Most women are aware they need to take prenatal vitamins when expecting. However, you shouldn’t wait until you are pregnant to start taking supplements, as various vitamins and minerals can increase your likelihood of conception. If you are planning a family, here are the best fertility vitamins to help you conceive a baby.
Folic Acid
Many women are advised to take folic acid (vitamin B9) when pregnant, which can decrease the risk of neural tube defects for a baby. Also, folic acid can improve female fertility rates, which is why it is a wise idea to take a folic acid supplement when trying to conceive.
You can take a folic acid supplement on its own, or you can consume a prenatal vitamin. Pregnant women must take 400mg per day, and those trying to conceive should take at least 1mg daily.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 fatty acids can reportedly support both female and male fertility, as it can increase egg quality and sperm mobility. Therefore, the vitamin could help women over the age of 35 to become pregnant. You can consume more omega 3 fatty acids by eating seafood or taking a fish oil supplement.
Of course, there is no guarantee that supplements alone can help couples conceive a child. For this reason, they should schedule a preconception appointment to review their fertility and, if necessary, consider different treatment options to increase their chances. You can learn more about the IVF treatment process.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E’s benefits aren’t limited to anti-aging skin care products, as it can repair cells in the body, too. As it is an anti-aging antioxidant, it is an essential nutrient for your ovaries, as it can support egg quality. It is one supplement women shouldn’t overlook when trying to get pregnant later in life.
Vitamin D
Both men and women trying to conceive should consume more vitamin D, as it can improve semen quality and ovarian stimulation. What’s more, many studies have linked a vitamin D deficiency to infertility, as it is a common problem for women living with polycystic ovarian syndrome. So, spend more time in the great outdoors to absorb the essential nutrient or take a vitamin D supplement each day.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral for both men and women trying to conceive a baby, as it can support fertilization and egg development, and it can boost sperm quality. Studies have found that men who have a zinc deficiency often have low-quality sperm. Plus, research has found that women with lower levels of zinc may find it harder to conceive a child. It is recommended that women take 8mg of zinc and men take 11mg per day.
Getting Pregnant
If in doubt, it is always best to talk to a doctor about the vitamins and minerals you will need to help you conceive. Also, many of the above vitamins and minerals can be found in prenatal vitamins for women, which can help you develop a healthy body before and during pregnancy.