Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsNutritional SupportSupplementsDeficienciesChoosing a SupplementSeeking Help
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Nutritional Support
Supplements
Deficiencies
Choosing a Supplement
Seeking Help
Getting the nutrients needed to support fertility is vital when trying to conceive. Taking supplements can fill nutritional gaps and ensure you have all the essential vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients required for healthy reproduction.
The supplements you take and the diet you follow can boost fertility or make it harder to conceive.However, the specific nutrients you need depend on issues like whether you have any vitamin deficiencies or health concerns. Consult with your healthcare provider to be sure you’re on the right track.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
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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. These include healthy sperm, healthy eggs, unblockedfallopian tubes, sufficient hormones, and the ability of an embryo to implant in the uterus, to name a few.
Lifestyle and genetic factors can affect male and female fertility for better or worse. Body weight, certain medical conditions, exercise routines, and alcohol use can all impact your fertility to an extent.What you eat also plays a role.
What Should I Eat If I’m Trying to Conceive?
A well-balanced diet complete with whole grains, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein is recommended for anyone trying to get pregnant.
Research shows that females with diets mirroring these recommendations are less likely to need fertility assistance. Additionally, males who follow recommendations for a healthy diet have been shown to have better semen quality compared to those who do not.
A well-balanced diet provides both macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, and fat) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) that are essential to fertility.
Micronutrients are known to play vital roles throughout both conception and pregnancy. As such, micronutrient deficiencies may decrease fertility. In females, low levels of vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin D, and other micronutrients have been associated withinfertility.
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. Certain supplements, like coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), folic acid, and vitamin D, show promise, but more research is needed before clear guidelines can be made.
Supplements for Fertility
It stands to reason that certain nutrients may increase the chance of getting pregnant. However, this may be more likely if supplements are used to fix nutrient deficiencies getting in the way of conception.
When it comes to the research behind fertility supplements, some are better supported than others. While the use of folic acid andprenatal vitaminsfor fertility is well-documented, other supplements for fertility, especially herbal remedies, are still under investigation.
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.
Folic Acid
Vitamin B9, orfolic acid, is an essential nutrient that is needed to prevent birth defects.
Some recent research suggests that females trying to get pregnant should take more than 400 mcg of folic acid per day to increase fertility.
In at least one study, women who took 800 mcg of folic acid per day had higher pregnancy rates than those who took a placebo. Consuming higher doses of folic acid through supplements or foods has also been linked to a lower risk ofanovulation(inability to ovulate) and a shorter time to pregnancy.
These effects are thought to be due to the beneficial effects of folic acid on various hormones that affect fertility as well as the development of healthy ovarian follicles.
Other B Vitamins
Two other B vitamins,vitamin B12and vitamin B6, may affect fertility.
Along with folic acid, vitamins B12 and B6 are vital to the process in which levels of homocysteine (an amino acid) are kept at safe levels. Research shows a link betweenhigh homocysteinelevels plus low folic acid and miscarriage (pregnancy loss before 20 weeks' gestation).
Other research has found that adequate levels of vitamin B12 may be necessary for successful infertility treatment, such asin vitro fertilization (IVF). 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.
Vitamin D
Although research results are mixed, there is some evidence thatvitamin Dsupplementation may improve fertility in both males and females.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that women with infertility who supplemented with vitamin D for 30 to 60 days were more likely to become pregnant compared to women in a control group. However, vitamin D was not found to have a significant effect onmiscarriageor multiple pregnancy rates.
In another review, researchers looked at the effects of vitamin D on fertility in women withpolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
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. However, researchers remain unsure if omega-3s have a direct benefit on fertility, as many women in the study were taking a prenatal vitamin that included omega-3 fatty acids in addition to other nutrients.
While there is little research on the use of omega-3 fatty acids in fertile men or women, research does suggest a beneficial effect of these supplements on women with diagnosed infertility or those undergoing assisted reproductive technology, including IVF.
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. It acts as an antioxidant and is thought to be important for a number of bodily processes, including reproduction.
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. According to the review, CoQ10 may be beneficial for males with infertility when used alone or along with other antioxidants.
Selenium
Seleniumis an essential trace mineral that is used to build proteins. It is also an antioxidant that may play a role in fertility.
There is some evidence that a selenium deficiency may cause a miscarriage, damage to the fetus, or other pregnancy complications. 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.
During pregnancy, various vitamins and minerals decrease as a result of the growing fetus.Prenatal multivitaminsare meant to replenish these nutrients so that a deficiency doesn’t occur.
There isn’t strong evidence that prenatal multivitamins significantly increase fertility, but some research suggests that many women with infertility have low levels of various vitamins and minerals. It is believed that supplementation with prenatal multivitamins corrects low nutrient levels and, thus, improves the overall reproductive environment.
Why You Might Consider Taking Prenatal Vitamins Even If You’re Not Pregnant
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.
Research shows that a deficiency in the following vitamins and/or minerals may impair fertility in females:
In males, a lack of protein or amino acids may decrease fertility.
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.
How to Choose the Right Supplement
When it comes to fertility supplements, you may want to try them all with the hope of improving your odds of getting pregnant. 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 can purchase supplements for fertility online or in various retail or grocery stores. As with other dietary supplements, fertility supplements are available in many forms, like capsules, soft gels, powders, and gummies.
Whenchoosing a supplement product, be sure to check the nutrition label for a seal from an independent testing agency.
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.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
It’s a good idea to see a healthcare provider before you and your partner start the process of trying to get pregnant.
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.
If you’ve been trying to get pregnant on your own for a while without success, then it may be time to see a healthcare provider.
For women, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you see a healthcare provider if you:
For men, the CDC recommends that you see a healthcare provider if you:
Some couples may require fertility treatments to get pregnant. Treatment options may include medications, surgery,intrauterine insemination(IUI), or IVF.
Summary
Fertility—or your ability to get pregnant—is complex, and many individuals need help when it comes to this process.
Some people turn to supplements to improve their fertility. While there is evidence that certain fertility supplements work, more research is needed overall.
Talk with a healthcare provider if you’re thinking of trying to get pregnant and are wondering about supplements for fertility.
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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