Fertility can be a tricky concept for some women and men. They might need a little extra help to get pregnant. No, we are not talking about fertility treatments; we are talking about vitamins and supplements. Sometimes, that is all you need to help you conceive naturally. Read on to learn how to boost your fertility through some of the best vitamins and supplements.
Every person’s fertility is unique – be it a male or a female. While the main focus is on a woman’s health when it comes to fertility, a man’s health is also important for a successful pregnancy.
Vitamins are important for a woman’s fertility in the following ways:
● Regular menstruation and ovulation
● Proper functioning of the thyroid gland
● Provide sufficient energy for the body
● Keep the immune system strong
● Maintain egg quality and aid in timely maturation
Vitamins help maintain sperm health, count, and motility in men, which is crucial for a successful pregnancy.
Micronutrients and vitamins can also help reduce the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome in some women.
Despite years of research and studies, no one fully understands how vitamins, micronutrients, and other factors play a key role in fertility. However, these studies help us understand which vitamins and micronutrients are more important than the rest to improve fertility.
It is quite easy to find these vitamin supplements in the market today. Ensure you consult your gynaecologist to fully understand what your body needs exactly and what is safe for consumption. Some supplements cannot be taken with certain other medications as they can either react or cancel the benefits. So, avoid self-medicating.
Today, one can find numerous supplements in the market. The marketing team for each of these supplements do not make it any easier to choose what is best for you. Here are some tips to choose the best supplements to boost your fertility:
● Check Ingredients—Spend some time reading through the ingredients list. Understand what the supplements are made of. Sometimes, the concentration of the main vitamin may not be as high as you assume it to be.
● Check Quality—Next, check the quality of the ingredients used. Supplements free of additives are safer than those with unnecessary additives that may improve the flavour or texture of the supplement.
● Check Effectiveness – Do not believe the marketing messages. Do your own research to understand the effectiveness of the highlighted ingredients.
● Tested Products – Look for test reports by third parties. Do not solely go by the reports published by the company. Many independent labs test these supplements and publish their findings. Check if such findings correlate with what the marketing promises.
● Reassess Your Food Sources—Are you not getting all these important ingredients from your food? Focus on supplements that bridge the gap in your nutrition. Overloading certain nutrients is not going to help.
● Check Licence—Ensure the supplements you consume are FDA-approved and follow the standards established by the food safety department. Today, with an increase in social media marketing, many independent sellers push their products through heavy marketing. Ensure you check their safety before consuming them.
● Affordability—Supplements are expensive. However, different supplements are available at different rates. Choose the ones that fit your budget, as you may have to take these supplements for a few months. It can become a long-term financial commitment for you. So avoid opting for the expensive variants if they are challenging for your current situation.
Here is a list of vitamins you need to include in your regular diet to improve your fertility. While natural or food sources are the best place to get your nutrition, it is not always feasible. Sometimes, we need supplements to bridge the gap or improve our nutrition. Focus on these nutrients if you want to improve your fertility:
● Vitamin B9—Folic Acid is one of the most important vitamins for fertility and pregnancy. It is usually prescribed as a prenatal vitamin, as women need more of this vitamin when pregnant. Many doctors recommend folic acid even for women trying to conceive.
● Vitamin B6 and B12- These are essential for cell growth and development. Vitamin B6 also improves hormonal balance and ovulation cycles in case of irregularities. Vitamin B12 can also improve semen quality.
● Vitamin B8 – This vitamin can help improve ovarian function and thus improve fertility. It is one of the most important supplements for a newly pregnant woman or a woman trying to conceive. It is especially recommended for women with PCOS and those at risk of gestational diabetes.
● Vitamin C – Vitamin C improves the immunity. It is also a powerful antioxidant that promotes the reproductive systems in both men and women. For women, Vitamin C helps by reducing the impact of free radicals in the body. For men, vitamin C and Vitamin E can improve the count, motility and health of the sperm.
● Vitamin D- This vitamin plays a crucial role in improving hormones and reducing the risk of chronic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. A vitamin D deficiency is quite common and can affect your chances of getting pregnant and your overall health.
● Vitamin E—This vitamin is very important in the skin care industry. It not only helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles but can also improve hormone health. It can help improve egg health in women and sperm quality in men. For older people, vitamin E helps reduce the risk of DNA fragmentation.
Apart from the vitamins mentioned above, the following supplements are also crucial in a healthy pregnancy:
● Iron – The body needs more iron to make red blood cells and support a pregnancy. Lack of iron can affect both the mother and the outcome of the pregnancy. Iron deficiency can also cause ovulatory infertility.
● Selenium – This trace element helps protect a woman’s cells from damage and prevent miscarriages. In men, selenium can help improve sperm viability.
● Zinc – An essential mineral that plays a big role in the egg’s health and sperm quality. Lack of sufficient zinc can affect sperm quality, and a supplement can help reverse this impact. There is not much research on the effects of zinc on a woman’s fertility.
● Some of the other important supplements to include if you are trying to conceive are – Coq10, Omega 3s, N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), L-arginine and Acetyl L-carnitine.
Nutrition is essential for the overall functioning of the body, including fertility. Lack of sufficient vitamins and micronutrients can not only make it hard to conceive but can also impact the pregnancy outcome. Hence, it is essential to increase your intake of the required vitamins, either through food sources or supplements, for a healthy pregnancy.
● Vitamins B6, B8, B9, B12, C, D and E are some of the essential vitamins if you are aiming to boost your fertility or increase your chances of natural conception. A good balance of all necessary nutrients will ensure the body is healthy enough for conception and successful pregnancy.
● Vitamins B, C, D, E, zinc, iron, folic acid, selenium, and a few other micronutrients help both men and women improve fertility and their chances of natural conception.
● Different brands offer different vitamin combinations that aim to improve fertility. A professionally qualified gynaecologist can help you identify the best fertility pill for your needs.
