Vitamins are essential substances that help to facilitate various chemical reactions in the body to maintain normal growth and functioning. They are present in large amounts in fresh vegetables, fruits, dairy products, meat, eggs and fish. For a woman to conceive a child requires immense energy and bodily resources. The Mayo Clinic advises a balanced healthy lifestyle and a nutritious diet that contains essential vitamins and minerals will support fertility and healthy pregnancy.
Vitamin E
MayoClinic.com reports that studies indicate that women with difficulty conceiving showed improved fertility with the daily intake of vitamin E. A deficiency of this essential vitamin may also cause degeneration of the male reproductive system. Vitamin E supplements can improve low sperm count in males. Vitamin E has powerful antioxidant activity and plays a key role in the formation of different cellular structures. It may also help in the healthy implantation and growth of the fertilized egg after conception. Foods rich in vitamin E include vegetable oil, soybeans, fish, egg, butter, milk and sunflower seeds.
Vitamin B9
Vitamin B9, or folic acid, is an essential vitamin that is recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service to every woman of child bearing age. The Cleveland Clinic advises that women should take supplements of this vitamin in addition to a healthy diet. Body stores of vitamin B9 are not long-lasting and deficiencies can occur due to poor nutrition, excess alcohol consumption and certain medications as well as disorders such as psoriasis. Vitamin B9 deficiency affects fertility in both men and women. Deficiencies can cause sterility, birth defects such as neural tube defects in the baby and even spontaneous abortions. Common sources of vitamin E include green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits and liver and kidney meat.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin with antioxidant properties that takes part in blood cell formation, connective tissue health and several metabolic processes. This essential vitamin also has an important role in controlling brain functions; the American Pregnancy Association notes that vitamin C can help to relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety, which may lead to infertility in some individuals. Vitamin C intake is recommended daily for over-all health and increasing the chance conception. Fresh citrus fruits and vegetables such as spinach, lettuce and cabbage are good dietary sources of this vitamin.
