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.
If you would like to learn more about GENESIS Fertility New York or are ready to schedule an appointment, please speak with one of our representatives at 718-GENESIS.