Whether we’re trying to have a baby or not, everyone should be taking the vitamins and minerals necessary to support reproductive health. The reproductive system not only affects our sex life and fertility, but it also plays an important role in our general health and well-being. But how can we make sure we’re supporting this important system?
We’ve compiled a list of 10 vitamins for reproductive health that increase fertility, support reproductive health, and maintain a happy sex life.
1. Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the production of red blood cells and general reproductive health for men and women.
A study from Preventive Nutrition and Food Science found that vitamin B12 helps increase male fertility by increasing sperm count and minimizing sperm DNA damage. This boosts a couple’s likelihood of getting pregnant, and indicates the overall positive impact of vitamin B12 on the male reproductive system.
But this vitamin isn’t only an important part of men’s reproductive health - women of reproductive age should ensure they’re getting a proper intake of vitamin B12, especially if they’re pregnant.
Studies show that a vitamin B12 deficiency can increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as pregnancy loss and neural tube defects.
Luckily, FuelOrganics offers a high-quality vegan vitamin B12 supplement that anyone can take to increase fertility and ensure optimal reproductive health.
2. Vitamin B9 (Folate)
Vitamin B9, also known as folate or folic acid, is essential for couples to take if they’re trying to conceive.
How does it work? Studies show that folate supplementation has positive effects on both sperm quality and general fertility in men.
Further research also shows that a high intake of folic acid supplements have beneficial effects on the reproductive health of women, as it lowers the frequency of infertility, lowers the risk of pregnancy loss, and increases success rate in infertility treatment.
3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C has been studied for its many benefits in boosting fertility.
One study from the Journal of Medicinal Food tested the effects of vitamin C supplements on infertile men and found evidence that they improved sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology.
Another study tested the effects of vitamin C on female fertility, and found that the administration of vitamin C during the period of hormonal stimulation resulted in a significantly higher number of pregnancies.
That’s why couples trying to have a baby should definitely be making an effort to increase their intake of this fertility-boosting antioxidant.
4. Vitamin D
It cannot be overstated just how essential vitamin D is in increasing fertility and supporting overall reproductive health.
Multiple studies have indicated that vitamin D has a beneficial effect on male fertility, as it modulates hormone production and improves semen quality.
Research also indicates that vitamin D is beneficial in female reproduction and may increase female fertility. Because vitamin D deficiencies are more common in pregnant women, it’s important for this group to take a daily vitamin D supplement to minimize the risk of pregnancy complications.
Luckily, FuelOrganics offers a vegan vitamin D3 supplement that anyone can take to increase their levels of vitamin D and support their sexual and reproductive health.
5. Vitamin E
Vitamin E plays a role in maintaining the general health of both male and female reproductive systems.
For example, one study tested the effects of vitamin E supplementation in infertile men and found that after 14 weeks, sperm motility and morphology had both increased. This suggests that vitamin E supplements could be used to help treat infertility, although more research is necessary to confirm this.
Vitamin E is also an important antioxidant in female reproductive health, as studies show that it regulates oxidative stress and reduces the risk of reproductive disorders in women.
This means that not only does this vitamin help with women’s fertility, but it assists in ensuring a safe and healthy pregnancy.
6. Iron
Iron is an important mineral that our bodies need to increase fertility and support sexual health.
In fact, studies show that an iron deficiency in men may lead to reduced libido and oxidative damage, which can lower the likelihood of conception.
While it’s important for men to intake enough iron to support their fertility, it’s also important to note that an excess of iron can cause the same reproductive issues as a deficiency. We should always be making sure we’re taking the recommended amount of each vitamin and mineral for this reason.
Maintaining adequate iron levels also plays an important role in women’s reproductive health - a study from Obstetrics and Gynecology found that the consumption of iron supplements may decrease the risk of infertility in women.
That’s why any couple trying to conceive should be putting an emphasis on consuming enough iron in their diets, where it be via supplement or food.
7. Zinc
A proper intake of zinc is necessary to increase fertility in both men and women, and can also play an important role during pregnancy.
A study from the Journal of Reproduction and Infertility found that zinc is essential for male fertility, and could even be used in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of male infertility.
Studies also show that zinc plays a critical role in female germ cell growth, fertility, and pregnancy. Because zinc is so important in ensuring the health of reproductive age women, every woman (especially if pregnant) should be taking a supplement to avoid a zinc deficiency and maintain reproductive health.
8. Selenium
Selenium is a mineral that plays an important role in reproductive health and pregnancy.
One study examined the role of selenium in conception and pregnancy and found that supplementation in the case of selenium deficiencies is of utmost significance for both women and women who are trying to procreate. But why?
A deficiency in selenium deteriorates the motility and quality of sperm in men, and in early stages of pregnancy can result in low birth weight of newborns.
Because selenium plays such an important role in reproductive health from fertility to birth, it should be a staple in the diet of couples who are trying for a baby.
9. Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega 3s are essential fats that couples who are looking to get pregnant need to include in their diets.
A study from the Journal of Dietary Supplements found that supplementing infertile men with omega-3 fatty acids resulted in a significant improvement in both sperm motility and quality.
Omega 3 fatty acids have also been studied to have an impressive effect on the female reproductive system.
Research shows that taking dietary omega 3s can prolong the female reproductive lifespan and improve egg quality. This means that not only is the time period where women are able to conceive is longer, but the chances of an egg being viable to produce a fetus increases significantly.
10. Iodine
Iodine is a mineral that plays a very important role in fertility, pregnancy, and reproductive health in general.
Studies indicate that an iodine deficiency was associated with lower semen quality in men, which negatively affects their ability to conceive.
Research also shows that iodine is essential for the normal production of thyroid hormones in pregnant women and neurodevelopment of the fetus.
Side effects of an iodine deficiency in pregnant women include:
- Maternal and fetal hypothyroidism
- Maternal and fetal goiter
- Congenital anomalies
- Cretinism
That’s why FuelOrganics offers a high-quality vegan iodine supplement for anyone looking to increase their fertility and/or sustain a healthy pregnancy.
For more information on iodine’s role in pregnancy, check out our article: Iodine and Thyroid Health
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