For women and couples trying to conceive, vitamins are an important part of a daily healthy regimen. The Institute of Nutrition notes that vitamins can aid fertility in both women and men. Women over 40 years of age may have more health and fertility issues to deal with when trying to get pregnant. They may also be at higher risk of having pregnancy problems and birth defects. Vitamins can help to decrease some of these risks and improve fertility and overall body health for a successful pregnancy. Consult a doctor or fertility expert to ensure that the specific vitamins for fertility are taken in the right doses.
Vitamin B12
Folic acid along with vitamin B12 helps to reduce the risk of spina bifida, a birth defect of the spine. These water-soluble vitamins are also essential for helping the body to produce health genes to pass on to the baby. Fertility expert Marilyn Glenville PhD, advises that couples that are trying to conceive should take these vitamins. Vitamin B12 is important for fertility in women and also increases low sperm counts in men.
Vitamin A
Women who are trying to conceive are often incorrectly advised not to take vitamin A. Dr. Glenville advises that this confusion arises because retinol the animal form of vitamin can cause birth defects when taken in high doses. However, the vegetable form of vitamin A, which is called beta-carotene is important for women that are trying to conceive as it is required for healthy eye, skin and organ development.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the DNA or genes inside the ova or eggs from damage. This may help older women conceive and also prevent birth defects. Dr. Glenville recommends 1,000 milligrams or vitamin C per day for women trying to get pregnant.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E helps to protect the cells of the body, including the ova or eggs in women. Dr. Glenville recommends a dose of 15 milligrams of vitamin E per day for women of any age that are trying to conceive.
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