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What are the Best Vitamins for Fertility?
Many couples who have trouble getting pregnant may assume that they need assistance from a fertility doctor, but there are other methods to try before going that route. For those who prefer natural remedies, vitamins for fertility may seem appealing. Fortunately, there are various vitamins on the market that claim to improve the chances of pregnancy, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and B-12.
Vitamin C is considered helpful for men to take when trying to conceive a baby with their partner. Not only does it decrease the incidence of sperm clumping together, but it also neutralizes the amount of abnormally shaped sperm that cigarette smoke causes. Therefore, vitamin C can enhance sperm mobility and reduce the amount of damaged sperm. It is recommended that men take up to 1000 mg of this vitamin per day to see results. Note that women should only take the amount of vitamin C that is in a prenatal vitamin, since too much of this substance can dry up cervical mucus, decreasing fertility.
Among the best vitamins for fertility is vitamin E, which is known to improve egg quality in women. Females are advised to take at least 400 i.u. of this kind of substance. Men can also benefit from these vitamins for fertility, as vitamin E can improve the potency of sperm. Men should take the same amount as woman each day, and it is helpful to take it with vitamin C to increase absorption.
Male fertility is also assisted with zinc, since a deficiency of this substance can cause low testosterone levels and unhealthy sperm. To improve sperm count and quality, men should take at least 15 mg per day with a full glass of water. While zinc is not known as one of the top vitamins for fertility for women, it is often found in prenatal vitamins, so additional zinc is not usually needed to increase female fertility.
Another of the little-known vitamins for fertility is B-12, which is especially helpful in men. Males who smoke or ingest lots of processed foods are usually deficient in this vitamin, so adding at least 100 mcg to their diet daily can help with fertility. It is known to help ensure that the right amount of testosterone is present, resulting in optimal sperm count. Women can also benefit from an increase in vitamin B-12, and as a bonus, it is known for decreasing the rate of neural tube defects in unborn babies.
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AS FEATURED ON:
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![An adult woman's reproductive system.]()
By: OOZAn adult woman's reproductive system. -
![Vitamins B-12, C and E promote healthy sperm count.]()
By: fotoliaxrenderVitamins B-12, C and E promote healthy sperm count. -
![A woman should consult her OB/GYN before taking large doses of vitamins that are purported to aid conception.]()
By: ryanking999A woman should consult her OB/GYN before taking large doses of vitamins that are purported to aid conception. -
![Cigarette smoking can cause sperm to become abnormally shaped.]()
By: Photographee.euCigarette smoking can cause sperm to become abnormally shaped. -
![The large amount of folate found in peanuts may help promote fertility.]()
By: lirtlonThe large amount of folate found in peanuts may help promote fertility.
Discussion Comments
@turquoise-- There is some iron in multi-vitamins, unless you have an iron deficiency, this amount should be enough.
I think that if someone has a deficiency in a vitamin, it will affect their fertility negatively so it's a good idea to get a basic blood test from the doctor before deciding on which vitamins to take.
I personally take vitamin E, folic acid and a vitamin B complex even though I don't have any deficiencies. My husband is taking a multivitamin for men.
@turquoise-- I've been doing a lot of reading on this topic and I didn't see a specific mention of iron.
But I have to say that everyone seems to have a different opinion about which vitamins should be taken for improved fertility. For example, I've heard recommendations for fish oil while other sources advised against it.
I think I'm going to give up and just take a prenatal fertility supplement.
What about iron? Does iron have any benefits for couples who are trying to conceive?
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