A prenatal vitamin should be taken before you become pregnant, not just when you find out that you are having a baby. Along with prenatal vitamins, there are additional supplements that may improve your fertility health and help with conception. But it is best to start taking supplements a few months or more before conception, since it may take a few months to get their full benefits. There are so many supplements available. But to keep things simple, here are six that have the best chance of giving your fertility a boost and increase your chance of having a baby.

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Co Enzyme Q 10:

Is the source of fuel for mitochondria and is needed for the basic functioning of cells. Our recommendation: If you are up to 37 years old take 200-400 mg and if you are over 37 years old take 400-600 mg.

Vitamin D3

Studies have shown that despite taking a prenatal vitamin, women were still low in Vitamin D. There is typically not enough Vitamin D added to a prenatal pill so it is important to check.  Low Vitamin D levels in early life is linked to schizophrenia, diabetes and skeletal disease. Appropriate levels of Vitamin D intake can prevent or reduce depression, dementia, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. Our recommendation: Take 2,000-3,000 IU daily.

Folic Acid:

Protects the baby’s neural tube development. One study showed that women who got at least seven hundred micrograms (mcg) a day of folic acid from their diet were forty to fifty percent less likely to have ovulatory infertility then women taking less than three hundred micrograms[1]. Our recommendation: Take a minimum of 400 mcg daily.

Selenium:

Preliminary studies have shown that this supplement may help prevent miscarriage. Selenium is an antioxidant and protects cells from damage. Our recommendation: Take 200 mg daily.

Vitamin E:

Helps to boost fertility and is a natural antioxidant. Vitamin E can help the fertilized egg stay attached to the uterine wall. Our recommendation: Take 500- 800 IU.

Herbs:

If you are interested in taking herbal support: Vitex (chasteberry) or Ashwagandha are herbs and aptogens that can be used to boost fertility.

[1] Chavarro, Willett & Skerrett. (2008). The Fertility Diary: The Groundbreaking Research Reveals Natural Ways to Boost Ovulation and Improve Your Chances of Getting Pregnant. McGraw Hill.