Getting the nutrients needed to support fertility is vital when trying to conceive.
Consult with your healthcare provider to be sure youre on the right track.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Getty Images / supersizer
Getty Images / supersizer
The Role of Nutritional Support in Fertility
Fertility is a complex process.
Forconceptionto occur, a number of steps must take place successfully.
To achieve pregnancy, several elements are needed.
Lifestyle and genetic factors can affect male and female fertility for better or worse.
What Should I Eat If I’m Trying to Conceive?
Research shows that females with diets mirroring these recommendations are less likely to need fertility assistance.
Micronutrients are known to play vital roles throughout both conception and pregnancy.
As such, micronutrient deficiencies may decrease fertility.
The importance of nutrition has led some researchers to focus on the use of dietary supplements for fertility.
However, there isn’t a consensus on whether fertility supplements are effective.
Supplements for Fertility
It stands to reason that certain nutrients may increase the chance of getting pregnant.
When it comes to the research behind fertility supplements, some are better supported than others.
It should be noted here that dietary supplements shouldn’t replace standard care for fertility if needed.
The following sections outline the science behind some of the most commonly used fertility supplements.
Neural tube defects are possible in babies born to individuals with a folic acid deficiency.
Neural tube defects affect the baby’s brain and spine.
Other B Vitamins
Two other B vitamins,vitamin B12and vitamin B6, may affect fertility.
In one study of over 200 women, vitamin B12 status was negatively correlated with embryo quality.
This means that a vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to poor embryo quality in those undergoing IVF.
The relationship between fertility and vitamins B6 and B12 is still not well understood.
More research is needed.
However, vitamin D was not found to have a significant effect onmiscarriageor multiple pregnancy rates.
Vitamin D deficiency is common in PCOS, a condition that lowers fertility.
It is believed that vitamin D improves PCOS and, thus, fertility.
Usingvitamin D supplementsmay also decrease the risk of complications for both mother and baby, regardless of PCOS status.
Fish Oil
Fish oil supplements containomega-3 fatty acidsthat are essential to several aspects of health.
Omega-3s and fish oil are often recommended for heart health but may also play a role in reproductive health.
One cohort study linked omega-3 supplementation to higher rates of conception in women.
For now, more research is needed to determine how fish oil supplements may support fertility in various people.
CoQ10
Coenzyme Q10is a substance that your body produces naturally.
As an antioxidant, CoQ10 has been found to reduce oxidative stress that may hinder fertility.
CoQ10 is sometimes used in women prior to undergoing IVF with the hope of improving egg quality.
It is also sometimes given to women with PCOS to help induce ovulation.
However, these effects may be insignificant as some studies have found no female fertility benefits to using CoQ10.
A review ofmale infertilityconcluded that CoQ10 may improve sperm quality, including motility and concentration.
Selenium
Seleniumis an essential trace mineral that is used to build proteins.
It is also an antioxidant that may play a role in fertility.
In males, a selenium deficiency may cause infertility due to poor-quality semen.
In one review,selenium supplementationwas found to play a protective role in female fertility.
According to the review, selenium increases antioxidant status as well as the number of healthy follicles in studies.
However, selenium supplementation may only be beneficial in those with a deficiency.
At this time, few human trials on the use of selenium for fertility exist.
More research is needed.
Prenatal Multivitamin
Prenatal multivitamins contain the vitamins and minerals essential to fertility and a healthy pregnancy.
Do Vitamin Deficiencies Affect Fertility?
Avitaminor mineral deficiency may negatively affect fertility.
Nutrient deficiencies may arise from a poor diet, impaired digestion, malabsorption, or chronic diseases.
In many cases, nutrient deficiencies can be corrected with dietary changes or dietary supplements.
However, people with certain conditions may require alternative treatments for a vitamin or mineral deficiency.
A healthcare provider can help you identify nutrient deficiencies and decide on the best treatment option.
Keep in mind, however, that research on the effects of fertility supplements is still emerging.
Many healthcare providers recommend women take a prenatal multivitamin when trying to get pregnant.
Ideally, your prenatal multivitamin will contain at least 400 mcg of folic acid.
If not, additional folic acid supplementation may be necessary.
Other fertility supplements you decide to take may depend on whether you have any health conditions or nutrient deficiencies.
you could purchase supplements for fertility online or in various retail or grocery stores.
In the United States, supplements are not regulated like medications.
To fill this gap, independent organizations likeU.S.
Pharmacopeia (USP),NSF, andConsumerLab.commay provide voluntary product reviews to ensure quality.
However, these reviews don’t guarantee a supplement’s effectiveness.
A healthcare provider can discuss any health conditions that may impact your fertility.
They may also recommend lab work or tests that may be necessary before conception.
Treatment options may include medications, surgery,intrauterine insemination(IUI), or IVF.
Some people turn to supplements to improve their fertility.
While there is evidence that certain fertility supplements work, more research is needed overall.
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