Designed to hydrate, support, and nourish through pregnancy and early motherhood, this blend combines fast-absorbing dextrose with essential electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals.

Using the same science as oral rehydration therapy, it helps your body absorb water more efficiently than plain water alone — so every sip works harder when you need it most.

With added folic acid, vitamin D3, magnesium, and immune-supporting nutrients, it supports energy, hydration, and overall wellbeing through every stage.

• Faster hydration: Dextrose and electrolytes work together to enhance water absorption.
• Energy & focus: Quickly absorbed fuel to help reduce fatigue and brain fog.
• Electrolyte balance: Supports hydration, muscle function, and nerve health.
• Folic acid (400µg): Supports healthy foetal development.
• Vitamin D3: Helps maintain bones and immune function.
• Magnesium: Supports muscles and may help with pregnancy cramps.
• Immune support: Includes vitamin C, zinc, and selenium.
• Hormonal support: Vitamin B6 contributes to hormonal balance.

Why hydration matters more in pregnancy
Blood volume increases by up to 50% during pregnancy, meaning the body's need for fluid rises substantially. Research consistently shows that even mild dehydration during pregnancy is associated with increased fatigue, headaches, reduced amniotic fluid levels, and a heightened risk of urinary tract infections. The European Food Safety Authority recommends pregnant women increase their daily fluid intake to approximately 300ml above the standard 2 litres per day.[1,2]

Electrolytes and the active transport mechanism
The body uses a sodium-glucose co-transporter (SGLT1) in the small intestine to actively move water into the bloodstream. Clinical evidence supporting oral rehydration therapy — first developed by the World Health Organisation — demonstrates that including glucose alongside sodium dramatically accelerates water absorption compared to water alone. This is the science behind electrolyte drinks and why they outperform plain water during periods of increased physiological demand.[3,4]

Folic acid and neural tube defect prevention
One of the most robustly evidenced interventions in maternal health: supplemental folic acid taken before and during early pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida. The NHS, NICE, and the WHO all recommend 400µg daily throughout the first trimester, with higher doses recommended for those at increased risk. Get Up & Glow provides 400µg per serving — in line with standard UK prenatal guidance.[5,6]

Magnesium deficiency in pregnancy
Studies suggest that magnesium requirements increase during pregnancy, yet dietary surveys frequently identify inadequate magnesium intake in pregnant women. Magnesium plays a critical role in over 300 enzymatic processes, and low levels are associated with leg cramps, sleep disturbance, and pregnancy-induced hypertension. Magnesium citrate — the form used in Get Up & Glow — has a clinically demonstrated absorption rate of 30–40%, compared to just 4–15% for poorly soluble forms such as magnesium oxide.[7,8]

Hydration and breastfeeding
Breast milk is approximately 87% water. Breastfeeding increases a mother's fluid requirements by around 700ml per day, and inadequate hydration can affect both milk volume and maternal wellbeing. Research indicates that breastfeeding women are at greater risk of mild, chronic dehydration, and that electrolyte-containing drinks can better support fluid retention than water alone.[9,10]

Vitamin D and maternal health
Vitamin D deficiency is widespread in the UK, particularly during pregnancy. Evidence links adequate vitamin D status with reduced risk of gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and poor neonatal bone density. The NHS recommends all pregnant and breastfeeding women take a daily supplement containing 10µg of vitamin D — a recommendation reflected in this formulation.[11,12]

REFERENCES

[1] EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products (2010). Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for Water. EFSA Journal, 8(3):1459.

https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1459

[2] Goodlin RC et al. (1983). Asymptomatic maternal hydration during gestation. Am J Obstet Gynecol.

(No open-access URL found — not available online)

[3] Binder HJ et al. (2014). Oral rehydration therapy in the second decade of the twenty-first century. Curr Gastroenterol Rep, 16(3):376.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24562469/

[4] Loo DD et al. (1996). Cotransport of water by the Na+/glucose cotransporter. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 93(23):13367.

https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.93.23.13367

[5] MRC Vitamin Study Research Group (1991). Prevention of neural tube defects: results of the MRC vitamin study. The Lancet, 338(8760):131–137.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1677062/

[6] NICE (2017). Vitamin supplementation in pregnancy. Clinical Knowledge Summary.

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng247/chapter/Recommendations

[7] Dahle LO et al. (1995). The effect of oral magnesium substitution on pregnancy-induced leg cramps. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 173(1):175–180.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7631676/

[8] Walker AF et al. (2003). Mg citrate found more bioavailable than other Mg preparations. Magnesium Research, 16(3):183–191.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14596323/

[9] Kellams A et al. (2017). ABM Clinical Protocol #3: Supplementary Feedings in the Healthy Term Breastfed Neonate. Breastfeed Med.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28294631/

[10] Harnack L et al. (1999). Soft drink consumption among US children and adolescents. J Am Diet Assoc.

(Note: this reference appears to be a citation error in the original document — it concerns children's soft drink consumption, not breastfeeding hydration. No relevant URL provided.)

[11] Bodnar LM et al. (2007). High prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in black and white pregnant women. J Nutr, 137(2):447–452.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17237325/

[12] NHS (2024). Vitamins, supplements and nutrition in pregnancy.

https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/vitamins-supplements-and-nutrition/

Coconut Water Powder, Saccharose, Dextrose
Electrolyte carrier & hydration activator
Dextrose activates the SGLT1 co-transporter for rapid water absorption. Coconut water contributes natural electrolytes and flavour.

Sodium Chloride & Sodium Citrate
Sodium is the primary electrolyte for fluid balance and cell hydration. Citrate form acts as a pH buffer and helps neutralise lactic acid.

Potassium Citrate
High-density potassium source (~38% elemental potassium). Supports muscle function and balances sodium.

Magnesium Citrate
Electrolyte
Highly bioavailable organic form (30–40%
contributes to electrolyte balance and reduction of tiredness.

Calcium Lactate & Calcium Gluconate
Two bioavailable forms for effective calcium delivery. Both gentle on the stomach and can be absorbed with or without food.

Himalayan Pink Salt
Provides sodium alongside naturally occurring trace minerals including iron and potassium.

L-Ascorbic Acid Vit C
Contributes to normal immune system function and supports iron absorption.

Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3)
Supports normal bone health, muscle function, and immune system function — especially important in pregnancy and postpartum.

Pyridoxine Hydrochloride Vit B6
Contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity and supports energy metabolism.

Pteroylmonoglutamic Acid (Folic Acid) Vit B9
400µg per serving — the UK recommended daily amount in pregnancy. Supports maternal folate status and reduces neural tube defect risk.

Zinc Gluconate
Highly bioavailable (~60.9% absorption), near-neutral taste. Contributes to immune function and protection from oxidative stress.

L-Selenomethionine
Organic amino acid-based selenium for superior absorption and retention. Supports thyroid function and immune health.

Citric Acid
Provides a refreshing taste profile and balances acidity of the drink.

Natural Flavourings, Red Berries Fruit Powder, Elderberry Powder
Natural fruit extracts for a delicious berry flavour and appealing colour. Elderberry in small amounts for colour only.

Steviol Glycosides (Stevia)
Providing sweetness without added sugar.