Evidence-based nutrition

The science behind Sunlatched.

Every ingredient in our complete postnatal formula is chosen for a reason — backed by peer-reviewed research and formulated for the unique demands of postpartum recovery and breastfeeding.

Why postnatal nutrition is different

Pregnancy and lactation place extraordinary demands on a mother's body. Nutrient stores are depleted to support fetal development, and breastfeeding continues to draw on those reserves — often faster than diet alone can replenish them. A complete postnatal vitamin addresses this gap systematically.

Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in breastfed infants worldwide. Breast milk — despite being the gold standard of infant nutrition — is naturally low in vitamin D unless the mother's levels are optimized. At 6,400 IU/day, research shows maternal supplementation fully enriches breast milk to meet infant needs.

42%

of breastfed infants are vitamin D deficient without supplementation

15

essential nutrients in every Sunlatched capsule

6,400

IU vitamin D3 — the clinically-studied dose for breastfeeding mothers

Full formula

What's inside — and why

Every ingredient is chosen in its most bioavailable form. No fillers. No shortcuts.

Vitamin D3

as Cholecalciferol

6,400 IU (160 mcg)

The clinically-studied dose (Hollis et al., Pediatrics 2015) shown to enrich breast milk sufficiently to meet infant needs — replacing the need for separate infant drops under HCP guidance.

Folate

as L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF)

500 mcg DFE

The active, methylated form of folate — critical for postpartum recovery and infant brain development. Up to 40% of women have MTHFR variants that impair conversion of synthetic folic acid; 5-MTHF bypasses this entirely.

Vitamin B12

as Methylcobalamin

2.8 mcg

Methylcobalamin is the active, neurologically-available form of B12. Essential for maternal energy, mood, and infant neurological development through breast milk.

Vitamin B6

as Pyridoxal 5'-Phosphate (P5P)

2 mg active

P5P is the active coenzyme form of B6 — directly usable by the body without conversion. Supports mood regulation, hormone balance, and infant brain development.

Choline

as Choline Bitartrate

250 mg elemental

Critical for infant brain development and maternal liver health. Over 90% of pregnant and postpartum women don't meet the adequate intake for choline. Breast milk choline levels directly reflect maternal intake.

Iron

as Ferrous Bisglycinate Chelate (Ferrochel™)

17 mg elemental

Ferrochel™ is a patented chelated iron with superior absorption and minimal GI side effects compared to ferrous sulfate. Postpartum iron repletion is essential for energy and recovery.

Magnesium

as Magnesium Glycinate

60 mg elemental

Bisglycinate chelate is the most absorbable, gentlest form of magnesium. Supports sleep quality, muscle recovery, mood, and is depleted by stress and lactation.

Zinc

as Zinc Bisglycinate Chelate (TRAACS™)

12 mg elemental

TRAACS™ chelated zinc offers superior bioavailability. Zinc supports immune function, wound healing, and is critical for infant growth and development through breast milk.

Iodine

as Potassium Iodide

290 mcg elemental

Iodine is essential for infant thyroid development and cognitive function. Breastfeeding women have the highest iodine requirements of any life stage — 290 mcg/day.

Selenium

as L-Selenomethionine

70 mcg elemental

L-Selenomethionine is the most bioavailable organic form of selenium. Supports thyroid function, antioxidant defense, and transfers into breast milk to support infant immune development.

Mother and baby in warm sunlight

Peer-reviewed evidence

The research that changed the conversation

Pediatrics, 2015

Hollis BW, Wagner CL, et al.

Maternal Versus Infant Vitamin D Supplementation During Lactation

Key finding: Mothers supplemented with 6,400 IU/day produced breast milk with vitamin D levels sufficient to meet their infants' needs — comparable to infants receiving direct supplementation of 400 IU/day.

This landmark randomized controlled trial demonstrated that maternal high-dose supplementation is a safe and effective alternative to infant drops.

Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 2012

Wagner CL, Greer FR; American Academy of Pediatrics

Prevention of Rickets and Vitamin D Deficiency in Infants, Children, and Adolescents

Key finding: The AAP recommends 400 IU/day for breastfed infants. Research supports maternal supplementation as a viable pathway to achieve this when doses are sufficient.

Establishes the clinical rationale for addressing infant vitamin D through the mother's supplementation regimen.

Breastfeeding Medicine, 2018

Dawodu A, Tsang RC

Maternal Vitamin D Status: Effect on Milk Vitamin D Content and Vitamin D Status of Breastfeeding Infants

Key finding: Maternal vitamin D status is the primary determinant of vitamin D content in breast milk. Higher maternal serum 25(OH)D levels directly correlate with higher milk vitamin D concentrations.

Confirms the biological mechanism: supplementing the mother is the most direct way to enrich breast milk vitamin D.

The biology

How it transfers

The biology is elegant. When a mother's vitamin D levels are optimized, the vitamin naturally passes into breast milk — no separate infant supplementation required.

01

Absorption

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is absorbed in the small intestine and enters the bloodstream, where it binds to vitamin D-binding protein.

02

Conversion

The liver converts D3 to 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], the primary circulating form measured in blood tests to assess vitamin D status.

03

Transfer

Circulating 25(OH)D passes into breast milk in proportion to maternal serum levels. At 6,400 IU/day, milk concentrations reach levels sufficient for infant needs.

04

Infant benefit

The nursing infant receives vitamin D through each feeding, supporting bone development, immune function, and overall growth — without separate drops.

Safety profile

Safety and dosage

6,400 IU/day is well within the established safe upper limit for adults. The National Institutes of Health sets the tolerable upper intake level at 4,000 IU/day for general adults, with research supporting higher doses in specific populations — including lactating women — under healthcare provider supervision. Sunlatched is designed to be used under the guidance of your healthcare provider, who can monitor your vitamin D levels and adjust as needed.

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting Sunlatched or any supplement regimen. Individual needs vary. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

In development

Sunlatched Ultra — adding 300 mg DHA

DHA is the omega-3 most critical for infant brain and retinal development — and most breastfeeding mothers don't get enough. Sunlatched Ultra builds on our clinically-studied Essentials formula by adding 300 mg of DHA per serving.

Science you can trust. Nourishment you can feel. The 4th trimester starts now.

Sunlatched puts the research to work for you and your baby.

SunlatchedSunlatched

Sunshine for two.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.

© 2026 Sunlatched. All rights reserved.

Use under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. Not a substitute for professional medical advice.