Best Greens Powder for Pregnancy (2024): 9 Options Safe For Mom and Baby

Ah, pregnancy—the miraculous time in a person’s life where she grows life, cell by cell. It’s natural to want to put the best in your body during this time—smoothies chock full of organic greens and fruits, meals filled with lean protein and green vegetables, snacks overflowing with micronutrients—but let’s be honest: From first-trimester sickness to third-trimester fatigue, healthy eating doesn’t always jibe with being pregnant. 

I can attest to this, as I’m on the brink of delivering my third baby, and I’ve definitely thought about supplementing with the best greens powder for pregnancy on the days when I just don’t want to cook up a wholesome meal. 

But are the best greens powders good for all of us pregnant people? You might think so, but there are ingredients to be aware of and precautions to take before you start swigging. We consulted registered dietitian Sydney Lappe and curated a list of the best greens powder for pregnancy, and asked her about what pregnant moms should know. Let’s dive in!

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also advises you to choose a product that’s been third-party tested for accuracy. 

9 Best Greens Powders for Pregnancy

• Best Overall Greens Powder for Pregnancy: Live it Up Supergreens
• Best Greens Powder for Pregnancy With Prebiotic Fiber: Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens 
• Best Budget Greens Powder for Pregnancy: Jacked Factory Green Surge
• Best Nutrient-Rich Greens Powder for Pregnancy: KOS Show Me the Greens
• Best-Tasting Greens Powder for Pregnancy: Patriot Power Greens
• Best Greens Powder for Pregnancy Gut Health: 1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50
• Best Greens Powder for Pregnancy for Digestion: Nested Naturals Super Greens
• Best Greens Powder with Spirulina for Pregnancy: Athletic Greens AG1
• Best Organic Greens Powder for Pregnancy: Pro Health Longevity Greens Powder

Best Overall Greens Powder for Pregnancy: Live it Up Super Greens

Good for: Pregnant people looking for an all-purpose greens powder 

Best Overall

Live it Up Super Greens

GGR Score: 3.3

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Product Highlights

• Powdered greens supplement with 20+ superfoods, probiotics, and digestive enzymes 
• Live it Up (formerly Enso Superfoods) shares that this product aids digestion, immunity, and energy 
• Caffeine-free formula 
• Contains 2 g of plant-based protein

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Subscribe and save 33%
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Made in the United States in a GMP-certified facility
• Vegan and vegetarian
• Dairy-, nut-, caffeine-, sugar- and gluten-free
• No artificial flavors or sweeteners
• 3rd-party tested

Cons

• Only available in 30-serving containers
• Mixed reviews on taste
• Only available via company website
• $2.00 per serving

Bottom Line

Live it Up Super Greens is a powdered greens supplement with over 20 superfoods, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. Live It Up claims that this product improves digestion, decreases bloating, increases energy, supports immunity, and prevents illness. Most customer reviews for this product are positive.

Being cognizant of the ingredients you put into your body is important all the time, but especially during pregnancy, as what the person eats during gestation can have an effect—both positive and negative—on the baby.

That’s why we like Live it Up Super Greens (formerly Enso Supergreens) as the best greens powder for pregnancy; not only is it 100% vegan with all-natural ingredients, it contains no added sugars, artificial sweeteners, caffeine, or gluten. It’s also third-party tested, so you can rest assured that what’s on the label is what’s in the bag—an important criteria for athletes, but also pregnant people. 

“I first and foremost encourage anyone to consult with their doctor or midwife before taking any greens powders or dietary supplements, especially during pregnancy when nutritional needs matter for two,” says Sydney Lappe, R.D. “But Live it Up Super Greens is a solid option for expecting moms and growing babies due to its whole foods-sourced ingredients, naturally occurring vitamins and minerals, and third-party certification. It does contain higher amounts of some nutrients, like vitamin A, which is important to be aware of since excess dosing can be harmful.”

There’s an 8-gram proprietary blend of supergreens, which is not ideal—I’d want to know exactly how much of each ingredient is present in the formula—but I feel solid in recommending all of the ingredients in the blend as safe for pregnancy. You’ll also get a digestive enzyme complex and 5 billion CFUs of dairy-free probiotics, including lactobacillus acidophilus, lactobacillus casei, bifidobacterium bifidum, and bifidobacterium lactis—current research¹ demonstrates that probiotics appear to be safe during both pregnancy and lactation.

The Original Flavor has a mint overtone to it that took GGR staff writer Lauren Strong by surprise. “There is nothing on the label preparing you for the minty flavor of this drink, and although I’m not a huge fan of any of the greens drinks I tested, there was something more tolerable about a natural mint flavor that wasn’t trying to mask the greens.”

Best Greens Powder for Pregnancy With Prebiotic Fiber: Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens

Good for: Adding some prebiotic fiber to your diet

Best With Prebiotic Fiber

Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• Combines algae greens and prebiotic fibers to improve gut health
• Each serving has 3 grams of spirulina, 3 grams of chlorella, 3 grams of organic acacia fiber, 3 grams of organic green banana flour, and 1 gram of organic Jerusalem artichoke fiber
• Gluten-free
• Gut-flora-friendly greens drink
• Available in unflavored, Peach Mango flavor, and Pineapple Coconut

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Packed with fiber, gut-flora-friendly greens, and mineral-dense veggies
• Effectively works to improve gut health
• Combines algae greens and prebiotic fibers
• 60-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• Tastes bitter to some

Bottom Line

Combining an algae greens blend with prebiotic fibers, Prebiotic Greens is intended to improve digestion and health.

Prebiotics—non-digestible food substances—work as fuel for probiotics, which are the good bacteria in your gut. Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens are packed with these high-fiber ingredients, offering a combined 7 grams of acacia fiber, green banana flour, and Jerusalem artichoke fiber. We know that both prebiotics and probiotics are suggested to be safe during pregnancy and lactation¹ and provide benefits like improvement of gut health and immune system support². 

In addition to prebiotics, this Transparent Labs greens powder provides spirulina and chlorella³, both algae green “superfoods” that deliver vitamins, minerals, and protein. We like that each ingredient is quantified on the label, and that each serves a direct purpose—no mumbo jumbo here. 

Transparent Labs products are Informed Choice-certified—a super plus in our book—and the greens powder comes in two flavors: Peach Mango and Unflavored. I’ve tried Peach Mango, and so has my teammate at GGR, senior staff writer Amanda Capritto. I liked the flavor—it’s inevitably still grassy, but the Peach Mango masks it. It is a bit sweet, but I’d prefer that over grass. Amanda wasn’t a huge fan of Peach Mango unless it’s mixed into orange juice. 

Best Budget Greens Powder for Pregnancy: Jacked Factory Greens Surge

Good for: Parents who want to save money on a simple greens powder supplement

Best Budget

Jacked Factory Green Surge

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Made with organic green superfoods, probiotics, and digestive enzymes
• Provides healthy bacteria to the gastrointestinal tract to decrease bloat and improve digestion
• Supports the immune system using a blend of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants
• No added sugar, artificial coloring, or preservative

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very affordable
• Tastes good
• Said to decrease bloat
• Said to increase energy
• Keto-friendly
• Organic
• 100% money-back guarantee
• Well-priced

Cons

• Thick when mixed
• A little grainy

Bottom Line

If you’re looking to support your gut health with some plant superfoods, Green Surge is a supplement worth considering given its impressive list of ingredients, cost, and reportedly good results.

If there’s one thing I know, it’s that kids cost a lot of money—so why not save a few coins on your greens powder if you’re able? We’ve named Jacked Factory’s Green Surge our best budget pick since it packs a lot of beneficial stuff into a powder that costs about $1 per serving—significantly less than other greens powders on the market.

Bob Iafelice, RDN, reviewed Green Surge for us and said he likes it because rather than including “every green under the sun, this product focuses only on the most effective superfoods, probiotics, and enzymes.” 

That includes a probiotic and inulin (prebiotic) blend, a digestive enzyme blend, and various green and fruit powders, including spirulina, spinach, wheatgrass, barley grass, apple, and pineapple. The blends are proprietary, which, again, we don’t love, but at least we know the amount of each ingredient. 

We’ll note that Green Surge does contain 250 milligrams of green tea leaf extract per serving, so if you’re watching your caffeine intake during pregnancy, be wary of this. It’s also sweetened with sucralose, which can be a no-go for some as well.  

“Caffeine isn’t always in greens powders, but that’s the thing: It’s not always expected and can be overlooked,” Sydney says. “And to make matters more confusing, research regarding safe levels of caffeine intake during pregnancy is conflicting—some studies⁴ suggest there’s no safe level of caffeine while some organizations—like the American College of Obstetricians Gynecologists⁵ (ACOG)—express moderating caffeine intake to no more than 200 milligrams per day (about two cups of coffee) doesn’t appear concerning. Again, this is really why it’s so important to discuss your personal needs and express any concerns with your doctor.”

I’ve tried Green Surge in the Mixed Berry flavor, which looks as though it’s been discontinued, and thought it was tasty for a greens powder. It’s a bit sweet, thanks to the sucralose and stevia, but that helps mask the grassy flavor. 

Best Nutrient-Rich Greens Powder for Pregnancy: KOS Show Me the Greens

Good for: Parents who want plenty of nutrients in their greens powder

Best Nutrient-Rich

KOS Show Me the Greens

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Whole-food ingredients
• Includes a digestive blend for gut support
• Comes in Green Apple Sorbet flavor
• NSF-Certified, organic, vegan, and non-GMO
• Subscribe-and-save option

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Transparent labeling
• Third-party tested
• Organic, vegan, and non-GMO
• Most seem to like the Green Apple Sorbet flavor
• Mixed well in smoothies

Cons

• About $1.40/serving
• Availability fluctuates based on supply

Bottom Line

KOS Show Me the Greens is a great option for those seeking organic, whole-food greens powders. The taste is subtle, making it a decent option on its own or a good additive to smoothies.

If you’re a plant-forward eater craving nutrients in their greens, you’ll appreciate KOS Show Me the Greens. This USDA organic, dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and plant-based formula will leave you feeling good about the ingredients you’re putting into your body for you and baby. 

RELATED: Best Protein Powder for Pregnancy

The formula contains an Algae Superfood blend, an Alkalizing Greens Blend, a Fruit and Veggie Blend, and a Digestive Prebiotic Blend—all of which are proprietary, and you know our feelings about that—but are full of nutrient-dense, organic ingredients nonetheless. Show Me the Greens is not third-party tested, but for what it’s worth, we find KOS to be a fairly transparent company overall.

In a flavor called Green Apple Sorbet, our testers found it drinkable—it’s definitely apple-flavored with an “aftertaste of Earth”—but they also said it’s a bit gritty, so have your shaker cup or frother handy. 

Best-Tasting Greens Powder for Pregnancy: Patriot Power Greens

Good for: Pregnant people who want their greens powder to actually taste good 

Best-Tasting

Patriot Power Greens

GGR Score: 4.28

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Product Highlights

• Powdered greens supplement 
• Contains 40 fruits and vegetables, 10 probiotics strains, and 6 digestive enzymes 
• Patriot Power shares that this product supports brain function and healthier aging
• They also claim it supports digestion, joint health, inflammation, the cardiovascular system, and provides all-day energy

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 100% money-back guarantee
• Autoship and save 10%
• No artificial sweeteners
• Soy-, dairy-, wheat-, and gluten-free
• Caffeine-free

Cons

• Contains allergen tree nuts (coconut)
• Ingredients are present as proprietary blends

Bottom Line

Patriot Power Greens is a powdered greens supplement with fruits, vegetables, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. Patriot Power lists a variety of benefits for their product including all-day energy; support for healthy aging, brain function, digestion, joint health, and the cardiovascular system; reduction of inflammation; and a detoxifying effect. This product has mostly positive reviews, and customers felt it increased their energy and decreased aches and pains.

Team GGR has tried more than 30 greens powders in our search for the best, and one of the best-tasting—and pregnancy-friendly—options we’ve found is Patriot Power Greens. GGR senior staff writer Amanda Capritto tried this powder, which comes in a Berry flavor, and was shocked at how good it tastes.

“This is the ONLY greens powder to date that I’ve tried and can actually sip, rather than chug it in as little time as possible to get the benefits but not the terrible taste,” she says, “It tastes like a juice-tea blend—kind of like black tea with fruit extracts.” 

It also dissolves completely, which shocked Amanda, as normally greens powders are either gritty or have to be shaken after they re-settle. 

“Formulation matters most, but a soluble greens powder you enjoy drinking is a mega win to help encourage fluid intake,” Sydney says. “And an unappetizing greens powder can be quite the turnoff for any consumer—and especially pregnant women who are more prone to food aversions, including texture sensitivities.”

And not only does it taste good, Patriot Power Greens has good stuff in it, too. There are 76 ingredients total, including 40 fruits and vegetables, 10 probiotic strains, prebiotics, and 6 digestive enzymes, as well as vitamin and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, folate, B vitamins including vitamin B12, zinc, calcium, magnesium, selenium, and chromium.

Read our full Patriot Power Greens review written by expert and certified nutritionist Linsday Boyers to learn more about this tasty supplement.

Best Greens Powder for Pregnancy Gut Health: 1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50

Good for: Parents looking for a little extra digestive support from their greens powder

Best for Gut Health

1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Made from greens superfoods with phytonutrients, digestive enzymes, and probiotics
• 50 gluten-free alkalizing ingredients
• A mix of natural fruits, veggies, and grasses
• Low-temperature processing of the eight 100% organic grasses and greens
• Includes carotenoids and bioflavonoids to support overall health

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Over 1,300 positive reviews
• Includes 1 billion CFU digestive enzymes
• Mixes well
• Decreases bloat
• Contains 50 gluten-free, alkalizing, clean ingredients

Cons

• Expensive
• Taste is not for everyone

Bottom Line

With over 1,000 positive reviews, Opti-Greens 50 may be a good choice for anyone looking to support their immunity.

We like 1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50 for a few reasons: No. 1; it’s Informed Choice-certified, meaning what’s on the label is what’s actually in the bag—important for athletes who undergo drug testing, but also pregnant people.

Next, Opti-Greens’ blend of digestive enzymes and 5 billion CFUs of probiotics from strands like Bifidobacterium longum⁶ and Lactobacillus rhamnosus⁷, which have proven benefits on the digestive system, can be effective for pregnant people looking to protect their gut health. 

I’ve tried this greens powder, and while it is on the pricier side, I like the brand’s overall transparency. The Natural Berry flavor is pretty sweet—you’ll have to be OK with the stevia extract flavor—and there is green tea leaf extract present (though we don’t know in what amount thanks to a proprietary blend), so if you’re concerned about caffeine intake, this may not be the greens powder for you.

Best Greens Powder for Pregnancy for Digestion: Nested Naturals Super Greens

Good for: Those looking for a greens powder packed with fiber and digestive enzymes vital during pregnancy

Best for Digestion

Nested Naturals Super Greens Original

GGR Score: 3.7

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Product Highlights

• Contains over 20 whole foods, probiotics, fiber, and enzymes
• 100% organic, non-GMO, and vegan
• One scoop contains 667 milligrams of spirulina, 400 milligrams of chlorella, and 1.67 billion CFU of probiotics
• Third party-tested and approved
• Lifetime money-back guarantee

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Non-GMO, Vegan, 100% organic
• Available in chocolate flavor
• Contains prebiotic inulin to help feed healthy bacteria in the gut
• Over 20 whole foods included
• Many reviews report noticeable differences in energy, mood, and digestion

Cons

• May be too strong for some and irritate the stomach
• Taste is not great but, as a powder made primarily with vegetables, that is not surprising

Bottom Line

While the taste may not suit everyone, Super Greens effectively provides users with a potent dosage of phytonutrients, micronutrients, probiotics, fiber, and enzymes.

One scoop of Nested Naturals Super Greens contains several digestive enzymes that you might need during certain stages of pregnancy. For example, protease is generally low during pregnancy but may increase closer to birth while Amylase slowly drops as your due date approaches. Plus, it’s packed with plenty of fiber.

It also contains half the daily recommended amount of iodine, a nutrient that the World Health Organization says is “essential for the production of maternal and fetal thyroid hormones that regulate the development of the fetal brain and nervous system.”

Most people get enough iodine through iodized salt, but as the WHO notes a woman’s iodine requirements increase during pregnancy, making this greens powder supplement a convenient way to ensure you’re getting all the nutrients you and your child need during those critical nine months.

As Garage Gym Reviews Editor Frieda Johnson notes in her Nested Super Greens review, the taste of this supplement is just OK earning it a 3 out of 5 for taste. She says she imagines it tastes like what cows think grass tastes like and scored it a three out of five in that category. She gave it a 4 out of 5 for solubility.

Best Greens Powder with Spirulina for Pregnancy: Athletic Greens AG1

Good for: Expecting parents wanting a superfood in their greens powder

Best with Spirulina

Athletic Greens AG1

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Contains 75 minerals and nutrients in one serving
• Available in travel pouches and bundle and save options
• Said to support gut health with prebiotics, probiotics, and naturally occuring enzymes
• Supports immunity with key ingredients like vitamin C and mushrooms
• Magnesium is added to boost energy
• May aid in recovery as it features superfood complex with adaptogens and antioxidants

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Backed by notable health experts
• Transparent and detailed ingredient list
• 75 vitamins and minerals

Cons

• Expensive
• Some reviewers dislike the taste

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a greens powder with a unique blend of minerals, nutrients, power greens, enzymes, and probiotics and you're willing to spend some money, Athletic Greens may be a good choice for you.

It’s a pricey greens powder, but the 75 ingredients in Athletic Greens AG1 are packed with nutrients, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and more. At the top of the ingredient list is spirulina³, which is packed with nutrients and protein, too.

While the hefty price tag of $3.30 per serving only nets AG1 a score of 1 out of 5 for cost, you can subscribe a save to make the price a bit more bearable. When I tried out this greens powder, the flavor was surprisingly good for a greens powder, earning it a 4.5 out of 5 for taste. While it definitely had some mild grassy flavors, I do get a bit of pineapple and vanilla flavor predominantly. It’s a pleasant taste.

I give the solubility a 4 out of 5, since it mixes up well, but also settles quickly. If you’re not planning to have it in one sitting, you’ll have to shake it back up when you get back to it.

AG1 provides plenty of transparency, listing all of the vitamins, whole foods, pre- and probiotics on the label. With 75 ingredients, it gets a 5 out of 5 for formulation. However, with that many ingredients and vitamins, I might recommend this to people only if they’re heavily deficient in micronutrients. Also, AG1 does contain adaptogens like ashwagandha, which you may want to avoid during pregnancy. Research⁶ has shown adaptogens to cause uterine contractions.

For more, you can read our Athletic Greens review to get the full scoop on AG1.

Best Organic Greens Powder for Pregnancy: Pro Health Longevity Greens Powder

Good for: Those wanting organic and natural ingredients in a nutrient-rich greens powder

Best Organic

ProHealth Longevity Greens Powder

GGR Score: 3.8

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Product Highlights

• Large variety of plant extracts
• Has some probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes
• Third-party tested
• 75-day money back guarantee

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Large variety of greens, fruit, and vegetable extracts
• Third-party tested
• No artificial ingredients
• Contains probiotics

Cons

• More than $2 per serving
• Contains 3 grams of sugar

Bottom Line

ProHealth Longevity Greens contains many of the vitamins, minerals, and plant extracts to fill any nutritional gaps you might have in your diet.

Organic greens powders can better ensure that the product is free from heavy metals or other toxins; our best organic greens powder for pregnancy does just that. With nearly all listed ingredients certified organic, Pro Health Longevity Greens will help anyone feel certain that their greens powder is healthful.

The greens powder gets a 3 out of 5 for its formulation, as it’s a fairly simple greens powder. The majority is a greens and fruit blend, along with prebiotics and probiotics. The 3 grams of added sugars may not be ideal for expecting people who are also diabetic. “The added sugar may unnecessarily raise blood glucose and insulin, since there’s no significant fat or protein to buffer any effects of the sugar on blood glucose or insulin levels,” adds Bob Iafelice, RDN.

Our product testers appreciated the flavor of the greens powder, rating it a 4 out of 5. Although it is only available in one flavor, Longevity Greens Powder comes in Apple Banana. One tester explains, “The apple taste is stronger initially, but then the banana flavor shows up after the apple.” Our testers also noticed some chalkiness to the mixture, rating the solubility a 4 out of 5. It mixes well, but might need a shake again after a few minutes.

Pro Health has their products third-party tested, but doesn’t disclose who. Because of that, we rate the third-party testing a 3 out of 5. Pro Health does seem to be very transparent with their ingredients and nutrition facts, however, so you won’t go wrong with this greens powder.

Other Greens Powder for Pregnancy We Researched

There are many quality superfood powders on the market and we evaluated many of them to see if they should be on this list. Here are a few:

• Supergreen Tonik: This formula also contains adaptogens. Read more about it in our Supergreen Tonik review.
• Bloom Greens: This TikTok-famous brand didn’t impress us. Read our full Bloom Greens review to find out why.

How We Picked and Tested the Best Greens Powder for Pregnancy

While a greens powder may seem like a no-brainer for a healthy pregnancy, think again! There are certain criteria you should be aware of if you’re planning to consume one of these powders while pregnant. Here’s how we broke our list down:

Formulation

This is the most important consideration. There’s research⁸ that supports certain ingredients common in greens powders, namely adaptogens, are not safe during pregnancy and should be avoided. We consulted with an RD to ensure that the greens powders on our list didn’t contain any harmful ingredients.

Third-Party Testing

We’re always advocates for third-party testing here at GGR, but this is especially important when you’re pregnant, as you want to know that exactly what’s listed on the label is what you’re putting into your body. Since the FDA doesn’t regulate the supplements industry, verification by a third-party lab is the only way to know for sure that a product is safe. 

Cost

High-quality greens powders are usually not the most budget-friendly supplement and can range anywhere from $1 on the low end to upwards of $3 on the high end. We tried to provide a range of prices in our roundup so more people could feel comfortable with what they’re spending.

Flavor

Yes, greens powders are designed to pack in nutrients you may be missing from your diet, but we think they should taste decent, too. We’ve personally tested all of the greens powders on this list, so we know they taste pretty OK, if not a little grassy. 

Benefits of Greens Powder for Pregnancy

Supplements should always act as such in your diet—not replacing whole foods and real fruits and vegetables, but filling in gaps in a healthy diet consisting of leafy greens and other highly nutritious produce. 

That being said, one of our resident experts and a dietitian, Destini Moody, names these five characteristics as potential super greens powder benefits in a recent article she wrote for us:

1. Immune system support: A 2018 meta-analysis⁹ of 83 studies showed that higher intakes of fruits and vegetables lead to an enhanced immune cell profile.
2. Higher energy levels: A 2014 study published in the British Journal of Health Psychology¹⁰ found that subjects who consumed more fruit and vegetables reported higher feelings of well-being, creativity, and more physical activity compared to subjects who ate less fruits and vegetables.
3. Healthy blood pressure: A 2020 meta analysis¹¹ of over 1.5 million subjects found that consumption of fruits and vegetables was associated with decreased cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, and stroke.
4. Digestive support: A 2019 meta analysis in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition¹² found that probiotic supplementation in healthy adults can lead to temporary improvement in gut health, including improvements in stool consistency, bowel movement, and vaginal lactobacilli concentration in healthy adults.
5. Chronic disease prevention: A 2012 study¹³ notes there is possible evidence that more fruits and vegetables can help to support a healthy body weight, which can indirectly prevent diseases like heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.

Whether from food aversions or appetite changes, you may find that you can’t tolerate fruits and veggies like you did pre-pregnancy. A greens powder may be a viable way to replace some of those lost micronutrients, but there are several considerations to keep in mind. 

Dosing and Interactions 

Super greens powder side effects are real, and especially when you’re pregnant, it’s important to be aware of any potential dangers associated with ingesting them.

First and foremost, it’s important that you speak with your healthcare professional if you’re pregnant and looking to supplement with a greens powder—they will be able to guide you to the right product. 

Why Some Greens Powders Aren’t Recommended During Pregnancy

The biggest worry of some greens powders (and other dietary supplements) is that the ingredients can cause side effects on both the parent and child: allergic reactions, possible nutrient overdoses, and more. For example, certain vitamins can have adverse effects on expecting people. Excessive intake of vitamin A, D, E, or K can all threaten the life of the parent and baby.

Greens Powder During Pregnancy Risks

Most greens powders that are free of adaptogens and heavy metals should be safe to consume during your pregnancy. However, always check with your doctor or midwife to make sure the greens powder you’re looking to take is actually safe and effective. Let’s break down what ingredients and risks to watch out for.

Adaptogens

Pregnant people should pay close attention to adaptogens like ashwagandha, rhodiola, ginseng, maca, Holy Basil, and even mushrooms in any products they consume. These herbs, roots, and plant substances help us manage stress but can be unsafe for use during pregnancy. Research⁶ has shown they can potentially cause uterine contractions.

Heavy Metals

There’s also some concern that greens powders can be contaminated with heavy metals. As one of our RD experts, Destini Moody, points out in her Green Vibrance review, “One of the dangers of consuming greens powders is potential exposure to lead and other heavy metals. This is because these metals can be in the soil in which the vegetables are grown and can be present even in organically grown produce.” 

While some Consumer Reports testing¹⁴ did detect contaminants like lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium in greens powders, other research¹⁵ finds that the levels are not found to be unsafe.

Vitamin Toxicity

Be advised that if you’re already taking a prenatal vitamin, you’ll probably be covering all of your nutritional bases with that. Many greens powders are meant to stand in for a multivitamin, so again, check with your OB-GYN or midwife to ensure you won’t be overdoing it on any specific vitamins or minerals. 

Who Should Take Greens Powder During Pregnancy and Who Should Avoid It?

If you’re getting plenty of nutrients from a healthy diet already, most expecting parents won’t need the extra nutrients from greens powder. Especially when considering the risk of vitamin toxicity from too many vitamins, it’d be wise to get your nutrients from whole foods.

However, if you are deficient in micronutrients and you’re not so great at keeping fruits and vegetables in your diet, then a greens powder may be suitable for you. Still, talk to a professional before beginning to change your supplementation.

Buying Guide: What to Look for in Greens Powder for Pregnancy

Choosing the right dietary supplement for your needs can be a challenge because there are so many products available that make a whole lot of claims. Here’s what to look for in greens powder for pregnancy.

Ingredient List

As we mentioned above, certain ingredients are not recommended for pregnant people. Scrutinize the label and consult your doctor or midwife to ensure you’re taking a product that’s safe for you and your baby. 

Also, if you follow a specific diet, you’ll want to ensure that the ingredients are all A-OK. It’s also not a bad idea to keep an eye out for fillers—every ingredient in the greens powder formulation should serve a purpose.

Health Benefits

Is there a certain benefit you’re looking to get out of your greens powder, like reduced bloating, increased antioxidant intake, or just better wellness? Some greens powders are better-suited for specific conditions than others. 

“While all greens powders can boost nutrient intake, some provide more targeted ingredients for targeted benefits,” Sydney explains. “Of course, we want you to resolve any ailments and optimize your overall well-being, but it’s vital to address your needs and those of your baby. After delivering, and with breastfeeding in mind, is a more opportune time to experiment with greens powders—like with stress-relieving adaptogenic mushrooms!” 

Testing and Transparency

This is worth repeating again and again—the more you know about each ingredient in your greens powder supplement and how much of it is present, the better off you’ll be. Look for companies that have a good reputation and offer third-party testing from a reputable organization like Informed Choice or NSF.

Cost and Vendor

Lastly, of course you’ll need to consider your budget before you purchase a greens supplement, plus where you’d like to buy it. All of these products are available online, and many are available on Amazon, which means quick shipping. Consider the return policies on your greens powders as well—depending on the company, some will accept returns even on opened products and give you a full refund, while some won’t. 

FAQs About Greens Powder for Pregnancy

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

References

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Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC

Nicole is the head of content at GGR. She's been a journalist for the last 13 years and a CPT/group fitness instructor for the last 10 years. She grew up playing tennis, became an avid runner in college, competed in a bikini competition in her mid-twenties, and even completed a triathlon. Her workout of choice nowadays is strength training, plus logging her daily steps. After her first daughter was born six years ago, she became especially passionate about prenatal and postnatal fitness, teaching stroller bootcamp classes and working with expecting moms as clients. Post-journalism school, Nicole worked in print media as a magazine editor for eight years, then went freelance for a while, writing for fitness websites and manufacturers in the industry. Now, as the the head of content at GGR, she brings her expertise in fitness to writing and editing honest reviews on everything you might need for your home gym.

Further reading

How To Do The Barbell Curl: Instructions, Tips, And Variations

by Ravi Davda, CPT

If you’re looking for personal trainer tips on doing the barbell curl with proper form, I've got you. I'll also go through common mistakes, benefits, and variations. Read more

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by Cooper Mitchell, GGR Founder

Joe Rogan, the stand-up comedian, and Host of The Joe Rogan Experience Podcast has one EPIC gym. Located in his podcast studio, Joe has utilized the top equipment manufacturers and technology to create a world-class facility. Today, we’re going to detail the tools Joe used to build his studio gym along with the training plan, nutrition, and supplements he uses to build his body and mind. Read more

30-Day Beginner Push-Up Program and Progression Plan

by Jarrod Nobbe, MA. CSCS. USAW National Level Coach

Unlock the secrets to mastering push-ups and building upper body strength with this beginner push-up program. Read more

PerformaSleep Mattress Review: A Mattress for Athletes

by Cooper Mitchell, GGR Founder

The PerformaSleep Mattress is designed for the serious athlete with unique cooling and comfort features that make for a truly comfortable sleeping experience. After using the bed for over a year, we are confident in recommending the mattress. Read more