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Flavor 101: Answers to Your Questions!

We know that every mom has unique concerns and curiosities, and we’re here to help you navigate this exciting journey. If you can’t find the answer to your question, please feel free to email us—we’re always happy to assist!

Curious Questions, Flavorful Answers!

  • How often should I take the supplements?
    To ensure your baby gets the best flavor exposure, it's essential to take the supplements every day! Consistency is key; studies show that moms who regularly took their supplements helped their babies recognize the smell and taste of familiar veggies right from birth​ But don’t sweat it—if you miss a day or two, you’ll be just fine! Just make sure to keep taking them. Set reminders, use a pill organizer, or have family or friends help remind you!
  • Can I take these supplements with my prenatal vitamins?
    Absolutely! It’s just like asking if you can eat vegetables while taking your prenatal vitamin. Our supplements contain are close to a full cup of spinach, a relatively small amount, making it easy to include them in your routine. Just remember to consult with your healthcare provider before adding any new supplement to your routine, ensuring everything fits well with your individual health needs. Enjoy the convenience of getting your veggie benefits in a simple, easy-to-take form!
  • What are the benefits of prenatal flavor imprinting?
    Prenatal flavor learning serves as a survival technique, helping babies adapt to the foods available in their environment. By experiencing the flavors that their mothers consume during pregnancy and breastfeeding, babies develop a greater acceptance of these tastes once they are born. This is crucial because what a mom eats often reflects her cultural food practices. For instance, babies born to mothers from different cultures, such as Indian or Chinese, may be more accepting of traditional foods because they learned these flavors in utero. Early exposure to familiar flavors increases the likelihood that they will embrace the same foods later in life, supporting their nutrition and well-being. Additionally, exposing babies to various flavors—especially vegetables—paves the way for healthier eating habits and reduced food fussiness as they grow. Research indicates that early flavor exposure can lead to a preference for those foods, fostering a smoother transition to solid foods and promoting lifelong healthy eating patterns. Try our Spinach Supplements Today. More Flavors Coming Soon! Watch A short Video on the Benefits of Flavor Learning!
  • Why use supplement capsules?
    We use supplement capsules because they have some great benefits for moms: Flavor Protection: Capsules help protect the flavors so they don’t lose their flavor as they are digested. The flavors stay sealed inside the capsule until they reach the small intestine, ensuring you get all the benefits. No Strong Smell or Taste: Capsules have very little smell and taste, making them easier for moms who might not want to eat veggies directly. This is great for those dealing with morning sickness or food aversions. Convenience: Many moms are busy, tired, or just don’t feel like cooking. Capsules make it simple to get the flavors you need without the hassle of preparing meals. So, with capsules, you can help deliver veggie flavors to your baby without the stress!
  • Are there more flavors other than spinach?
    Yes, we have more flavors coming soon as we are currently raising funds to expand our offerings! For now, our spinach flavor is fantastic for helping your baby become familiar with the taste and smell of spinach. This flavor also prepares your baby for similar food profiles, such as kale, Swiss chard, and other leafy greens. Once more flavors are available, we will notify you and include them in our subscription options. To stay updated, please sign up for email notifications on our website! In the meantime, introducing your baby to spinach will provide a strong foundation for healthy eating habits and make them more accepting of a variety of vegetables later on
  • Why shouldn’t I take the supplements with food or flavored juice?
    It’s important to take the supplements alone to help your child learn the familiar taste of the specific vegetable. When you mix the supplements with food or flavored juice, the distinct flavors can get lost among other food profiles, spices, and seasonings. Think of it this way: if you blend different veggies and foods together, you’re creating a smoothie of flavors where the individual taste of each vegetable is muddled. This can make it harder for your baby to recognize and accept the flavor of the specific veggie in the future. In Studies testing pregnant and nursing moms, for accurate results in flavor testing, mothers had to fast for at least an hour before being tested with vegetables. This helped ensure that the flavors remained isolated from anything else the mother had eaten earlier that day. To maximize the benefits of the supplements, take them with a full glass of water and aim to wait about one hour before and after meals. This way, your baby can fully experience the unique flavors, setting the stage for healthier eating habits down the line!
  • How often should I take the supplements?
    To ensure your baby gets the best flavor exposure, it's essential to take the supplements every day! Consistency is key; studies show that moms who regularly took their supplements helped their babies recognize the smell and taste of familiar veggies right from birth​ But don’t sweat it—if you miss a day or two, you’ll be just fine! Just make sure to keep taking them. Set reminders, use a pill organizer, or have family or friends help remind you.
  • Can I take 2 capsules a day to increase flavor learning?
    Sure! Taking two capsules a day can be like consuming up to two cups of spinach, which can enhance flavor learning for your baby. While studies have shown that one capsule is effective, you can take two if you’d like—just spread them out at different times of the day. Of course, it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor before making any changes to your supplement routine to ensure it fits your individual health needs.
  • Should I still eat veggies while taking these supplements?
    Absolutely! Eating more veggies is always better. While the supplements are designed to help isolate the flavor of spinach and make it easier to introduce to your baby, it’s also important to incorporate a variety of other vegetables into your diet. Try to eat veggies without other foods or flavors, as this ensures the flavors aren’t lost. For instance, if you’re taking a spinach supplement, consider snacking on carrots, beets, or radishes throughout the day. As more flavors become available, aim to include whole foods that aren’t part of your supplement's flavor profile. The key is to enjoy your veggies in their natural form—unmasked by dressings or mixed with other foods—to maximize the benefits of flavor exposure for your baby. This approach not only helps your baby get familiar with various flavors but also supports your overall nutrition
  • What’s the history of the science? Is this new?
    Prenatal flavor learning is not a new concept; it has been studied for decades, starting as early as the 1980s. Researchers have conducted numerous studies involving thousands of mothers and even animals to explore this fascinating area of flavor exposure. The science shows that what mothers eat during pregnancy and breastfeeding is a crucial factor in shaping their babies' future food preferences. For example, studies have demonstrated that babies are more accepting of flavors their mothers consumed, which helps them adapt to the foods available in their environment after birth. This phenomenon has been observed not just in humans but also in animals, such as piglets and rabbits, where prenatal exposure to flavors led to a preference for those tastes later on​. . For more information on the animal studies, you can check out this article: Perinatal Flavor Learning in Animals - PLOS ONE. Additionally, for insights from Julie Mennella on human flavor learning, you can read her work here: Flavor Learning in Utero and Infancy - Association for Psychological Science. Overall, prenatal flavor learning is a vital part of a child’s development, showing that early flavor exposure can have lasting effects on food preferences and eating habits. Check out this Video for insight into a study!
  • Is prenatal flavor imprinting a long-term solution? Is there scientific proof?
    Yes, prenatal flavor learning has long-term benefits that can persist into childhood and beyond. Research shows that children who were exposed to vegetables in utero are more likely to accept those same flavors later in life. For instance, a study found that kids who had early exposure to vegetables were more accepting of these flavors by age 7, compared to those who were not exposed​ ​ Association for Psychological Science . One notable study by Julie Mennella and her colleagues revealed that infants exposed to carrot flavors during pregnancy were less fussy about eating carrots later on. Even years later, these children demonstrated a preference for carrot-flavored foods over plain options​ Association for Psychological Science This evidence underscores the importance of early flavor exposure in shaping long-term eating habits. Additionally, another study highlighted that children who were introduced to vegetables early tended to eat more vegetables and exhibit fewer food preferences than those who had limited exposure​ This reinforces the idea that prenatal and early postnatal experiences play a crucial role in determining future food preferences. For further reading, you can check out the following studies: Mennella, J.A., Jagnow, C.P., & Beauchamp, G.K. (2001). Prenatal and Postnatal Flavor Learning by Human Infants. Pediatrics Cullen, K.W., & Watson, K.B. (2015). Influence of Maternal Flavor Exposure on Children’s Acceptance of Vegetables. Appetite. These studies provide strong evidence that prenatal flavor learning is a valuable approach to fostering healthy eating habits that can last a lifetime!
  • How does this save me money?
    To achieve effective flavor exposure, you need to eat a variety of vegetables every day. However, busy moms often buy fresh veggies but may not have the time or energy to use them, leading to food waste. With our capsules, you avoid the hassle of cooking the same vegetable daily since they are quick to take and have little to no flavor. This not only ensures your baby receives essential flavors but also reduces the financial loss from spoiled produce. You can buy a variety of veggies without worrying about consuming them all immediately. In short, our supplements offer a cost-effective solution to maintain flavor exposure while keeping your grocery budget in check!
  • Can I take the supplements if I'm not pregnant or breastfeeding?
    Absolutely! If you took the supplements during pregnancy and will not be breastfeeding, you can still continue taking them. While the primary purpose of the capsules is to deliver flavors to babies, they can also serve as a nutritious supplement for you. The supplements can provide beneficial nutrients that are important for your health. For example, kale, which is one of the flavors we offer, is packed with essential vitamins and minerals. It contains: Vitamin K: Important for blood clotting and bone health. Vitamin A: Supports vision and immune function. Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that helps with skin health and immune support. Calcium: Crucial for bone health. Fiber: Aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut. Incorporating these supplements into your routine can help support your overall nutrition, even beyond flavor delivery for your baby
  • How do flavors reach the baby during pregnancy?
    Interestingly, flavors can reach the baby within about 30 minutes after the mother consumes them! This process helps prepare the baby to recognize and accept various tastes after birth​ When a mother eats or takes supplements, the flavors go through a quick process before reaching the baby: Digestion: The flavors are digested in the mother’s stomach. Absorption: They are then absorbed into the mother’s bloodstream. Metabolization: After that, the body metabolizes these flavors, breaking them down into smaller parts. Circulation: The flavors circulate through the mother’s bloodstream and reach the placenta. Collection in Amniotic Fluid: From the placenta, the flavors enter the amniotic fluid that surrounds the baby. Fetal Chemoreceptors: The baby can taste and smell these flavors through special receptors, known as chemoreceptors, in their mouth and nose. Watch Short Video on How Flavors Reach your baby !
  • I just discovered your prenatal supplements late in my pregnancy. Is it too late to start taking them?
    Not at all! While starting earlier is always great, beginning the supplements during your second or third trimester can still be very effective. Several studies have shown that moms who began exposing their babies to daily vegetable flavors as late as 32 to 34 weeks still saw positive results. As long as you maintain consistent daily exposure, even starting at 32 weeks can provide several months of flavor experience for your baby. Plus, if you plan to transition to breastfeeding, taking the supplements will offer even more time to expose your baby to these flavors after birth. Even if you’re not breastfeeding, starting the supplements in your second or third trimester can still help shape your baby’s taste preferences. So don’t hesitate to incorporate them into your routine now! More Flavors Coming Soon
  • Can my baby really smell in the womb? How does my baby smell in the womb?
    Yes, your baby can smell in the womb! Research shows that babies develop olfactory (smell) receptors. As you eat different foods, the flavors are transmitted through the amniotic fluid, allowing your baby to experience those smells. Smell plays a crucial role in taste; in fact, about 80% of what we perceive as taste comes from our sense of smell. For babies, recognizing taste alone isn’t enough; they also need to be accepting of the smells associated with those flavors to develop a liking for different foods​ ​ Association for Psychological Science . This early exposure to various aromas helps prepare them for the foods they'll encounter after birth. Interestingly, a study found that babies could recognize the smell of kale just two weeks after being born to a mom who consumed Kale everyday during pregnancy, demonstrating how early flavor exposure can influence their acceptance of specific foods​ Fun DIY Experiment: To test the relationship between smell and taste at home, try this simple experiment: Gather Materials: Get a few different foods (like apples, bananas, and carrots) and some cotton balls. Blindfold Test: Have a friend or family member blindfold you. Smell First: Before tasting, have them hold a piece of food near your nose. Try to identify it by smell alone. Taste Test: After that, taste the same food without smelling it first. Notice how the flavors come across differently! This experiment shows how important smell is in helping us identify flavors. Just like babies, we rely on our sense of smell to fully appreciate the foods we eat!
  • If I took the supplements during pregnancy, should I continue taking them while breastfeeding?
    Yes, you should definitely continue taking the supplements while breastfeeding! This is important for several reasons: Flavor Exposure: Continuing the supplements helps maintain flavor exposure for your baby through your breast milk. This ongoing exposure keeps the familiar flavors alive until your baby is introduced to solid foods, helping bridge the gap during this transitional period. Research indicates that flavor exposure during breastfeeding can positively influence a child’s acceptance of new foods later on​ Nutritional Benefits: The supplements provide essential nutrients that are beneficial for you during breastfeeding. They can help you meet your dietary needs while ensuring that your baby receives those nutrients through your milk​ . Consistency: Keeping a consistent intake of these flavors can support your baby’s development and preference for healthy foods, which is crucial as they start to transition to solids
  • What is the best time of day to take the supplements for maximum effectiveness?
    **Recommended When you 1st Wake up before eating** It’s best to take the supplements before bed, either in the evening, about one hour to one and a half hours after dinner, or first thing in the morning, at least one hour to one and a half hours before breakfast. This timing allows the flavors to reach your baby through the amniotic fluid in about 30 minutes. To ensure that the flavors remain isolated, avoid eating anything for at least one hour before, during, and after taking the supplement. This prevents any other food flavors from mixing in, allowing your baby to fully experience the distinct flavors. Be sure to take the supplements with a full glass of water for optimal absorption. Establishing this routine can help you easily incorporate the supplements into your daily life, providing your baby with the benefits of prenatal flavor learning
  • When should I take the supplements after giving birth?
    You should start taking the supplements as soon as you begin breastfeeding or within two weeks of having your baby. This early introduction helps ensure that your baby gets the benefits of the flavors right from the start.
  • Should I continue taking supplements while breastfeeding after my baby has been introduced to baby food?
    Of course! Continuing to take the supplements while breastfeeding is beneficial for both you and your baby. The more familiar flavors your baby is exposed to, the better. Since you're only taking the supplement once a day, adding an extra dose of flavor to your breast milk can be a delightful treat for your little one, especially if they’re already accepting of that flavor. This ongoing exposure helps reinforce their familiarity with the flavors, even if you didn't offer that specific vegetable in their baby food that day. As research suggests, consistent flavor exposure through breast milk can support your baby’s acceptance of various tastes as they grow​ So, by continuing the supplements, you’re not only enriching your baby’s flavor experience but also promoting healthier eating habits in the long run!
  • When and how should I take the supplements while breastfeeding?
    For breastfeeding, it's best to take the supplements about one hour to one and a half hours before you breastfeed. This timing allows the flavors to reach your baby through your breast milk. Make sure not to mix the supplements with any other foods right before breastfeeding and drink them with water, as it’s important to keep the flavors isolated. Taking the supplements at night is ideal since babies often breastfeed during the night, and this timing helps ensure that no other flavors are mixed in before feeding. By taking the supplements this way, you maximize the exposure to the distinct flavors, which can help your baby become more accepting of those tastes as they grow
  • I just discovered your supplements a few months into breastfeeding. Is it too late to take them?
    No, it’s definitely not too late to start taking the supplements! Scientific studies have shown positive results even when moms begin taking them a few months into breastfeeding. Many mothers start introducing baby food around six months, so daily exposure to the flavors for three to four months can still be incredibly beneficial for your baby. This ongoing exposure helps shape their taste preferences and makes them more accepting of various flavors as they transition to solid foods Incorporating the supplements into your routine now can enhance your baby's flavor experiences and support healthy eating habits as they grow! Start Now! More Flavors Coming Soon .
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