New Year’s is a great time to start anew, especially for couples and individuals who are trying to conceive. Whether you’re planning on trying naturally or considering fertility care, taking certain supplements can potentially boost your chances of successfully conceiving, while also improving your general health. Of course, before you start any new regimen, be sure to discuss your plans with your doctor.
Top Fertility Supplements to Consider
CoEnzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Also called Ubiquinone, CoQ10 is integral for energy production1, which is important for early cell division during embryo development. CoQ10 has been shown to reduce levels of oxidative stress in egg follicles, potentially improving function for women with diminished ovarian reserve2. For men, CoQ10’s energy benefits can promote sperm health and quality3, including count, concentration, and motility. CoQ10 has also been associated with improved in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes4, largely due to improved embryo quality.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
DHEA, the body’s most plentiful hormone, regulates female and male sex hormone production. A 2016 study5 found that taking DHEA supplements before an IVF cycle yielded improvements in women’s oocyte and embryo numbers, regardless of age, and higher cumulative pregnancy rates. DHEA may also lower damage in the uterine lining (endometrium), essential for conception and pregnancy.
Inositol and Myo-Inositol
A natural sugar, one form of inositol important for fertility is myo-inositol, an antioxidant. Antioxidants are powerful compounds that combat molecules called free radicals. Higher levels of free radicals can damage reproductive organs due to oxidative stress and cellular damage. Myo-inositol is particularly useful for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)6 due to its ability to regulate blood glucose and insulin. It may also safely prevent neural tube defect development7.
Folic Acid
Folic acid is an essential antioxidant recommended for all women of childbearing age8. Found to lower neural tube defect risks, it’s considered vital for conception and early pregnancy, while also reducing the risk of premature birth9 and low birth weight. Folic acid may also improve menstruation10 by stabilizing cycles and reducing risks, such as endometriosis. Folic acid can also be beneficial for men, as it may support sperm health, lowering risks for abnormalities that impede conception. It may also increase sperm count11, particularly when combined with the mineral, zinc. Erectile dysfunction12 may also improve via folic acid supplementation.
Selenium
An antioxidative mineral, selenium may promote ovulation by ensuring follicle development13 and protecting embryos and the endometrium during menstruation. It supports the production of hormones14, including estrogen and progesterone. As an antioxidant, it may benefit pregnancy by shielding the placenta from oxidative stress. Deficiencies may contribute to complications, like miscarriages and fetal nervous system damage. Selenium’s antioxidative nature may also promote sperm health15, including motility. While deficiencies may impact testosterone production16, the combination of selenium, magnesium, and zinc potentially raises levels.
Supplement Your Fertility Resolutions in 2024
At NutraBloom, you’ll find optimal forms of these fertility-boosting supplements, including egg and sperm health, conception, and pregnancy. Among these products are our Male Fertility Formula, Preconception Formula, DHEA supplement, Inositol Blend, Couple’s Conception Kit, and Organic Whole Food Prenatal Multivitamins.
- https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/coenzyme-Q10
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32767206/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8226917/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5427661/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7139860/#
- https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/pcos.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8227031/
- https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/folic-acid
- https://www.birthinjuryhelpcenter.org/folic-acid-deficiency.html#
- https://www.livestrong.com/article/434733-folic-acid-menstruation/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/folic-acid-for-men#fertility
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8240352/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8458914/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9739294/#
- https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/selenium
- https://faseb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1096/fasebj.2019.33.1_supplement.839.7
