1. Vitamin B6 May Improve Female Fertility
Using vitamin B6 supplements to help improve female fertility is growing in popularity. Vitamin B6 is thought to lengthen the luteal phase of a woman's reproductive cycle. The luteal phase is the period between ovulation and menstruation when a fertilized egg can implant in the uterus. Women who have a shorter than normal luteal phase, also known as a Luteal Phase Defect (LPD), can have trouble conceiving. Taking vitamin B6 supplements may extend your luteal phase by several days, thereby improving the chance of implantation. Though some clinical studies have been done to evaluate the effect of vitamin B6 on female fertility, there is not yet enough clinical evidence to prove those claims outright. Because vitamin B6 is safe to take, however, there is no downside to trying it as a way to improve your fertility.
2. Vitamin B12 Deficiency Can Cause Infertility
Some studies have shown that women with a vitamin B12 deficiency can have trouble getting pregnant and carrying a baby to term. Infertility may be related to a failure to ovulate. If you have been trying to conceive for more than 6 months or have experienced multiple miscarriages, ask your doctor to test you for a B12 deficiency. This deficiency can be easily corrected with B12 supplements or regular injections. If you follow a strict vegan diet, you may be at risk for a B12 deficiency because the primary dietary source of B12 is meat, milk and eggs.
3. B12 Can Improve Male Fertility
Some evidence suggests that B12 supplements or injections can help improve male fertility. It is thought that B12 helps to increase sperm count. Since using B12 supplements is a safe alternative treatment, it's worth a try. There is no established upper limit on B12 dosing because B12 offers very little risk of toxicity. Be sure to talk to your physician before taking any new dietary supplements.
