According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, about 6.1 million women have problems getting pregnant or carrying a baby to term. Many people blame women, however, they are not solely to blame. More recent statistics suggest that almost half of all couple's fertility problems are male related. There are many causes of infertility, which is defined as a failure to become pregnant after a year of regular unprotected intercourse. There are some vitamins that have been shown to help male and female fertility problems, especially if there is an underlying nutritional deficiency.
Vitamin A
A vitamin A deficiency in women might contribute to fertility problems by affecting estrogen and progesterone levels. An imbalance of these hormones is thought to be linked to infertility. Vitamin A is also essential for sperm production and deficiencies have been linked to male infertility. Vitamin A supplementation only enhances fertility in those individuals who are deficient. Vitamin A can be toxic, so individuals must not exceed 10,000 IU daily. Women trying to get pregnant could benefit from taking a prenatal dietary supplement (770 micrograms a day), whereas men can take a regular multivitamin (900 micrograms a day). If a deficiency is diagnosed, then more may be warranted under supervision from a doctor.
B Vitamins
A niacin (vitamin B3) deficiency can exacerbate female fertility problems because of its role in the synthesis of sex hormones needed for conception. Serotonin and dopamine levels are analogous with the production follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), both of which are necessary for ovulation. A deficiency in vitamin B6 decreases the production of these hormones, which may lead to ovulatory problems. A vitamin B12 deficiency resulting in pernicious anemia has also been linked to female infertility because it helps to regulate ovulation. For women, folate is necessary for preventing birth defects. However, in men, a folate deficiency can decrease sperm production, count, motility and morphological (size and shape of sperm) abnormalities.
Antioxidant Vitamins
Vitamins C and E are the best antioxidants to fight free radical damage to the reproductive organs. Infertile men have been shown to have a higher concentration of free radicals in their semen compared to their fertile counterparts. Antioxidant therapy with vitamins C and E may help fight the free radicals, improving male fertility.
Vitamin D
Several vitamin D receptors are found in the hypothalamus gland and in the ovaries. A deficiency can impair the reproductive functions of both men and women. Researchers believe that by helping your body manufacture (from exposure to sunlight) and maintain adequate levels of vitamin D, fertility can increase. Like vitamin A, vitamin D can be toxic. Vitamin D recommendations are currently being re-evaluated by the Food and Nutrition Board, however, the current recommendation is 200 IU daily (no more than 1,000 IU).
Expert Insight
Food is the body's preferred source of nutrients. Eating a well balanced diet consisting mostly of whole grains, lean protein sources, fruits and vegetables is the best way to prevent nutritional deficiencies. Nevertheless, a daily multivitamin for both men and women can be helpful in treating mild nutritional deficiencies, possibly improving fertility status. In addition to improving one's diet and taking a daily multivitamin, a couple who has not become pregnant in over a year may want to consult with a fertility specialist (reproductive endocrinologist).
References
- Georgia Reproductive Specialists; Male Infertility Overview, Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment;
- MedlinePlus; Infertility
- Getting Pregnant, What You Need to Know Right Now. 2nd Edition; Laursen, Niels; Bouchez, Colette; 2000
- Infertility Health Information Organization; Male Infertility- Improving Sperm Quality
