Vitamins can play a critical role in fertility. Some vitamins can boost fertility by improving certain reproductive problems such as low sperm count, poor egg or sperm quality, or hormonal imbalances. Others can help prime the body for conception. However, you should remember that there is no magic vitamin or combination of vitamins that will guarantee a pregnancy.
Folic Acid
Folic acid, also known as folate or vitamin B-9, is considered essential for conception and pregnancy. Findings released at the 2006 annual meeting of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine stated that women who take folic acid daily have an increased chance of getting pregnant. Further, a wealth of studies have shown that folic acid is critical in improving sperm concentration and quality. Folic acid is found in spinach, kale and leafy green vegetables, as well as in broccoli, lentils, chickpeas, asparagus, oatmeal and avocados. The recommended dosage for folic acid supplements is 400 mcg daily.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help improve the hormonal imbalances that cause luteal phase defects. It also has been shown to improve sperm count and quality and can reduce clumping. Vitamin C-rich foods include oranges, kiwi, lemons, papaya, tomatoes, broccoli, potatoes and red, yellow and orange peppers. If you are taking Vitamin C supplements, you should take no more than 1000 mg daily.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is another power antioxidant that can help repair cell damage, help regulate ovulation, increase the production of cervical mucus and attack the free radicals that damage sperm. You can consume vitamin E naturally by eating wheat germ, eggs, broccoli, sweet potatoes, sunflower seeds and almonds. Holisticonline.com states that you can take up to 800 UI of vitamin E per day, but that people with anemia, blood clotting disorders or liver disease should avoid it. Vitamin E works best when taken in conjunction with vitamin C.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is important for women with luteal phase defects caused by an imbalance in estrogen and progesterone. In her book "The Infertility Cure," Dr. Randine Lewis states that vitamin B6 helps metabolize excess estrogen and increases progesterone during this critical phase. You should take about 100 to 200 mg of this vitamin daily. Vitamin B6 can be found in foods such as liver, turkey, potatoes, cashew nuts, peanuts and a host of cereals and whole grains.
References
- Fertility Factor: Vitamins
- Daily Mail: Folic Acid helps with fertility in women
- The Infertility Cure, by Randine Lewis, Ph.D
- Holistic Online: Infertility and Nutritional Therapy
