The team surveyed more than 1,700 women from the United Kingdom, Singapore and New Zealand, between 18 and 38 years old before conception and followed many of these women during the ensuing pregnancy. The results showed that nine out of ten women had marginal or low levels of folate, riboflavin, vitamins B12 and D around the time of conception, and many had developed B6 deficiency in late pregnancy. Several of these essential nutrients are abundantly found in meat and dairy products, components which are crucial for foetal development in the womb. After one month of supplementation and before conception, it was noted that vitamin levels were already substantially higher among participants who were given the enhanced supplements, compared to those who took the standard supplements. To make up for the lack of vital nutrients, pregnancy supplementation in amounts available in over-the-counter supplements, substantially reduced vitamin deficiency before and during pregnancy.