Female fertility describes the ability to conceive and give birth to a biological child. The health of the reproductive organs, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus, and the balance of female reproductive hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, affect fertility. The female body requires 13 essential vitamins to support development, growth and function, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Several vitamins affect the organs and hormones important for fertility.
Vitamin B6
The body needs vitamin B6 for many functions, including making the protein hemoglobin for red blood cells, promoting white blood cell production and maintaining blood sugar levels. Vitamin B6 also promotes female fertility by regulating reproductive hormones. One common cause of infertility in women is the occurrence of a luteal phase defect. The luteal phase, the period of time from ovulation to menstruation, usually lasts an average of 14 days, according to the Merck Manual. During this phase the body produces increased levels of progesterone and estrogen which stimulates the lining of the uterus to thicken to receive a fertilized egg and promote implantation. Women suffering from luteal phase defect experience a shorter luteal phase, which cannot support a new pregnancy resulting in a miscarriage. Taking vitamin B6 can help to lengthen the luteal phase, therefore supporting fertility.
Vitamin C
Biochemical reactions in the body continually form reactive oxygen species--incomplete molecules often referred to as free radicals. The presence of free radicals causes damage to cells, tissues and organs known as oxidative stress. Antioxidant describes a substance that protects cells from damage caused by free radicals, according to the National Cancer Institute. Oxidative stress can affect female fertility by causing irregular menstrual cycles and ovulatory dysfunction, as described by research published by Ruder and Associates at Pennsylvania State University in the July to August issue of Human Reproductive Update. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help to prevent oxidative stress damage and therefore support fertility. Fruits and vegetables including green peppers, oranges, watermelon, grapefruit, cantaloupe, strawberries, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts and tomatoes all serve as good sources of vitamin C.
Folic Acid
Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9 or folate, helps the body produce new cells. Women of child-bearing age need to ensure they consume at least 400 mcg--the recommended intake--of folate to support fertility and the successful development of a fetus, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. A deficiency in folic acid during the first few weeks of pregnancy can cause a malformation of the spine, skull or brain, known as neural tube defects. These defects can result in lifelong disabilities. To get the recommended amount of folic acid women should eat plenty of breakfast cereals fortified with folic acid, green leafy vegetables such as spinach, citrus fruits and dried beans and peas.
