According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 5 persons will have difficulty conceiving after one year of trying.
Fertility is a critical aspect of life, and if you are struggling to get pregnant, the right nutrients can help. This article outlines some key vitamins that can support healthy reproductive health, including folic acid, vitamin D, Selenium and Omega 3 fatty acids.
What supplements you should be taking if you want to get pregnant?
But first, food
You are what you eat. If you’re pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, it’s important to eat a diet rich in nutrients.
A healthy diet during pregnancy can help your baby grow and develop properly. Eating a nutritious diet during pregnancy is linked to good brain development and a healthy birth weight, and can reduce the risk of many birth defects.
A healthy diet can play an important role in helping you conceive, and the Mediterranean diet is a surefire way to ensure that your body is in the best possible shape for pregnancy. A new publication in Advances in Nutrition suggests that following the Mediterranean diet appears to help women succeed on their fertility journey. This diet focuses on dietary fiber, Omega 3 fatty acids, plant-based protein, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
Do prenatal vitamins improve fertility?
The best prenatal vitamins will provide you with the most essential vitamins and minerals in higher amounts than what’s found in standard multivitamins. Since we cannot always be right with our food choices, prenatal vitamins can fill in the diet gaps.
Read also: Best Prenatal Vitamins of 2023
However, not all vitamins were created equal. And if you’re trying to conceive, you may need to consider that some ingredients can support fertility better than others. And while a premium prenatal vitamin may supplement your diet, adding additional key nutrients may positively support your fertility efforts.
Fertility Supplements: What Supplements Should You Take if You Are Trying To Get Pregnant?
Dr. Natalie Crawford, board certified fertility doctor, talks about fertility supplements. What supplements should you be taking if you are trying to get pregnant.
Folic acid
Folic acid is a B vitamin frequently found in prenatal supplements and fortified foods. Interestingly, folic acid has also been shown to increase the chances of conception, especially in women with irregular cycles.
Folic acid is a water-soluble B vitamin that’s frequently added to fortified foods, such as cereal and bread. Most doctors recommend taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid before getting pregnant, as well as throughout pregnancy.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for maintaining a healthy pregnancy, as it supports your immune system and may also be linked to fertility.
A new 2022 meta-analysis found that vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency are associated with miscarriage.
Selenium
Selenium is one of the most important trace minerals needed for conception and pregnancy. A deficiency in this essential micronutrient can affect hormone balance.
Not only can a deficiency in selenium impair fertility, but it could also increase the risk of miscarriage and other pregnancy complications.
Most women can get enough selenium from a diet rich in seafood and organ meats. Some prenatal vitamins also contain adequate amounts of this trace mineral.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 fatty acids are an essential part of a healthy diet, helping to balance hormone levels and support reproductive health.
Omega 3 fatty acids may have an impact on fertility as well. In fact, studies show these healthy fats can help balance levels of reproductive hormones, regulate menstruation and improve egg quality and implantation
Fatty fish and other seafoods, along with nuts and seeds, are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are known for their strong anti-inflammatory benefits
When you’re trying to conceive, it can be stressful and overwhelming. But there are ways to improve your chances of having a healthy baby. Your diet is one of the major things you have control over.
Consider asking your doctor if any of these supplements might be right for you. Make sure to consult your doctor before taking any herbal supplements or vitamins during pregnancy.
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