Wondering, “What supplements should I take to increase fertility?” Find answers to this and other commonly asked fertility questions below!
Can prenatal vitamins help you get pregnant?
While we cannot say prenatal vitamins will directly guarantee pregnancy, they are known to play a vital role in supporting reproductive health by providing essential nutrients necessary for conception and a healthy pregnancy.
What vitamins should I take when trying to get pregnant?
Key vitamins to take when trying to become pregnant include:
- Folic Acid
- DHEA
- CoQ10
- Choline
- Calcium
- Zinc
- Iron
- Iodine
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin B12
Can I take multiple fertility supplements together, and if so, which ones complement each other?
Fertility supplements that are typically taken together are Folic Acid, CoQ10, and DHEA. Folic acid is great for fertility as it helps to develop the brain and spinal cord of the fetus. CoQ10 is an antioxidant and supports the health of eggs and sperm. DHEA is great for making sure your ovaries are functioning well. However, the best way to get all of the necessary vitamins needed when trying to conceive is to take a prenatal vitamin. You can choose from what’s available over the counter and even ask your doctor for advice on the brand that would be best for you.
It’s important to note that you should be very cautious with taking fertility supplements in conjunction with any other supplements, herbs, and or medication you might be taking. For example, Folic acid supplements should not be paired with certain medications for epilepsy treatment and it can interfere with certain antidepressants. Herbal supplements (especially those that aren’t FDA-approved) should also be discussed with your doctor before taking them as a fertility supplement or combined with a fertility supplement.
What are the benefits of prenatal vitamins before pregnancy?
Prior to pregnancy, it's crucial for women to ensure their bodies have optimal nutrient levels to cope with the significant physiological changes during gestation. Vitamins like folic acid can support early fetal development. Additionally, nutrients such as iron may help prevent anemia, a common condition during pregnancy that can lead to complications if not addressed.
For men, certain nutrients in prenatal vitamins like zinc and antioxidants have been associated with improved sperm quality and motility, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful conception.
What are the benefits of prenatal vitamins when not pregnant?
Taking prenatal vitamins while you aren’t pregnant will help your body prepare for conception and carrying a pregnancy. For example, it will help with making sure that your iron levels are where they should be so that you can prevent anemia and provide the fetus with the proper oxygen levels for when you conceive. However, if you are not trying to get pregnant (there are those who use prenatal vitamins solely for strong healthy hair and nails, which are based on unproven claims), it is unnecessary to take them, especially since your body won’t be in need of the extra boost in vitamins and minerals over time, which may eventually result in adverse effects.
How can supplements improve egg quality and ovulation?
Antioxidant-rich prenatal supplements can protect egg quality. More specifically, CoQ10 which may be in prenatal or as a supplement on its own, contributes to increasing egg quality, ovulation, and follicle count. Myo-inositol can also increase the ovulation rate.
Male fertility antioxidant supplements are a part of the equation as well, as they can help ensure that sperm is healthy and can properly contribute to conception.
See Ovaterra’s His and Hers Fertility Vitamins for a supplement bundle for male and female partners.
How long to take prenatal vitamins before pregnancy
It’s recommended to take prenatal vitamins at least one month before conception, with 3 months being ideal. This is due to the fact that the first few weeks of pregnancy are important for fetal development and you want your body to already be in optimal condition for your baby to grow healthily. See Ovaterra’s Advanced Prenatal Vitamins with Choline, which compensates for the fact that over 95% of pregnant and nursing women don’t meet the daily requirement for choline.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
