Nutrients To Look For
There are several nutrients you should look for when shopping for fertility supplements.
In fact, many nutrients have been shown to support certain aspects of fertility and reproductive health, including:
- L-carnitine. This amino acid has been shown to slow age-related changes in the female reproductive system and may help improve symptoms of endometriosis and PCOS. It may also help boost sperm motility in men (
Keep in mind that you can also get many of these nutrients from food and that supplementation may not be necessary if you follow a balanced and nutritious diet.
New Chapters Perfect Prenatal Multivitamin
When it comes to choosing a prenatal, make sure it includes vitamin A, folate, B vitamins including vitamin B6 and B12, vitamin D3, chromium, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper and selenium. I also recommend choosing a whole-food supplement. This means that the nutrients come from food sources not just synthetic. This is why I love New Chapters Perfect Prenatal Multivitamin.
New Chapters prenatal is fermented, which unlocks and activates the nutrients. This makes them more absorbable for the body. Its also packed with additional superfood ingredients. These unique ingredients help support optimal health including stress and immune balance.* The prenatal multivitamin contains a blend of nourishing herbs like turmeric, peppermint and lemon balm, plus clinically studied ginger to help soothe nausea .*
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Prenatal Vitamins And Fertility
Eating a healthy diet will give you most of the vitamins you need. There are times, though, when you might not be getting everything you need. The birth control pill, for example, causes lower vitamin levels and you might need to take a multivitamin to replenish your body as you prepare for pregnancy.
Its also generally recommended to take a prenatal vitamin if you plan to get pregnant. It should have:
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When Should A Woman Start Taking Folic Acid
These birth defects of the brain and spine happen in the first few weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman finds out she is pregnant. All women should get in the habit of taking folic acid daily even when they are not planning to get pregnant. For folic acid to help, a woman needs to take it every day, starting before she becomes pregnant.
Where Do I Get Folic Acid
Folic acid can be found in lots of branded pre-pregnancy vitamins. These are not harmful but can sometimes be expensive. It is often cheaper to buy folic acid separately rather than buying expensive branded supplements.
Do not take vitamin A supplements or any supplements containing vitamin A, such as liver or fish oil. High doses of Vitamin A can cause developmental problems in the first three months of pregnancy.
If you receive certain benefits or are under 18 you may be eligible for free vitamins when you become pregnant.
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What Form Of Prenatal Vitamin Is Best
There are a variety of types of prenatal vitamins you can choose from and it doesnt matter which you take. If you look at an ingredients list comparing tablets, capsules and even gummies, the components will be pretty similar, King says.
Checking the ingredients is important, too, to make sure youre getting everything you need. Most gummies dont contain iron, King says, since young children may try to snag some thinking theyre candy and too much iron is dangerous for children.
What Is The Right Age To Get Pregnant
Experts say the best time to get pregnant is between your late 20s and early 30s. This age range is associated with the best outcomes for both you and your baby. One study pinpointed the ideal age to give birth to a first child as 30.5. Your age is just one factor that should go into your decision to get pregnant.
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Do I Need To Take Supplements
Its recommended that all pregnant women in Australia take folic acid, iodine and vitamin D supplements.
Having a healthy diet is important and should provide you with the other nutrients you need. Check the Australian Dietary Guidelines for more advice. However, some pregnant women may need supplements of other nutrients besides folic acid, iodine and vitamin D.
If you have a known deficiency, your doctor might advise you to take a supplement. For example:
- if you are vegetarian or vegan and not getting enough vitamin B12
- if you dont get enough calcium, which is vital for bone health, from dairy or other calcium-rich foods
- if you are low in iron
- if you may be low in omega-3 fatty acids, e.g. if you eat very little seafood
If youre not sure whether you need a supplement, talk to your doctor.
How To Take Vitamins During Pregnancy
You shouldnt miss a day without taking vitamins, as this will affect your babys optimal development. Its recommended that you take them in the morning with orange juice or another citrus fruit to aid their absorption. If you notice your stomach is upset after taking them, try to take them with food.
As we mentioned above, its essential that your doctor prescribes the correct amounts of vitamins for you to take. Avoid self-medication, because you could endanger not only your health, but your babys too.
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When To Switch From Multivitamins To Prenatal Vitamins
If youre already taking a womens multivitamin but are thinking about making the switch to a prenatal, the best time to do so is when youre pregnant, thinking about getting pregnant, or are actively trying to conceive. As a general rule of thumb, women should take a high-quality prenatal vitamin at least three months before getting pregnant so that they are already taking one in the early weeks of pregnancy before they get a positive pregnancy test.
Cost Of Prenatal Vitamins
Most prenatal vitamins come in over the counter forms and can range from $5.00-$30.00 for a monthly or bi-monthly supply. There are both brand name and generic, along with a variety of supplements made especially for pregnant women.
Some doctors may prescribe a prenatal vitamin with DHA, Omega-3s, and higher amounts of the usual vitamins and minerals. These vitamins tend to be a bit more expensive than the over the counter versions. If you can afford it and they dont make you sick, they may be worth it. It is not necessary to have prescription, but if it makes you feel more comfortable, go for it.
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How Nutrients Increase Your Chances Of Getting Pregnant
Eating certain foods and avoiding others has been medically proven to improve the ovulatory function of a woman and increase her chances of becoming pregnant. Of course, its not all about diet. There are other factors that can lower your chances of getting pregnant. Being overweight or underweight can lead to menstruation disorders, which can cause a woman to stop ovulating.
Below are some things to be aware of when thinking about diet and nutritional or vitamin supplements as you try for a baby.
Do Prenatal Vitamins Make You More Fertile
Can prenatals increase my fertility? Taking your prenatal vitamin wont make you any more likely to get pregnant. This one is just a myth were happy to bust. Prenatal vitamins will, however, make it significantly more likely that you experience a healthy pregnancy.
What do conception vitamins do?
Folic acid can help prevent birth defects known as neural tube defects, including spina bifida. If you did not take folic acid before you conceived, you should start as soon as you find out youre pregnant.
How long does it take for prenatal vitamins to make you fertile?
Its best to start taking prenatal vitamins at least one to two months before beginning to try to conceive, says Earthman. Popping a prenatal vitamin wont immediately get your blood levels to where they need to beit takes some time.
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What If I Mistakenly Take Two Prenatal Vitamins On The Same Day
Dont worry. Taking twice the recommended amounts of these nutrients on just one day wont harm you or your baby. But taking a double dose more often can be harmful, so its important not to do it regularly.
If your practitioner says you need more of a certain nutrient than your prenatal vitamin provides, take the additional amount as a separate supplement.
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Always Consult A Doctor
Our reproductive systems are complex and everyones body has different needs, thats why its so important to consult a doctor before taking any supplements. Especially because taking the right amount of vitamins/minerals is critical as we need to create the correct environment for a healthy pregnancy. Some vitamins can have an undesired effect, if too much is taken or they interact with other medications being taken, so it is always important to discuss your personal history with your doctor. At The Evewell our fertility experts can help you make the right decision. If you are considering taking fertility supplements or need any other fertility advice please get in touch with us by emailing or giving us a call on 020 3974 0950.
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Schedule Your Appointment Today
Taking prenatal vitamins and following a healthy diet can lead to a healthy pregnancy and support your babys growth. There are various prenatals to choose from, but Dr. Ellman will be happy to find a prenatal vitamin that works best for your body.
Dr. Ellman is a high-risk OB/GYN doctor who established his medical practice in South Florida over 25 years ago. Book your appointment today.
References
Folic Acid Helps Prevent Some Birth Defects. .
Shmerling, R. H. & Shmerling, A. . Fertility and diet: Is there a connection? Wilson, D., et al. . Pre-conception Folic Acid and Multivitamin Supplementation for the Primary and Secondary Prevention of Neural Tube Defects and Other Folic Acid-Sensitive Congenital Anomalies .
Ethically Sourced Fish Oil Pills
Youve probably heard of farm-to-table, but what about ocean-to-pill? These fish oil pills are ethically sourced from wild, sustainably caught fish and are free of artificial preservatives. Plus, the nice lemon flavor cuts down on the dreaded fish burps that can occur.
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Eu Natural Conception Female Fertility Prenatal
EU Natural offers a female fertility prenatal vitamin formula. The company says that this supplement will help balance hormones and regulate the menstrual cycle.
These supplements contain several vitamins and minerals, including folate, myo-inositol, and zinc. EU Natural states that the supplement can start working within weeks but is most effective after about 5 months or more of use.
EU Natural CONCEPTION Female Fertility Prenatal supplements are vegan and free from additives.
The company does not disclose how it tests its products, but it states that it makes the supplements in FDA-approved facilities to ensure quality and safety.
Individuals can order up to a 6-month supply of this supplement. Joining EU Naturals wellness club can reduce the price.
- maintaining a moderate weight
- taking supplements with folic acid for at least 1 month before trying to conceive and throughout the pregnancy
- talking with their doctor about an action plan to include other healthy lifestyle adjustments
A person who is finding it difficult to conceive may benefit from ART. ART methods, which include in vitro fertilization , usually involve surgically removing eggs from a female and fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory. Afterward, doctors implant the fertilized egg into the person who will carry the fetus.
Success rates for ART vary depending on several factors, including:
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Which Prenatal Vitamin Is Best
Prenatal vitamins are available over-the-counter in nearly any pharmacy. Your health care provider might recommend a specific brand or leave the choice up to you.
Beyond checking for folic acid and iron, look for a prenatal vitamin that contains calcium and vitamin D. They help promote the development of the babys teeth and bones. It also might be beneficial to look for a prenatal vitamin that contains vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, B vitamins, zinc and iodine.
In addition, your health care provider might suggest higher doses of certain nutrients depending on the circumstances. For example, if youve given birth to a baby who has a neural tube defect, your health care provider might recommend a separate supplement containing a higher dose of folic acid such as 4 milligrams before and during any subsequent pregnancies.
But in general, avoid taking extra prenatal vitamins or multivitamins with dosing in excess of what you need on a daily basis. High doses of some vitamins may be harmful to your baby. For example, extra vitamin A during pregnancy can potentially cause harm to your baby.
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Can Men Take Fertility Supplements Too
Yes, this makes sense, because sperm production is influenced by diet. Fertility supplements can improve male fertility, to make sure sperm is strong and healthy. Generally, 40% of fertility problems are due to the man, 40% are due to the woman and 20% are due to both or unknown reasons so its vital to consider the health of the couple as a whole.
Male infertility can be caused by sperm DNA fragmentation. However, if men take supplements containing strong antioxidants in an effort to correct this, it can actually lead to another infertility problem sperm DNA decondensation. There are so many fertility supplements on the market, but many will actually be harmful to fertility if theyre causing DNA decondensation.
To counteract this problem, Impryl for men contains activated micronutrients that help your body to produce glutathione , the bodys natural antioxidant, only when and where it is needed. The micronutrients within Impryl are proven to help prevent both DNA fragmentation and DNA decondensation and there are clinical studies showing live births to couples following Impryl treatment in men.
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Prenatal Vitamins Vs Womens Multivitamins: Whats The Difference
Before we dive into taking a prenatal vitamin when not pregnant, lets first discuss a few nuances between taking a prenatal vitamin and a regular womens multivitamin.
In general, prenatal vitamins contain additional nutrients needed to support pregnancy, these include:
Folic Acid:
Used to reduce the risk of having a baby with neural tube defects. Its recommended that women trying to conceive get 400-800 milligrams per day whereas an otherwise healthy adult woman needs only 400 milligrams per day.
Iron:
During pregnancy, the recommendation is that women get 27 milligrams per day. Women between the ages of 19-50 who are not pregnant need only 18 milligrams of iron per day.
Calcium:
The recommended daily intake of calcium does not change when pregnant, the recommendation is 1000 mg daily whether pregnant or not. However, many prenatal vitamins contain a small amount of calcium to help ensure youre getting enough calcium to support pregnancy. You will also need to consume foods that contain calcium to hit your daily goal.
When it comes to taking a prenatal vitamin or a regular womens multivitamin, its important to consider your dietary intake to see if the additional nutrients present in a prenatal vitamin are warranted. If you suspect that your nutrient needs might be different than the norm, be sure to chat with your doctor to see whats recommended for you specifically.
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Can I Take Regular Vitamins Until I Get My Prenatal Vitamins Refilled
It is fine to take a regular, over-the-counter multivitamin for a short time until you get your prescription refilled. This would not be advisable for long periods of time because prenatal vitamins have different amounts of certain vitamins and minerals that are specially formulated for pregnancy. For example, there is more iron in a prenatal vitamin than in a regular multivitamin. And, most prescription prenatals have DHA, a fatty acid thought to be important in fetal eye and brain growth, whereas many over the counter formulations do not. You can also ask your practitioner to give you some samples to help you temporarily.
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Vitamin B6 And Female Fertility
A study published in 2007 found that women with higher blood levels of B6 are more likely to be fertile. But does that mean female infertility can be treated by simply increasing B6 levels? Unfortunately, that has not yet been proven.
One possible reason for the B6 connection to fertility may be due to levels of homocysteine, which is a common amino acid found in the bloodstream. High homocysteine levels in the follicles is associated with ovulation problems.
Low homocysteine levels, meanwhile, may improve the odds of successful pregnancy. In a small study published in 2017, women with a history of pregnancy loss who took supplemental folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 had lowered homocysteine levels. However, the researchers didn’t measure the level of B6 in the blood.
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How Do I Choose A Prenatal Vitamin
First, look at whats in it. Ideally, choose a prenatal vitamin that contains micronutrients that are important to promote fetal development and maternal health, says Dr. Samuel. The most famously important of these is folic acid, which reduces the risk of neural tube defects . A 2018 meta-analysis in Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics found that taking folate or folic acid supplements during pregnancy might also lower the risk of preeclampsia, a condition of abnormally high blood pressure which can be risky for the parent and fetus.
The food-based version of folic acid is folate, but supplementation is key during pregnancy because it can be difficult to get enough folate through food. Luckily, youd be hard-pressed to find a prenatal that isnt rich in this nutrient.
Prenatal vitamins with iron are also super important, as iron promotes the health and development of the placenta. You also want ones that are easy on the GI system and affordable, says Dr. Samuel, since youll be taking these every day for at least nine months.
Beyond that? I look specifically for prenatals that contain vitamins A, B, C, D, E, zinc, and iodine, says Dr. Samuel. Get one that contains those, folate, and DHA , and youll be in great shape for your reproductive life.
