The 8 Best Fertility Supplements, According to a Dietitian

Fertility involves a complex set of biological mechanisms, only some of which are under our control. For those trying to conceive (TTC in internet parlance), it’s wise to optimize what you can, from proper sleep and activity to healthy eating. Depending on your health condition and requests, some Fertility supplements can improve nutritional status, while other supplements may have more targeted therapeutic effects. These include increasing antioxidant activity, improving egg quality, and improving blood sugar control. Essentially, these supplements support your overall health and may help you maximize your chances of conceiving. Although most nutritional advice for infertility treatment is aimed at women, keep in mind that lifestyle changes (and sometimes supplements) can also help improve sperm quality and motility in men.

While it’s important to focus on a varied and nutritious diet, supplements can help fill in the gaps. “Certain vitamins and minerals are especially important when trying to conceive and can help increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy,” says Dara Godfrey, MS, RD, who works at a fertility clinic. These include prenatal vitamins containing important nutrients such as folic acid and vitamin D, as well as supplements that boost antioxidants such as coenzyme Q10 and omega-3. People who may benefit most from fertility supplements include: People over 35 years old, people with PCOS, endometriosis, testicular or ejaculatory dysfunction, etc.

In collaboration with medical professionals, Assess your unique needs Then decide which supplements can help you on your fertility journey. These fertility supplements have research-backed benefits and strong independent or in-house testing. recommended by experts in Women’s reproductive health.

Types of supplements for infertility treatment

Many supplements promise to help fertility, but only a few are backed by research. This article focuses on these and includes detailed information about who they may be useful to.

• Prenatal vitamins: These are essential for everyone who may become pregnant
• Omega 3: These are powerful antioxidants and are suitable for people who may become pregnant, especially men who want to improve sperm quality.
• folate: Important nutrient during early pregnancy and also required for optimal egg quality and early stages of conception
• vitamin D: Getting enough vitamin D is especially important for people with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and other inflammatory diseases.
• Inositol: This may help with blood sugar control, which is an important consideration for pre-diabetic or PCOS patients.
• Coenzyme Q10: This antioxidant may be helpful for people over the age of 35 and trying to conceive.

Reason for recommendation

A balanced diet and taking a prenatal multivitamin lays a strong foundation for providing the nutrients necessary for optimal fertility. Our number one choice for prenatal products to support fertility is Nature Made Prenatal Multi + DHA.. This supplement is Single tablet option Cover your major prenatal nutritional needs at an affordable price. I love that it’s USP certified so I can trust that it only contains the ingredients listed on the bottle. It’s also gluten-free and contains no artificial flavors.

Contains 18 major vitamins and mineralsContains essential nutrients for fertility and pregnancy, such as iron, vitamin D, and folic acid. Also includes 200 milligrams of DHA – An omega-3 fatty acid that helps regulate hormones and reduce inflammation, which can help improve fertility.. If you are pregnant before this birth, DHA is essential for your baby’s central nervous system, brain, and eye development. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that women of childbearing potential, who are pregnant, or who are breastfeeding consume 8 to 12 ounces of fish low in mercury per week to get enough omega-3s. However, if you don’t eat fish, a prenatal multi with omega-3s like this one may be helpful.

But please be careful

This prenatal vitamin does not contain the methylated form of vitamin B, which is more easily absorbed. It also lacks choline, an important nutrient for the development of the growing fetus’ neural tube. If you don’t regularly eat choline-rich foods such as eggs, beef, chicken, and soy, you may want to add an extra choline supplement, especially if you’re pregnant.

Product details

• Key nutrients: Vitamins A, C, D3, E, K, folic acid, B12, biotin, minerals, calcium, iron, iodine, magnesium, zinc, omega-3 DHA and EPA.
• Recommended usage: For optimal absorption, take 1 softgel daily with water and food.
• Independently Verified: Yes, USP certified

Reason for recommendation

Omega-3s are healthy fats that support hormonal regulation and act as powerful antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress.. Research shows that both dietary and supplemental omega-3s may help improve fertility. If you don’t eat 8 to 12 ounces of omega-3-rich fish per week and your prenatal multivitamin doesn’t include omega-3s, adding an omega-3 supplement may help support fertility.

we like Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega 2X contains 2150 milligrams of omega-3, including 875 milligrams of DHA.. It’s independently verified for purity and potency, non-GMO, and Friend of the Sea certified, meaning the fish is sustainably sourced.

This is also Best fertility supplement options for men who want to improve sperm quality. Sperm is highly susceptible to stress and oxidation, so supplements that reduce inflammation may increase male fertility. Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids are nutrients that support sperm count, motility (movement), and morphology (shape). Although there are no clear recommendations on how much omega-3 you should consume to improve sperm health, studies have shown that 500-1000 mg of DHA is effective, so the dose in this selection falls squarely within this range.

But please be careful

Please note that the omega-3 source comes from wild-caught anchovies and sardines, so it is not suitable for vegans or some vegetarians. Additionally, there is no established tolerable upper intake level (UL) for omega-3s, which is considered a high dose. Therefore, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking this supplement or choose one of the lower-dose options. Omega-3 supplements, especially in high doses, May interact with certain drugsespecially blood-thinning drugs like warfarin (Coumadin).

Product details

• Key nutrients: Omega-3 DHA and EPA
• Recommended usage: Take 2 softgels daily with meals or as directed by your health care professional.
• Independently Verified: yes

Reason for recommendation

Folic acid plays an important role in pregnancy because it reduces neural tube defects in the developing fetus. This B vitamin is important in the production of new DNA and proteins, so it also influences egg quality and the success of the early stages of pregnancy. For these reasons, The CDC recommends that all women of reproductive age consume at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily.

we like Thorne’s 5-MTHF Methylfolate contains a high dose of 1 milligram (1000 micrograms) of methylated folate. We love that Thorne offers an activated form of this B vitamin known as methylfolate. This form is better absorbed and utilized by the bodyThis is especially true for patients with mutations in the MTHFR gene, which can inhibit the process of converting folic acid (the synthetic form of folic acid) to the active form.

Although this product has not been independently verified, Thorne is a trusted brand that rigorously tests all products for purity and quality. Thorne’s other supplements have been independently verified by the NSF, and Thorne partners with organizations such as the NIH to conduct clinical trials on its products.

But please be careful

This is considered a high dose of folate at the upper end of the tolerable upper intake (UL). Therefore, it should be taken under the supervision of a medical professional to ensure this dose is suitable for your needs. Higher doses may be required in some situations, such as to correct a deficiency. If you have not been diagnosed with a deficiency, consume large amounts of folic acid-rich foods (including folic acid-fortified foods), and have folic acid prenatally, you may want to choose a low-dose folic acid supplement.

Certain drugs used to treat cancer, epilepsy, and ulcerative colitis may interact with high doses of folic acid supplements.

Product details

• Key nutrients: female folate
• Independently Verified: no
• Recommended usage: Take 1 capsule 1 to 3 times daily or as directed by your healthcare professional.

Reason for recommendation

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for bone health and is best known for supporting calcium absorption and bone development. But that too Plays an important role in optimizing fertility By regulating inflammation, the immune system, and blood sugar control. Getting enough vitamin D may be especially beneficial for people with inflammatory diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis.

Vitamin D is only found in a few foods and is primarily obtained through exposure to sunlight, so supplements may be helpful. we like it HUM Here Come the Sun Vitamin D3 is independently verified and vegan friendly. It also contains no common allergens or additives.

This is considered a product with higher potency. Contains 2000 IU of Vitamin D in one easy-to-use softgel. The RDA for men and women between the ages of 18 and 70 is 600 IU (including during pregnancy). However, some research suggests that 2,000 IU per day may be a more appropriate dose to maintain adequate levels and correct deficiencies, as recommended by medical professionals.

But please be careful

We recommend checking your vitamin D levels before taking any supplements to determine which level is best for you. Vitamin D supplements can also interact with certain medications, such as statins, steroids, and diuretics. If you are taking any medications, be sure to consult your health care professional before adding vitamin D supplements.

Product details

• Key nutrients: vitamin D3
• Recommended usage: Take 1 softgel daily with a meal.
• Independently Verified: yes

Reason for recommendation

Inositol may be beneficial for blood sugar control and insulin regulation, which is a particular concern for prediabetes and PCOS patients. One of the hallmarks of PCOS is insulin resistance. This means that the body’s cells are unable to take up glucose effectively, which can negatively impact ovulation. Inositolfound naturally in foods such as fruits, beans, grains, and nuts.It has been shown that it may reduce insulin resistance, regulate blood sugar levels, promote healthy hormone levels, and improve egg quality.

If you have been diagnosed with PCOS or prediabetes and your diet is not rich in these foods, we recommend the following: Theralogix Ovasitol Inositol Powder. This product contains 2000 mg of myo-inositol and 50 mg of d-chiro-inositol in an optimal 40:1 ratio. Studies have shown that combining these two forms of inositol improves insulin sensitivity and benefits ovulation in women with PCOS. It is recommended to take Ovasitol for at least 3 months to see an improvement in the regularity of your menstrual cycles. It can be taken during pregnancy for additional blood sugar-balancing effects.

This product is one of a kind. NSF certified This means that inositol supplements on the market have been independently verified for potential contaminants and exact ingredient amounts. Gluten-free and contains no colors or additives. As an unflavored powder, it’s easy to mix into your favorite hot or cold non-carbonated beverage and comes in convenient single-use packets or large canisters.

But please be careful

This is one of the most expensive products on our list and seems to have the most benefit, especially for people with PCOS. So if you don’t have PCOS, it may not be beneficial.

Reason for recommendation

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage. Our bodies can produce CoQ10, but the amount produced decreases as we age. As we age, eggs and sperm become more susceptible to oxidative damage. Therefore, CoQ10 supplementation may be particularly beneficial when the mother is older (>35 years).

If a medical professional has recommended this for your fertility treatment, we recommend that you: Doctor’s Best Highly Absorbable CoQ10 300mg. What I like about this product is USP certifiedmeaning you can trust the ingredient amounts and purity of ingredients listed on the label. This product is considered “high potency” as it delivers 300mg. Contains black pepper extract to increase absorption. Many other CoQ10 supplements contain only 50-200mg of CoQ10. Studies using CoQ10 in IVF settings have used doses as high as 1200mg, but always talk to your healthcare provider about the best dose for you.

But please be careful

That’s something to consider, given that this supplement has a higher dose and is a larger pill.

Product details

• Key nutrients: Coenzyme Q10
• Recommended usage: Take 1 softgel daily or as directed by your doctor.
• Independent verification: Yes, USP certified

Reason for recommendation

If you’re looking for a combination of multiple fertility supplements in one pack, give this a try. The Perel Conception Support Pack includes a prenatal multivitamin, additional methylfolate, omega-3 DHA + EPA, and CoQ10.. Perelel is a supplement company founded by an obstetrician-gynecologist that offers products tailored to the specific needs of people at every stage of fertility and pregnancy, from conception to postpartum. I also like that the formula is backed by science and independently verified.

This pack provides a comprehensive prenatal vitamin containing key nutrients including methylated B vitamins, vitamins A, C, E, D, and important minerals such as choline, iron, iodine, zinc, selenium, and magnesium. Omega DHA + EPA capsules contain 375 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids, including 250 milligrams of DHA. The other two capsules are 1,000 micrograms of high-dose methylfolate and a lower dose of CoQ10 (50 milligrams) for an antioxidant boost.

But please be careful

this is Quantity for 5 tablets You may find it difficult to take it every day. It also only contains 50 milligrams of CoQ10, which is a relatively low dose. Omega-3 DHA + EPA capsules are made from refined fish oil and are not suitable for vegans or vegetarians.

Product details

• Key nutrients: Prenatal Multivitamin, Methylfolate, Omega-3 DHA + EPA, CoQ10
• Recommended usage: Take 1 sachet daily with a meal and a glass of water.
• Independently Verified: yes

Reason for recommendation

When it comes to infertility, the cliché “It takes two to tango” holds true. Pregnancy success is greatly influenced by sperm health, so optimizing sperm health is just as important as egg health. of Natalist Male Prenatal is a high-quality supplement formulated by top urologists and registered dietitians specializing in male fertility.. They have conducted extensive research and developed a supplement with evidence-based nutrients to optimize sperm health.

This male fertility supplement focuses on improving semen quality, which is why it contains antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. It also provides vitamin D, selenium, and CoQ10, which may further help limit oxidative stress to sperm. Lauren Manaker, MA, RD, LD, author of Fueling Male Fertility, suggests that omega-3 fatty acids have the strongest evidence for male fertility, so she appreciates the 450 mg of algae-based DHA in this Natalist Pack.

Gluten-free, vegan, and free of major allergens, sugar, and artificial preservatives.

But please be careful

Although this supplement has not been independently verified, it has been rigorously evaluated internally for integrity and quality. It’s also 4 capsules in size, so it may feel like a lot of pills to take every day.

Product details

• Key nutrients: Vitamins C, D, E, Selenium, CoQ10
• Recommended usage: Take 1 packet daily or as recommended by your health care professional.
• Independently Verified: no

Further considerations

Another supplement brand we recommend that is not on this list is: It is necessaryis a supplement company focused on fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum. The company’s products are independently verified for purity and potency, including nutritional content, pesticides and herbicides, heavy metals, allergens, microorganisms, and other potential contaminants. For fertility support, we like their Prenatal Multi Powder, CoQ10, and Vegan Omega-3 for Women.

We also offer egg quality support and sperm support supplements that focus on high-dose antioxidant blends. They contain antioxidant-boosting ingredients with promising research results (such as L-carnitine, alpha-lipoic acid, and NAC), but they also contain herbal blends such as green tea extract and ashwagandha, but these do not have enough solid scientific evidence for their effectiveness and safety for use during fertility and pregnancy to be included on this list.

Infertility and supplements

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive for a year (or more). It is important to note that while some supplements may support reproductive health, they are not considered a treatment for infertility. Infertility affects approximately 1 in 6 people worldwide. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the quality and production of eggs in women, the quality and production of sperm in men, diseases related to ovulation, hormonal imbalances, conditions that affect the physical structure of reproduction, a person’s age, lifestyle, or other health conditions. Sometimes infertility has no clear cause and is called “unexplained infertility.” Depending on a couple’s specific circumstances, infertility can be treated with drugs, surgery, or assisted reproductive technology.

Who may benefit from supplements for infertility treatment

Diet and other healthy lifestyle habits are paramount and are your first line of defense when it comes to fertility. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and large fluctuations in weight should be considered when assessing the risk of infertility. Taking supplements is not a substitute for these lifestyle habits. However, fertility supplements may be helpful for other reasons and for certain people.

It’s important to remember that your ability to conceive affects your sperm-producing partner just as it affects your egg-producing partner. Supplements can be considered for both parties. “No one eats 100% perfectly, so supplements can help you ‘fill in the gaps’ nutritionally and help you make great strides towards optimized fertility and a healthy pregnancy,” says Cory Ruth, MS, RD, PCOS expert and owner of The Women’s Dietitian.

Certain people at risk for infertility or with certain medical conditions who may benefit from supplements to support fertility include:

• People on more restrictive diets that may limit intake of certain nutrients, including vegetarian and vegan diets
• Those with endometriosis
• Those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Those whose mother is older (35 years or older)
• Those with a history of multiple miscarriages
• People with decreased ovarian reserve (DOR)
• Those with premature ovarian insufficiency
• People with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea
• People with testicular or ejaculatory dysfunction that affects sperm count or quality (e.g., varicocele, testicular trauma, chemotherapy)
• Men with medical conditions such as diabetes, cystic fibrosis, and other autoimmune diseases

Our Supplement Review Process

When reviewing and researching prenatal vitamins, we consult experts and in-house registered dietitians. We support evidence-based supplements and emphasize specific product characteristics that we believe are associated with the highest quality products. To find the best fertility supplements, we closely consider several factors, including ingredient quality, independent certification, and comparisons of different forms and dosages. Especially when it comes to fertility supplements, we prefer products that have been independently verified for purity and potency (or rigorously tested in-house by trusted brands), as the FDA does not review dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they go to market.

We hope this serves as a guide, but we recommend that you consult your healthcare provider before taking any supplements.

our experts

• Dara Godfrey, MS, RD is a registered dietitian specializing in infertility and pregnancy nutrition.
• Cory Ruth, MS, RD is a registered dietitian specializing in women’s health, including PCOS, and owner of The Women’s Dietitian.
• Lauren Manaker, MS, RD, LD is a registered dietitian, certified lactation educator, and author of Fueling Male Fertility. She was named an Emerging Leader in Women’s Health by the National Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Supplement Dosage and Safety

Research is ongoing on how nutritional supplements affect fertility and the recommended doses of each nutrient. There are few evidence-based recommendations for dosage of these products. For some vitamins, such as vitamin D and folic acid, Fertility specialists often suggest doses that exceed the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA).given new research suggesting higher doses may be beneficial. Within each product recommendation, we provide the recommended dosage, including the RDA and Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) where established, and also note current research showing when higher doses may be beneficial.

It is also important to consider whether you are truly deficient in nutrients (which can be confirmed by doing a blood test), have absorption problems or other medical conditions. If you have one (or more) of these, it will help you determine the right amount of nutrients to take in.

If you have questions about how much fertility supplements to take, please consult your health care professional.

Ingredients and potential interactions

It’s important to carefully read a supplement’s ingredient list and nutrition facts label to know which ingredients it contains (and how much of each) compared to the recommended daily intake of that ingredient. Bring your supplement label to your health care provider to learn about the various ingredients in your supplement and potential interactions between these ingredients and other supplements or medications you may be taking.

Some fertility supplements may contain nutrients that may interact with medications or compete for absorption with other nutrients, so it’s wise to check with your health care provider before taking these products. Fertility supplements may also contain other herbs, adaptogens, probiotics, and raw food ingredients, but these may not be optimal for your specific health condition and lack sufficient scientific support for safety and effectiveness. Always talk to your healthcare provider about the possibility of taking these products.

your question solved

When should I start taking fertility supplements?

Professor Manakar says: ‘It takes about 74 days from start to finish for a man to produce new sperm, so it’s important to give yourself enough time to take supplements that support the health of your ‘new’ sperm. 3 months before trying to conceive Now is the perfect time to start taking supplements. ” Similarly, it takes about 90 days for eggs to develop, so it is ideal to start treatment three to four months before you want to conceive.

Which supplements can improve male fertility?

Male-factor infertility is related to sperm count, motility (movement), and morphology (shape), so supplements may target these factors. “The research most strongly supports that Omega-3 fatty acids that boost male fertility”Other antioxidant supplements such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and CoQ10 may also be beneficial.

who are we

Casey Seiden is a registered dietitian, nutritionist, Parents magazine writer, and certified diabetes care and education specialist based in New York City. Casey works at Maternal-Fetal Medicine Associates, a premier maternal-fetal medical practice in Manhattan, providing nutritional therapy and counseling to women with high-risk pregnancies. She is also the founder of Casey Seiden Nutrition, a virtual private practice specializing in non-dietary approaches to diabetes care and women’s health.

Anne Cook Carroll, MS, RD, CDN is a registered dietitian and parent writer who works with patients, including prenatal and postnatal women, to achieve their health goals. She educates her patients on the proper use of supplements to optimize their nutrition and overall health. She also specializes in supplement research and analysis.