Nutrition and Food advice - 1

Where To Buy Supplements In Hong Kong For The Family

Alex Purcell Garcia — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 22:00:43 +0000

While we’re doing our utmost to live our best life, a little extra support can help. From iHerb to Fanda Pharmacy, GNC, oGreen and more, here are some of the best family vitamins and supplements stores in Hong Kong.

Even if the family is eating the healthiest food possible (most of the time at least!) there may be occasions when an additional boost of vitamins and minerals is required. It pays to know which supplements each member of the family might need and where to get it. While your doctor should be the first port of call for recommendations on what to take, here are some top vitamins and supplement stores in Hong Kong.

Editor’s Note: This article is for reference only. Make sure you check with your doctor before any member of the family starts taking vitamins or supplements.

iHerb – Nature’s Way Alive! Women’s Ultra Multivitamin

“Does anyone have an iHerb code?” is a common question you’ll see in many parent chat groups! If you’re not already familiar, iHerb is a global online retailer selling over 50,000 curated health and wellness products, beauty, groceries, and sports nutrition including a wide range of family vitamins, at the best possible value. What’s more, your orders are delivered free on orders over $300 with the utmost convenience, promptly to your door. For a multivitamin tailored to women whilst ticking all the boxes, check out Nature’s Way Alive! Women’s Ultra Multivitamin. It’s formulated with 200% or more daily value of 10 vitamins and minerals, including an active form of methyl B12, 7 plant-based blends including Daily Greens, CranRx®, and Hair, Skin & Nails blends, and 60 mg Orchard Fruits & Garden Veggies powder blend per serving!

Use code MAMAHKN to get 24% off your first purchase OR MAMAHK20 to get 20% off when spending $600 or more site-wide. Both valid until Tuesday, 31 December, 2024.

iHerb, www.hk.iherb.com

CATALO — Prenatal and family supplements in Hong Kong

We’re all taking extra precautions when it comes to our family’s health. CATALO is known for its focus on natural ingredients and exceptional formulas when it comes to family vitamins. With a range that covers everyone from expectant mums to kids and seniors, the whole family can benefit from a dose of vitality.

CATALO, www.catalo.com

Fanda – Vitamins, supplements and perfume all in one place

Fanda is a great local favourite for health care products, over-the-counter medicine, prescriptions, vitamins and supplements and more. With stores over in Tsim Sha Tsui and Central, ask the helpful staff to point you in the right direction for what you need.

Fanda, various locations across Hong Kong, www.fanda.com.hk

GNC Live Well – US vitamin and supplements store in Hong Kong

Stocking a huge range of supplements and vitamins across the board, you’ll be spoilt for choice! GNC is a well-known international brand located all over Hong Kong, with supplement sections for kids’ development, women’s health, men’s health and more.

GNC Live Well, various locations across Hong Kong, 2299 3390, www.gnclivewell.com.hk

Mannings – Large range of vitamins and supplements in Hong Kong including Centrum, Jamieson, GNC, Swisse DHC and more

Here you’ll find plenty of vitamins and supplements for all the family. From baby DHA, and vitamin D3 drops as a supplement for children aged 6 months or above (there are even vegetarian versions), to a selection of brands for parents, including GNC and Caltrate.

Mannings, various locations across Hong Kong, 2299 3381, www.mannings.com.hk

oGreen.hk – Wide range of supplements for all the family

oGreen has a small selection of vitamins on its website, but it also has stock in the Mong Kok and Causeway Bay stores. Here you’ll find probiotics, vitamin D drops and multivitamins and more for the kids, Mamas and Papas.

oGreen.hk, Room 1703, 17/F, Omega Plaza, 32 Dundas Street, Mong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2780 1182, www.ogreen.hk

Watsons – Health foods and supplements for a range of needs, including Blackmoors, Nestle, elevit, Caltrate and more

This classic stocks a wide range of products and brands for Papas, Mamas and the little ones. From click and collect, home delivery or in-store shopping, you can stock up in no time at all.

Watsons, various locations across Hong Kong, 2608 8383, www.watsons.com.hk

Integrated Medicine Institute (IMI) — Vitamins, supplements and naturopathic advice

Want to shop for your family vitamins online and also receive expert advice? Turn to IMI for clinical-grade vitamins in gummy and powder forms — all taste-tested and approved by kids! All natural supplements are free from bulking agents, fillers and additives with plenty of gluten-free and vegan options available too.

Integrated Medicine Institute (IMI), 13/F, Kailey Tower, 16 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2523 7121, www.imi.com.hk

More Stores To Get Vitamins & Supplements Delivered To Hong Kong

Amazon Global – Here you can order a wide range of supplements from this online store will deliver to Hong Kong. www.amazon.com
Biovea – Biovea stocks high-end health and beauty products with a large range of vitamins, minerals and supplements. www.biovea.com/hk
eVitamins – Discount supplements from top supplement brands that deliver to Hong Kong, www.evitamins.com/hk
Immortelle Health – Nutritional, vitamins and dietary supplements from Canada and other locations. www.immortellehealth.com
Puritan’s Pride (in partnership with Zenith Pro) – This site doesn’t show on Puritan’s Pride’s official list of distributors but you can get this international brand along with others via Zenith Pro. Think children’s gummy multivitamins and more. www.puritanspride.hk

If you’re specifically looking for pre-and postnatal vitamins, take a look at our helpful guide where you’ll find recommendations on what you might need and what to shop in Hong Kong.

Do Children Need Additional Vitamins And Supplements?

If tots to teens are eating a healthy, balanced diet, then generally they won’t need to take additional vitamins or supplements. However, while exclusively breastfed babies get almost all the nutrients they need, it is recommended that they also have a vitamin D supplement – even if the Mama is taking one at the same time – for their first year of life.

American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU per day from the first few weeks of life, to be continued unless your bubba starts on at least one litre a day of vitamin D-fortified formula. For later in life, a small amount is found in oily fish and eggs and a great source of Vitamin D is safe sunlight exposure.

As your child grows most won’t need to take additional supplements, however, if they do need a helping hand (some children can be picky eaters!), they can take supplements for:

Vitamin A (found in dairy products, carrots, dark green veggies and sweet potatoes etc.)
Vitamin C (found in fruits including oranges and strawberries, and veggies like broccoli)
And vitamin D, among others.

A child-friendly multivitamin could be a good option unless your doctor has a more specific recommendation but, again, always check with your doctor before giving any supplements to youngsters.

What Vitamins And Supplements Should Parents Take?

For Mamas, vitamin and supplement needs will vary depending on what stage of motherhood you’re in. Pre-and during pregnancy, you’ll need to keep an eye on your nutritional needs. Prenatal vitamins are a must for Mamas-to-be, so be sure to chat with your midwife or gynaecologist.

While breastfeeding, or postnatal, there are also things to include in your diet for optimal breastmilk. There are also daily recommended supplements that women should generally take, long after the kids have grown up. A good multivitamin should see you through to keep iron, calcium and other important vitamins and minerals in check.

For Papas, a daily multivitamin supplement is also a great idea. If you’re trying to conceive, there are some specific supplements that might boost your chances. According to doctor Sherry Ross (gynaecologist and author) men can increase their chances of healthy sperm by having sufficient B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, and Selenium. Zinc is apparently helpful in maintaining normal testosterone levels, while selenium has been shown to reduce the risk of birth defects and improve low sperm counts.

Editor’s Note: “Where To Buy Supplements In Hong Kong For The Family” was originally published by Alex Purcell Garcia and most recently updated in June 2024 by Sassy Mama.

The post Where To Buy Supplements In Hong Kong For The Family appeared first on Sassy Mama.

The Best Meal Plan Deliveries For Families In Hong Kong

Sassy Mama — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 22:00:56 +0000

Overwhelmed by the meal prep and cooking for your family? It’s okay to let professionals do it for you! We’ve rounded up the best meal plan subscriptions in Hong Kong. Here you can get everything from customised diet meal plans for weight loss to healthy meal plans for postpartum nourishment.

Mamas are busy women, and it’s not always easy to make sure that every meal is balanced, healthy and nutritious (as well as calorie controlled if you’re counting). Thankfully, there are several catering companies in Hong Kong that deliver ready-made, delicious and healthy meals to take the stress out of your food prep. These customised meal plans take your needs and dietary requirements in consideration to deliver delicious and healthy meals to families in Hong Kong!

Baby Dine – Healthy meal deliveries for babies and kids

Is moving your baby to solids stressing you out? Let Hong Kong’s first and ONLY baby food and kids’ meal delivery company do it for you. Baby Dine specialises in making fresh food for babies as young as five months old and going up to older kids (even adults can enjoy these nutritious meals!). Baby porridge is made without sugar and salt. It is freshly handmade and delivered to your door. The meals for toddlers and big kids have been carefully created keeping the nutritional needs of each age and stage – sufficient iron and zinc which is essential for brain development – and the tastes of young children (veggies hidden cleverly!). Worried about your picky eaters ones tiring of these meals? Menus are changed every week, so they retain their freshness and novelty.

Sassy Mama Tip: Want to try this for your child? New customers can enjoy Free Trial Day on the first Thursday of every month until end of 2024. You get one free trial and all you pay is $50 for delivery.

Get a 10% discount with the code SASSYMAMA when you checkout. Valid for one-time use before Saturday, 31 May 2025.

Baby Dine, Unit 1, 1F, Sun Fung Industrial Building, 9 Ma Kok street, Tsuen Wan, New Territories, Hong Kong, 5725 1112, info@babydine.com, www.babydine.com

Nutrition Kitchen – Healthy meal plans for the family

This Hong Kong catering company dishes up a variety of meals, and it’s an especially good choice for families looking for veggie, flexi or Asian meal plans, and mamas who need help with weight loss or weight maintenance can choose between the low-carb or balanced options. Nutrition Kitchen is great for those who want more flexibility in their meal plans since you can choose the size, number of meals a day (two or three) and duration of your package.

Nutrition Kitchen, WhatsApp: 5192 1292, www.nutritionkitchenhk.com

Bain Marie – Seasonal meal plan and food delivery in Hong Kong

Are you an eco-conscious family looking for a zero-waste approach to healthy meal delivery? Enter Bain Marie. It offers delicious homemade meals prepared with seasonal ingredients and delivered in sustainable packaging. Meals are highly customisable with four types of meal plans, each with two levels of calories. Meals are delivered daily before 7am, perfect for working mamas.

Bain Marie, 4 Heung Yip Road, Unita 21A, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong, 5534 9430, www.bainmariehk.com

Fittery – Customised signature and DIY food deliveries for those who all like to do meal prep

Families with fussy eaters will love Fittery, which offers the option of having the chef and nutritionist teams tailor your meal plans. Or, you could create the right meal for your family’s tastes by ordering a DIY box. Chinese and fusion meal plans come in different categories depending on your health goals. With thermal sealing and biodegradable trays, Fittery claims that unopened and refrigerated meals stay for three days (perfect for family meals when back from a weekend staycation).

Fittery, WhatsApp: 5699 3560, www.fittery.com.hk

NOSH – Healthy food delivery with plenty of flavour

A Hong Kong favourite, NOSH takes the hassle out of meal prep with its flexible and healthy meal plans. Active families will find plenty of options here to keep them going, and while NOSH is known for its Lose Weight, Build Muscle, Veggie, Flexi or Keto plans, it has also rolled out a new Comfort food option that families who enjoy diverse cuisines and trying out new flavours will love.

NOSH, 2388 1999, www.nosh.hk

Eatology – Gourmet healthy meal plans

Eatology Asia prides itself on providing fresh, gourmet meals to suit almost any diet, and if you have a picky teen, they’re sure to find something to love among the 10 meal plans – with keto, paleo, optimal performance, Mediterranean, F45 challenge and more meal plans on offer!

Eatology, 3/F Yiuga Factory, 62 Victoria Road, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, 5117 6824, www.eatologyasia.com

Mealthy – Meal plans for busy Hongkong mamas

We know that mamas tend to put everyone else first, but it’s important for you to take care of yourself as well. Mealthy’s meal plans aren’t just designed for active gym-goers; they also offer great options, including Chef’s Choice and low-carb/keto plans, that are especially great for busy working mamas. If you own a business, you might be interested to know that their no-fuss meal delivery service also caters to businesses looking to provide healthy meals to their employees.

Mealthy, 8/F, Unit L, Superluck Industrial Centre Phase 2, 30-38 Tai Chung Road, Tsuen Wan, New Territories, Hong Kong, WhatsApp: 9565 7765, www.mealthy.com.hk

Mrs Lu’s Soup – Confinement meals for postpartum nourishment

Mrs. Lu and her team believe in “doing simple things seriously”. This Chinese meal delivery service specialises in traditional Chinese soups, teas and broths needed for a mama recovering after giving birth. Choose between a trial offer, a week, two weeks or a month of confinement meals.

Mrs Lu’s Soup, WhatsApp: 6790 5786, www.mslosoup.com

More Healthy Meal Plan Subscriptions & Delivery Services In Hong Kong

Food Folk – Healthy meals available for pick-up in Wong Chuk Hang and delivery in parts of Hong Kong and Kowloon.
www.foodfolk.hk
UP Meal Prep – Formerly known as EatUp, the personal trainers at Ultimate Performance have now teamed up UK-based The Good Prep for meal plans.
www.ultimateperformance.com/meal-prep
Yumama Store – 28-day confinement meal plans.
www.yumamastore.com

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in October 2019 and most recently updated in March 2024 by Anita Balagopalan. Thanks to Jess Mizzi for her contribution.

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Organic Food Stores: Health Food And Organic Vegetables In Hong Kong

Sassy Mama — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 22:00:00 +0000

Shop at organic food stores, both online and in-person to stock all your health foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, snacks, supplements and more. It’s never been easier to buy organic!

Sometimes, it can be difficult to source good quality meat and seafood, groceries and nutritious, organic food (even better when it’s fresh from the farm!). Naturally, we want to make sure we’re feeding our families the best produce we can find and, ideally, ensure our fruit and vegetables come from a reliable source and aren’t wrapped in thousands of layers of plastic. The good news is that there are numerous organic stores and companies readily available in Hong Kong that can provide you with fresh, wholesome, organic produce and the vast majority will also deliver straight to your door! Here are some of our go-to organic, green and fresh food spots around the city.

Jump to:
Organic Health Food Stores
Fresh Organic Vegetables, Fruits And Groceries
Hong Kong Farmers’ Markets

Organic Food Stores In Hong Kong

Foodcraft – Shop health foods and organic products including gluten-free groceries and more

A one-stop-shop for all your organic health food needs, Foodcraft stocks everything good for your gut – from sauerkraut, and bone broth to gluten-free bread and you name it! You can also find plenty of healthy snacks for your kids, and personal care items for yourself and your pets too.

Delivery: Free for orders over $600 in Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, and over $800 for The New Territories. Find more details here.

Foodcraft, 16F Unit A, Yiu Ga Factory Building, 62 Victoria Road, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, WhatsApp: 5917 1181, www.foodcraft.hk

Food for Life — Holistic lifestyle store with organic food options

With tons of health foods and supplements to offer, this health food store is a convenient choice for all your vegan, gluten-free and organic needs. Order online and your chosen goods will be delivered straight to your door (outlying islands excluded). Alternatively, you can also pop into one of the four main stores and affiliated stores in Hong Kong.

Delivery: Free for orders over $600, additional charges may apply for Tung Chung, Sai Kung and outlying islands.

Food for Life, various locations across Hong Kong, 2838 8902, www.foodforlifehk.com

Green Common — Plant-based groceries with organic food options

Stock up on your grocery and personal care essentials at Green Common. It carries an extensive range of imported plant-based products in-store and online. If you’re after meat substitutes made with plant-based ingredients, you can now find Beyond Meat and Omnipork as well.

Delivery: Free for orders over $350, all over Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, New Territories and designated outlying islands (Tung Chung, Ma Wan and Discovery Bay).

Green Common, various locations across Hong Kong, 3855 5100, WhatsApp: 6450 7605, www.greencommon.com

Redwood Nutrition House — Organic food store also sourcing health supplements

Whether you’re looking for some extra nutritional support, have cholesterol problems, or need sleeping aids – Redwood Nutrition House has got you sorted. At its Wan Chai store, you can find almost everything healthy and organic that your heart desires, from holistic health bites to nutritious snacks (always be sure to stock up on those) as well as gluten-free options!

Delivery: Free shipping to Hong Kong Island for orders $500 or above; Kowloon for orders $800 or above; New Territories for orders $1,000 or above.

Redwood Nutrition House, Shop 9B, G/F, 164 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 6385 5211, www.redwoodhealthhk.com

Spice Box Organics — Organic food and groceries

Not only is Spice Box Organics completely environmentally friendly, but it is also a socially conscious company that sources everything ethically. Aside from providing a wealth of spices, Spice Box Organics ensures health for the mind, body and soul with its selection of traditional meds and household and body care products.

Delivery: Flat rate of $100

Spice Box Organics, various locations in Hong Kong, www.spiceboxorganics.com

More Organic And Health Food Stores In Hong Kong

Green Dot Dot – Many locations across Hong Kong (and online), specialising in Asian ingredients. www.greendotdot.com
Live Zero – A bulk food shop in Sai Ying Pun and Sai Kung with many organic food options. www.livezero.hk
Nutri Alley – Caters to those with allergies with its range of “free-from” products (dairy, gluten, nuts, etc). www.nutrialley.com
One Vegan Shop – Vegan foods, supplements, beauty and household products. www.oneveganshop.com
Organic Plus – Eight convenient locations as well as an online store. www.organicplus.com.hk
The Store – Organic groceries, supplements and health foods with same-day delivery. www.thestore.com.hk

Where To Buy Organic Vegetables, Fruits, Meat And Produce

Eat FRESH — Local, organic fruits and vegetables

This online organic green grocer has become a favourite among Sassy Mamas. Choose to order your fruits, vegetables and herbs a-la-carte, or opt for a regular subscription of seasonal organic goodies. We’re also loving its new Baby & Toddler Bag which features a recipe book full of healthy baby and toddler meals, as well as seasonal ingredients to help bring those meals to fruition.

Delivery: Free for orders $345 or above. Find more details here.

Eat FRESH, 9785 3267, www.eatfresh.com.hk

The Fruit Guy – Fresh fruit and vegetables delivery

Though not strictly organic, we still love its selection of curated fresh fruits and vegetables, all sourced directly from farmers across the globe. It delivers to Sai Kung, Clearwater Bay and Discovery Bay and Hong Kong Island at the moment.

Delivery: Free for orders $400 or above.

The Fruit Guy, www.thefruitguydelivers.com

Vegetable Marketing Association — Hong Kong farmers’ collective

A government-run platform helping local farmers in Hong Kong, it changes its selection of vegetables every other season. In winter, the vegetables include flowering Chinese cabbage, pea shoots, radishes, Irish potatoes and Chinese kale, amongst others. During the warmer months, you can find an assortment of gourd, cucumbers, string beans and eggplant.

Vegetable Marketing Association, 2387 4164, www.vmo.org

More Hong Kong Organic Grocery Stores

Dragontail Farm Ltd. – Organic produce is locally grown on Lantau Island. www.leoying.wixsite.com/dragontail-farm
Eat The Kiwi – Organic food from New Zealand. www.eatthekiwi.com
WHAT’sIN – Curated fruit and vegetable subscription boxes. www.whatsin.hk

Organic Farmers’ Markets In Hong Kong

Central Farmers Market At The Star Ferry Pier

Every Wednesday (unless there’s a T3 or higher), head to Central Star Ferry Pier 7 on the second floor as it transforms into a farmer’s market offering local and organic fruits and veggies. Organised by the Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden and SEED, you can rest assured that the produce here is as natural and fresh as it gets!

Central Farmers Market, Ferry Pier No.7, Central, Hong Kong, www.facebook.com/SEEDORGHK, www.seed.org.hk

Mei Foo Market — Farmers’ market in Kowloon

If you’re living on Kowloon side and finding it hard to purchase organic produce, head to the farmer’s market in Mei Foo on any Sunday between 11am to 5pm. Take MTR exit B and right next to the wet market, you’ll find fresh veggies ready to be stirred up into a salad!

Mei Foo, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3480 7883, Facebook

Editor’s Note: “Organic Food Stores: Health Food And Organic Vegetables In Hong Kong” was most recently updated in March 2023 by Fashila Kanakka.

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Which Vitamins And Supplements Should You REALLY Be Taking?

Sassy Mama — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 22:00:35 +0000

We all know that our immune systems could use a little boost from time to time. But with a huge range of vitamins and supplements on the market it can be difficult to decide. That’s where the integrated health professionals at IMI come in.

Integrated Medical Institute (IMI) offers a range of health and wellness services to suit your family’s needs. There’s everything from conventional family medicine to services in naturopathic medicine and nutrition, psychology and counselling, osteopathy and traditional Chinese medicine. It’s this team of professionals who curate the wide range of supplements and vitamins on offer at IMI Supplements Online.

What to look for in a multi-vitamin

While we all strive to feed our family with healthy, nutritious food, sometimes a little supplement can give their health some extra support. This is where a multivitamin comes in handy. You’ll want to choose something that is high quality, nutritionally dense and that passes the taste test of fussy kids.

IMI’s Clinical Multivitamin Powder has been formulated by in-house naturopaths to meet the nutritional needs of your family and can be used by both adults and children (from 4 years old at a different dose). Simply mix the powder with water, juice or food to aid in protecting your liver, brain and heart. Plus, it’s naturally sweetened with monk fruit to give it a pleasant tropical flavour.

How to decide on a supplement for pregnancy and breastfeeding

Your body sure is incredible and during pregnancy and those newborn days is working in overdrive to support two lives! There’s a need for extra vitamin A, folate, zinc, protein and omega-3 fatty acids (and possibly more depending on your specific health needs).

When you purchase your prenatal supplements from IMI, you know that each of the products has been vetted by qualified practitioners and designed to meet the nutritional needs of you and your baby. With ingredients like high-quality fish oils that have been rigorously detoxified, you can be assured you’re getting the benefits without any harmful nasties.

Where to shop for IMI vitamins and supplements

The IMI dispensary is conveniently located in Central and many of its products are available online. There’s even free (for orders over $350), temperature-controlled delivery to maintain the freshness and efficacy of your vitamin order. You can also book a consultation with any of the IMI practitioners for recommendations for your specific health needs.

Use discount code SassyMama20 for 20% off your first purchase in the IMI Online Store. Valid until 29 February, 2024.

IMI, 13F & 17/F, Kailey Tower, 16 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2523 7121, enquiries@imi.com.hk, www.imi.com.hk

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Pregnancy Nutrition: Where To Get Prenatal Vitamins In Hong Kong

Alex Purcell Garcia — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 22:00:50 +0000

Congratulations on growing a bundle of joy! Now it’s time to think about nourishment for you and your baby. Enter: prenatal vitamins. Here’s what you need to know and where to shop for prenatal vitamins in Hong Kong.

It’s an exciting time when you decide to start on the journey of having a baby – whether planned or not! From the moment you find out you’re pregnant, or from when you decided to start trying, your mind will no doubt wander to think about what you need to do to prep for being a mama. Most probably, prenatal vitamins will make their way to the top of your baby-planning checklist, but where can you get them in Hong Kong? Doctors, shops or online stores? read on to find out.

Featured Prenatal Vitamins In Hong Kong

Integrated Medicine Institute (IMI) — Prenatal vitamins and naturopathic advice

IMI is the largest integrated health clinic in Hong Kong, and for thirty years, they’ve been supporting women on their journey through pregnancy and beyond. Its practitioners have sought out the best pregnancy supplements from around the world, featuring essential nutrients (like active folate- which is superior to folic acid) in easily absorbable forms. You can get your premium prenatal vitamins via IMI Supplements Online, but for a closer look at your specific health needs, speak to a naturopath, who can tailor your supplements. There’s also the option for a free, 15-minute consultation with a health expert if you just need a few pointers.

Use discount code “SassyMamaHK” and enjoy $100 off your prenatal vitamins from IMI Supplements Online. Minimum purchase $1,000, offer can only be used once and is valid until 30, April 2023.

Integrated Medicine Institute (IMI), 13/F Kailey Tower, 16 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2523 7121, follow on Facebook, follow on Instagram, health@imi.com.hk, www.imi.com.hk

What Are Prenatal Vitamins?

While we might be eating the best diet that we can, prenatal vitamins will give you and your growing baby an extra dose of support throughout the nine months and beyond. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) comments that by eating healthy foods and taking a prenatal vitamin every day, you should get all the vitamins and minerals you need during pregnancy.

Though, while it’s a magical time, it can be quite a steep learning curve when you first start looking into pregnancy, vitamins and diet. According to the Government’s Department of Health Family Help Service, women should consider the following nutritional needs as the body changes during pregnancy:

1st trimester (the first 13 weeks)

Demand for folate, vitamin A and iodine increases.

2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy (weeks 14 to 40)

The requirement for energy and protein increases for the growing baby. Apart from folate, vitamin A and iodine, there is a higher demand for iron, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids, plus a mild increase in calcium requirements.

Prenatal Vitamins And Breastfeeding

While breastfeeding, the body needs approximately an extra 500 calories a day; including a sufficient intake of protein, folate, iodine, zinc, vitamin A and DHA, to ensure an adequate level of nutrients in your breastmilk.

This is a very top-level guide as to what you will need to nourish your body prior to conception (for example, it’s recommended that you start taking folic acid at least a month before conception, while some recommend taking a full prenatal vitamin even three months prior!), and not all mamas might be able to take some of the recommended items, so always make sure to consult your doctor before starting to take supplements. Once pregnant, a simple blood test can also highlight any other vitamins that your body might need to accompany a healthy balanced diet (this mama was vitamin D deficient and didn’t even realise!).

Where To Get Prenatal Vitamins In Hong Kong

It can be tricky to find a good range of prenatal vitamins, but there are some places in the city along with a range of online options that deliver to your door.

Prenatal Vitamins At The Doctor’s surgery

Whether you are going down the public or private route, your antenatal care team should be able to prescribe the prenatal vitamins that you might need:

Prenatal vitamins in the public system

Antenatal appointments in the public system are usually by your district catchment area and are free for Hong Kong ID holders, but you may have to pay for vitamin prescriptions.

Private prenatal vitamin options

While there are numerous options, here are just a few you can choose from:

Hong Kong Adventist Hospital (HKAH) Stubbs Road
OT&P Annerley
Central Health
Canossa Hospital
Gleneagles Hospital and Medical Clinics
Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital
Femina Healthcare

Note that if you’re using maternity insurance to go private, your package mostly probably won’t cover vitamin supplement prescriptions (even the all-singing, all-dancing insurance packages) so always check with your provider first.

Prenatal Vitamins In Hong Kong Stores

Mannings – Elevit pregnancy vitamins, Materna 23 prenatal vitamins, GNC Hong Kong products and more

Here you’ll find a selection of options from GNC for pregnancy and beyond (see here). The Prenatal Program includes 30 days of everything you might need; prenatal multi-vitamins and minerals, calcium and DHA combined (suitable for prenatal and postnatal use). You can also purchase each separately as well.

So you might opt for a prenatal multivitamin and top it up with DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid that helps to grow healthy brains, skin and eyes) if you’d like. You can also get baby DHA drops as a supplement for children aged 6 months or above (there’s even a vegetarian version!).

One other useful item to look out for babies (over the age of 1) is vitamin D3 drops, as they will help your baby continue to absorb calcium after birth, supporting the growth of teeth and bones.

Mannings, various locations, 2299 3381, www.mannings.com.hk

Watsons – Elevit, Materna 23 Vitamins, Nestle and more

Watsons carries a range of different brands, from the lesser-known local variety to bigger names. If you’re trying to conceive, Blackmores Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Gold capsules have all the essentials for mama and baby including folic acid, calcium, iodine, iron and omega-3 DHA, they also have individual Blackmores Folic Acid as well.

Another recognised name for prenatal multivitamins is Materna. You can try its Materna 23 Vitamins & Minerals, 100 tablets. Or try the Mom Vitamin & Mineral with DHA from Nestle. For a prenatal probiotic, it stocks Elevit Probiotics, ideal to support mama and baby throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Watsons, various locations, 2608 8383, watsons_cs_eservice@asw.com.hk, www.watsons.com.hk

oGreen – Local Hong Kong vitamin store

This store has a small selection of prenatal vitamins and prenatal DHA on its website, but it also has stock in the Mong Kok and Causeway Bay stores.

oGreen, Room 1703, 17/F, Omega Plaza, 32 Dundas Street, Mong Kok, Hong Kong, 2780 1182

oGreen, Room 2101, 21/F, Chung Wai Commercial Building, 447-449 Lockhart Rd, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 2881 0987, (general customer services: 5128 1427), info@ogreen.hk, www.ogreen.hk

Fanda – Prenatal vitamins and perfume in one place

Fanda is a great local favourite for health care products, over the counter medicine, prescriptions, vitamins and supplements, perfumes and more. With stores over in TST and Central, ask the helpful staff to point you in the right direction for what you need.

Fanda, various locations in Hong Kong, fanda_ww@yahoo.com.hk, www.fanda.com.hk

GNC Live Well – US vitamin store in Hong Kong

Socking a huge range of supplements and vitamins across the board, you’ll find some regular prenatal products here (similar to Mannings) in the women’s health section.

GNC Live Well, various locations, 2299 3390, gnc@dairy-farm.com.hk, www.gnclivewell.com.hk

Prenatal Vitamins Online With Delivery To Hong Kong

For a wider range of prenatal vitamins, the internet is your friend. You can order directly from these sites, which all deliver to Hong Kong:

The Store Hong Kong (includes same-day delivery on Hong Kong island, Kowloon and the New Territories)
iHerb
Vitabiotics (The UK most recommended prenatal vitamins for mum and dad, Pregnacare. Delivery to Hong Kong is fast and low cost, around $60, and there are usually special offers of buy two get one free.)
Amazon Global
eVitamins
Carethy

With so many options to choose from, make sure you do your research before you start taking any prenatal vitamins. Consult your doctor to make sure the supplements won’t cause an issue with existing medication or conditions, and check the product labels to find one with ingredients you’re happy with.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in November 2020 by Alex Purcell Garcia and updated in March 2022.

The post Pregnancy Nutrition: Where To Get Prenatal Vitamins In Hong Kong appeared first on Sassy Mama.

Natural Skincare And Digestion For Your Family With Apia Honey

Sassy Mama — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 22:00:55 +0000

Harnessing Mother Nature’s healing powers at their finest, Apia Honey’s skincare and 100% raw honey range is now available in Hong Kong for whole body nurturing – inside and out.

If you’re as conscious about what goes into your body as what you put on it, there’s a new honey brand in town that ticks the boxes for your family’s health and wellness needs.

Apia Honey uses the precious nectar created by bees feeding from both the Jarrah and Marri trees. The trees are found only in the south west region of Western Australia but Sassy families can get their hands on this natural healing tool as it’s now available right here in the 852!

Created in 2020 by a father looking for a natural alternative to steroid creams for his daughters’ skin conditions, Apia Honey came to life when he realised that honey has been used for centuries to heal ailments. Because of the naturally occurring levels of hydrogen peroxide in the nectar collected from bees snacking on the native Jarrah and Marri trees, Apia Honey holds a more powerful healing effect compared to other sources.

Sustainability is at the heart of this brand, from harvesting the honey, right through to its ethical packaging. Apia honey is on a mission to reduce negative impacts on the environment and bring awareness to eco-friendly ways. With zero nasties included, the honey is the real hero here.

Sassy Mama readers can get a 15% discount using the code SASSY15 at the online store checkout.

Apia Honey, lloyd@apiahoney.com.au, follow on Facebook: @apiahoney, follow on Instagram: @apiahoney, www.apiahoney.com.hk

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