The consumption of supplements can help couples undergoing a pregnancy program to improve their fertility conditions.
The arrival of a child in the family is a dream for many couples. Various efforts are made to achieve a positive pregnancy test. When a couple decides to undergo a pregnancy program, taking supplements can also play a significant role in enhancing fertility.
Adequate intake of nutrients and vitamins in the body can meet the nutritional needs required to prepare for pregnancy. These nutrients can be obtained through food, beverages, or supplements.
This is because some nutritional needs may not be fully met by consuming foods such as fruits and vegetables.
What Vitamins Help Boost Fertility?
Supplements play a role in improving the fertility conditions of couples planning to conceive. Here are some nutrients and vitamins that need to be consumed daily:
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1. Folic Acid
Folic acid is one of the essential nutrients that need to be fulfilled when undergoing a pregnancy program. This nutrient plays an important role as it helps the body produce red blood cells to meet the increased blood demand during pregnancy.
Folic acid also plays a role in the development of the baby’s nervous system and prevents birth defects such as spina bifida.
The recommended daily intake of folic acid during a pregnancy program is around 400 mcg. Ideally, folic acid should be consumed three months before conception to prepare the body for pregnancy.
Folic acid can be obtained by consuming fruits and vegetables. However, you can also meet your folic acid needs through supplements containing metafolin. Metafolin is the active form of folic acid, which is better absorbed by the body, providing more optimal benefits.
2. Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is another important nutrient to fulfill during a pregnancy program. It helps lower homocysteine levels in the body. Homocysteine is an amino acid found in the bloodstream, and its excess has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
Research published in the journal Human Reproduction states that homocysteine is associated with sporadic anovulation and hormonal changes, which may indicate ovulation disorders.
Vitamin B6 can be obtained from foods like chicken, fish, beef liver, leafy greens, avocados, and bananas.
3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is known as a rich source of antioxidants, beneficial in neutralizing free radicals. For men, regular consumption of vitamin C can help reduce unhealthy sperm counts and improve sperm motility.
In women, vitamin C strengthens blood vessel walls and helps fight infections that might interfere with ovulation.
4. Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays a vital role in fertility by supporting bone health and boosting the immune system.
In women, a deficiency in vitamin D can increase the risk of endometriosis and worsen symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Adequate vitamin D intake helps balance hormones, enhance insulin sensitivity, and improve overall reproductive health.
In men, vitamin D deficiency can lower testosterone levels, affecting sperm quality.
Vitamin D can be obtained through exposure to morning sunlight and from foods like milk, cereals, fish oil, and beef liver. Supplements can also be taken to meet the required levels.
5. Iron
Women with insufficient iron levels may experience anovulation, where the ovaries fail to release a mature egg. A lack of iron can also reduce red blood cell concentrations, weakening or degrading the quality of eggs stored in the ovaries.
6. Zinc
Zinc is a crucial mineral, especially for men, as it helps boost testosterone levels and increase sperm production. Zinc supplements can significantly improve sperm motility and morphology.
For women, zinc plays an essential role in supporting oocyte maturation and maintaining hormonal balance.
What Are the Roles of Supplements in Fertility?
Research published in the journal Cermin Dunia Kedokteran (CDK) indicates that certain supplements, such as Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione (GSH), Melatonin, and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), can help improve fertility conditions.
The study also mentions that micronutrient supplements can improve parameters that enhance fertility, such as folic acid, vitamin D, L-carnitine, selenium, zinc, copper, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), inositol, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC).
In conclusion, antioxidant and micronutrient supplements have been widely studied and proven to enhance fertility parameters in both men and women, increasing the chances of conception.
If you’re planning a pregnancy and considering taking supplements, don’t forget to consult your doctor first!
