Are chicken liver capsules safe during pregnancy?
BBBB Organic Chicken Liver Capsules are made from chicken liver, which contains naturally lower vitamin A (retinol) levels than beef liver. This makes them a gentler option during pregnancy. If you are taking other supplements containing vitamin A, consult your healthcare practitioner to ensure combined intake is within recommended limits.
What nutrients do I need most during pregnancy?
Iron, folate, choline, protein, and glycine requirements all increase during pregnancy. Chicken liver is one of the most nutrient-dense whole-food sources of iron, folate, and choline. Bone broth provides glycine and gelatin. Together they address the nutrients most commonly under-consumed during pregnancy.
What is the best prenatal food?
No single food covers all prenatal nutritional needs. A varied whole-food diet that includes nutrient-dense foods like liver, bone broth, eggs, leafy greens, and seafood provides the broadest coverage. Chicken liver and bone broth are among the most nutrient-dense options available.
Where can I buy organic chicken liver capsules in Australia?
BBBB Organic Chicken Liver Capsules are available online with delivery across Australia. The Glow Stack bundle pairs them with bone broth for a comprehensive daily ritual.
References
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Australian Eggs / SAHMRI. Choline: The Forgotten Nutrient. australianeggs.org.au. 2019.
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O'Leary F, Samman S. Vitamin B12 in health and disease. Nutrients. 2010;2(3):299 to 316.
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USDA. FoodData Central: Chicken, liver, all classes, cooked, simmered. fdc.nal.usda.gov. Accessed: July 2026.
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Zeisel SH, da Costa KA. Choline: an essential nutrient for public health. Nutrition Reviews. 2009;67(11):615 to 623.
