Deciding to expand your family is an exciting time. Unfortunately, infertility is something that affects approximately 9% of men and 11% of women in the United States. Luckily, there are things you can do to boost your health and increase your chances of becoming pregnant. This includes staying active, getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and using fertility supplements as natural fertility boosters.
Key Ingredients
There are several key ingredients that you’ll commonly find in some of the best prenatal vitamins and fertility supplements for both women and men.
Vitamin B12
This essential B vitamin is necessary for maintaining optimal reproductive health in both men and women. It’s commonly found in male fertility supplements and fertility supplements for women in the form of methylcobalamin. This ensures it’s very bioavailable so you can reap benefits such as red blood cell formation, nerve health, DNA synthesis, and more. B vitamins can also help boost your energy levels and help regulate your nervous system to support a healthy pregnancy.
Folate
You’ll find folic acid in many versions of prenatal supplements, but you want to find a variety that uses folate. Folate is the more natural form that is easily absorbed. Folate can prevent several early developmental issues with a fetus that can lead to miscarriage. This includes neural tube defects.
Choline
Some people have higher choline needs, especially if they carry the MTHFR gene. Choline is essential for maintaining healthy eggs and normal fetal development early on.
Vitamin A
Look for a fertility supplement that contains vitamin A. For males, it can boost the quality of their sperm and increase their sperm count. Women should avoid taking too much vitamin A, as it can increase the risk of birth defects.
Sourcing High-Quality and Safe Ingredients
Not only should you pay close attention to the specific ingredients that are in the fertility supplement that you’re considering taking, but you should also consider the quality. Look for natural forms of each ingredient. This increases bioavailability but is also a safer option. You should also look for organic supplements and products that don’t use artificial colors and flavors. Reputable companies will provide transparent information about where they get their ingredients from, how potent they are, and other safety information.
Considering Supplementing With Iron
The mineral iron is sometimes included in fertility and prenatal supplements. However, certain brands choose to omit it. It is often contradictory in pregnancy and can lead to several health issues. If you have specific iron needs, you can focus on increasing your intake through diet. You can also speak with your doctor if you’re concerned that you’re not sourcing enough iron from your diet alone.
For more information and options for supplements that can help you on your journey to becoming a parent, take a look at what we have to offer at Fab Fertile.