Women trying to conceive benefit from a diet rich in vitamin D, folic acid, and selenium. Folic acid is commonly found in prenatal vitamins and reduces the risk of neural tube defects in a developing fetus. It’s also available in standalone supplements.
Increased Fertility
A diet rich in minerals and fertility vitamins for women can support the body’s fertility and conception journey. Working with a dietitian or health coach throughout this process is essential to ensure that the supplements are appropriate, effective, and safe for your unique needs. For instance, evidence supports the benefits of consuming a high-quality multivitamin. Vitamin D has been shown to help balance hormones and improve the thickness of the uterine lining, while folic acid can reduce the risk of neural tube defects in infants. Other supplements that have been shown to support fertility include omega-3 fatty acids, selenium (found in fish and mushrooms), and vitamin E, which may reduce the time it takes for women to conceive. It’s also essential to avoid foods that contain trans fats, which have been linked to infertility, by reducing ovulation and sperm concentration and quality.
Enhanced Ovulation
Irregular periods are one of the top reasons people seek fertility supplements, and they are accommodating for those undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). This treatment involves administering medications—such as Morning Complete reviews human chorionic gonadotropin or letrozole—to trigger ovulation and promote progesterone production to support a healthy pregnancy. Many women have vitamin deficiencies or imbalances that interfere with fertility. For example, iron deficiency can prevent ovulation and cause poor egg quality. Supplementing with a fertility multivitamin can help improve the thickness of the uterine lining and increase pregnancy chances. Folic acid is another essential nutrient for a healthy reproductive system. It’s a B vitamin often found in prenatal vitamins and fortified foods. Research suggests it may protect against neural tube defects in a developing fetus. Antioxidants such as CoQ10 and Vitamin C also benefit fertility by protecting cell membranes and dilating blood vessels to deliver essential nutrients. These nutrients can help reduce the risk of chromosomal abnormalities and improve sperm quality in men.
Enhanced Menstrual Cycles
The menstrual cycle is a natural fluctuation of hormones that most females go through from puberty until they reach menopause. During the menstrual cycle, the lining of the uterus sheds and causes blood to flow through the vagina. During the menstrual cycle, many women experience PMS symptoms and the possibility of pregnancy. In the first menstrual cycle phase, the pituitary gland releases a follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH prepares the ovaries to release an egg. During this stage, estrogen levels rise. During the follicular phase, a woman’s fertility may peak if she isn’t experiencing a health condition or medication that interferes with ovulation or implantation of the embryo. A multivitamin that contains folic acid and antioxidants can help increase fertility during the follicular phase. A vitamin D supplement can also boost fertility in women during this phase by improving sperm motility and morphology. Try this women’s multivitamin from Nordic Naturals, which includes vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. This multivitamin is USP-verified, third-party tested, and free of GMOs, gluten, and artificial flavors.
Increased Fertility in Women with PCOS
Women with PCOS have a hard time getting pregnant. One reason is that the hormone imbalances that cause PCOS interfere with ovulation, making it difficult for eggs to be released and become available for fertilization. Adding fertility-friendly foods like beans and lentils (low on the glycemic index) and salmon and other lean meats can help support healthy ovulation. Taking a multivitamin with iron and folate can also help. Another dietary supplement that may help is CoQ10, an antioxidant that protects against reproductive problems. Studies have shown that CoQ10 can help boost sperm quality and increase conception rates, especially in men with low testosterone levels. When choosing a fertility supplement, be sure to read the label carefully. Many supplements contain nutrients that research hasn’t confirmed to be beneficial, and some can even be harmful. Look for a supplement with the highest-quality ingredients and third-party testing, and always discuss new supplements with your doctor. For example, some products claim to be “fertility vitamins,” but they’re often not formulated for women’s specific needs. In addition, many of these pills contain high amounts of some nutrients, which can be unsafe.
Increased Fertility in Women with Endometriosis
Women with endometriosis can experience changes in the hormonal secretions that impact ovulation, the luteal phase, and egg maturation. These hormonal changes can also affect the function of the endometrium, which has critical cell-mediated functions that facilitate implantation. One natural approach to help reduce these imbalances is nutrient supplements that have been shown to increase fertility. For example, nitric oxide enhances female reproductive function, and CoQ10 reduces oxidative stress (known to affect fertility negatively). In addition to taking these nutrients, it’s essential to make healthy dietary choices. For instance, avoiding fatty meats (such as pork) and limiting soy-based foods that contain phytoestrogens can improve hormone balance and increase fertility in women with endometriosis. In addition, consuming plenty of vegetables (such as spinach, kale, swiss chard, collard greens, bok choy, and baby romaine) and legumes (including kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, and lima beans) can boost fertility in women with PCOS and increase sperm quality in men.
