Minding Your Micronutrients
Vitamins play a crucial role in hormone regulation, menstruation, ovulation, thyroid function, sperm quality and quantity, and egg quality. Because of this, couples who want to get pregnant should pay careful attention to micronutrients. As anyone who has struggled with fertility knows, infertility can be a challenging journey. Couples want as many cards stacked in favor of pregnancy as possible. To up those odds of a successful pregnancy, consider these 4 supplements.
1. Get to know the B family
Most women trying to get pregnant have heard of folic acid or B9. This vitamin is essential both before and during pregnancy. But research has found that B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12 are all linked to a lowered risk of infertility in women. Research is ongoing, but early studies have shown that the B family vitamins can also help improve sperm quality in men as well. Couples can take a high-quality B-complex supplement to get adequate amounts of all the B vitamins.
2. Understand this enzyme
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is naturally produced in the body. However, increasing CoQ10 in the bloodstream may boost fertility. Research has shown that this is specifically beneficial for couples going through fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). The supplement can work to both improve ovarian response and boost sperm motility and mobility.
3. Take the sunshine vitamin
Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient for reproductive function in both men and women. Some studies have linked vitamin D deficiency to infertility in women. This is especially true for women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Taking too much of a vitamin D supplement can have adverse effects, so people should always speak with a healthcare provider before starting supplementation.
4. Try this vitamin for men
Most people have heard of vitamin C as a powerful antioxidant and immune-booster. Multiple studies have found that taking vitamin C and vitamin E together can significantly increase a male partner’s sperm mobility, quantity, and quality. Vitamin C is another nutrient that people can easily take too much of. In men, the recommended daily allowance is 90mg, and for women, the recommendation is 75mg.
Know your options
While infertility is a significant obstacle, there is hope. Many couples who struggle to get pregnant experience positive results from fertility treatments such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF). Some supplements may also give couples a boost along the way. Taking too much of some supplements can be harmful, so couples should always make sure to consult a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement regimen. For more information about fertility treatment options, speak with a fertility specialist.
