Fertility Supplements and Vitamins For Women – Do They Help to Get Pregnant?

Why Are Fertility Supplements and Vitamins Important For Women?

Women’s fertility can be affected by several conditions, including what they eat.

1. Nutrition can affect egg quality, implantation, and ovulation. Fertility supplements ensure that your body gets all the nutrients required to maintain these factors
2. Supplements also help prevent vitamin and mineral deficiencies and increase the chances of pregnancy.
3. Vitamin and supplement intake help to boost immunity and improve the menstrual cycle.

But before you include fertility supplements in your diet, speak to your doctors about potential benefits and risks.  Your doctor will evaluate your medical history and other conditions before suggesting any supplement.

How Do Fertility Supplements and Vitamins Affect Fertility?

Fertility supplements are helpful in reducing oxidative stress and regulating several essential functions such as.

• Thyroid function
• Ovulation and menstruation
• Immune function
• Energy production
• Maturation of egg and improved egg quality

Fertility supplements help achieve a healthy pregnancy. Some research studies also show that good nutrient and vitamin intake can help reduce polycystic ovary syndrome, the major cause of infertility in many women.

[Read : Polycystic Ovary Syndrome]

When to Take Fertility Supplements and Vitamins?

Though there is no fixed time to start a fertility supplement, some experts suggest starting fertility supplements two to three months before you start trying to conceive. Six months ahead is a good time too. Alternatively, you can consult a doctor for the right dosage and type of fertility supplement you need.

Best Fertility Vitamins and Supplements For Women

According to the experts, these are some of the best fertility vitamins and supplements for women trying to conceive.

1. Folic Acid

Folic acid is a derivative of vitamin B9. This prenatal vitamin is available in chickpeas, lentils, asparagus, and green leafy vegetables. Folic acid transforms into folate, which is beneficial in preventing miscarriage and early pregnancy defects such as neural tube defects. Above this, folic acid improves cell metabolism, which benefits the ovaries.

Also, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report suggests that women should get around 400 micrograms of folic or folate acid daily. Take vital supplements if your diet doesn’t fulfil the folic acid requirement.

[Read : Folic Acid- The Friend From Day One]

2. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is considered an oxidant that helps to reduce oxidative stress. Getting a proper intake of antioxidants can help to improve fertility. It also helps repair ovaries’ cells and holds anti-aging properties. If a woman is trying to conceive later in her life, she might benefit from Vitamin E as it helps to support a good quality of eggs.

3. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is generally obtained from sunlight and is available in fewer food items. This vitamin works excellently with calcium to improve bone strength and strengthen bones. Besides this, vitamin D also supports cell growth and regulates inflammation and immune function.

The reproductive organ of women has vitamin D receptors and numerous enzymes. The decreased vitamin D level can lead to infertility in both women and men. In women, the low level increases the risk of ovulation problems and endometriosis. Therefore, if a woman is suffering from a low vitamin D level, she should increase her vitamin D intake to support pregnancy.

4. Fish Oil

Fish oil is a good source of Omega 3 fatty acid that helps improve bone density and fertility in women. This prenatal vitamin is beneficial for the brain development of the baby. Besides this, it improves egg quality, which is essential for fertility. Experts say women should take around 300mg of fish oil daily.

5. CoQ 10

This is also known as Coenzyme 10, a naturally occurring component. Coq10 helps boost fertility and improves the thickening of the endometrial wall. A review study by the National Library of Medicine shows that Coq10, combined with Clomid, helps improve fertility, especially in women with polycystic ovarian disorder. 

6. Selenium

Selenium helps generate glutathione which is beneficial in protecting cell membranes. Moreover, selenium is also known as a super vitamin for women who have been trying to conceive for a long time. It has antioxidants that help support pregnancy and reduce pregnancy complications such as low birth weight and miscarriages.

7. Acetyl L-Carnitine

This variety of amino acids is useful in the long-chain fatty acids oxidation within mitochondria. Some research shows that Acetyl L-Carnitine benefits women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Regular intake of Acetyl L-Carnitine also improves the fertility rate and sperm motility. 

8. Iron

Iron helps improve blood cells and their functions. The deficiency of iron can cause infertility in women and men both. Iron is a mineral that naturally occurs in lentils, beans, fortified cereals, and spinach. If your diet is insufficient to fulfil your iron intake, you can take an iron supplement.

9. Vitamin B6

Women having a higher level of vitamin B6 in their blood are likely to have better chances of conceiving. However, no research supports the statement yet. But one solid reason vitamin B6 has been connected to conceiving is homocysteine. This is one of the common amino acids in the bloodstream.

Higher levels of this amino acid directly relate to ovulation problems. That is why women have to increase their intake of vitamin B6 to reduce the level of homocysteine in the blood to support pregnancy.

10. Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 helps reduce the level of homocysteine levels. Moreover, regular vitamin B12 helps improve hormonal balance and regulate the ovulatory cycle. Thereby, it helps to improve the chances of pregnancy.

A journal of Reproductive Toxicology shows that vitamin B12, B6, and folate supplements help to lower homocysteine levels. The suggested vitamin B12 is nearly 1000 micrograms weekly for women and men.

[Read : Does Vitamin B12 Affect Fertility?]

11. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is naturally available in vegetables and citrus fruits such as berries and bell pepper. It helps to maintain connective tissues and improve immunity. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that hugely affects women’s fertility. Regular consumption is also helpful in reducing the impact of free radicals and improving cellular function.

12. Omega Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids act as antioxidants and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These are important for brain health and heart health. It is commonly found in fish oil and fish. A woman consuming Omega-3 fatty acids helps strengthen the body and support a healthy pregnancy. They improve blood flow to the uterus and regulate hormones thereby improving ovulation.

Conception and pregnancy are beautiful phases in a woman’s life. Fertility supplements and vitamins for women help make this journey even more healthy and beautiful. Always remember to consult a gynecologist or a certified medical practitioner for guidance on the right supplements, dosage and duration.

FAQ’s

1. Are There Any Side Effects of Fertility Supplements?

There is particularly no potential side effect of fertility supplements. But some women may face temporary side effects such as as rash, vomiting, nausea, and headache. These will resolve with time.

2. . When Should I Stop Taking Fertility Supplements?

You can stop taking fertility supplements once you find out that you are pregnant. Some of these supplements may not be safe when you are pregnant and hence you must discontinue once you get a positive pregnancy test.

3. Can Fertility Supplements Help Me Get Pregnant?

Yes. Fertility supplements such as folic acid, iron, and vitamin B6. B12 and vitamin D can help improve pregnancy chances and increase your chances of successful conception.

Read Also: Diet and Lifestyle Changes When Trying to Conceive