From the Guidelines
Folic acid (400-800mcg daily) is the most proven dietary supplement to improve fertility, particularly in women, as it prevents neural tube defects and may improve ovulation, as supported by the American Academy of Family Physicians 1. When considering supplements to improve fertility, it's essential to prioritize those with the strongest evidence base.
- Folic acid is crucial for women before and during pregnancy, as it prevents neural tube defects and may improve ovulation.
- For men, while some supplements like CoQ10, zinc, and vitamin D may have benefits, the evidence is not as strong as it is for folic acid in women.
- A multivitamin and mineral supplement containing copper, zinc, selenium, folic acid, iron, thiamine, vitamin E, and beta-carotene may be beneficial for individuals with nutritional deficiencies, as recommended by the Obesity Reviews study 1.
- However, the use of antioxidants and herbal therapies for male infertility has limited benefits and questionable clinical utility, as stated by the Journal of Urology study 1.
- The Human Reproduction Update study 1 also found that the methodological quality of most studies on antioxidants and herbal therapies for male infertility is poor, making it challenging to draw robust conclusions.
- Ultimately, a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol are essential for improving fertility, and supplements should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider, especially when trying to conceive. Key points to consider when taking supplements for fertility include:
- Consulting with a healthcare provider to determine individual needs and potential interactions with medications
- Ensuring adequate nutrition through a balanced diet
- Avoiding excessive alcohol and tobacco use
- Managing stress through healthy coping mechanisms
- Regular exercise to maintain overall health and well-being.
From the Research
Proven Dietary Supplements for Improving Infertility
The International Federation of Fertility Societies has not provided a specific list of proven dietary supplements for improving infertility. However, various studies have investigated the effects of different nutrients and supplements on fertility outcomes.
- Multiple micronutrients and antioxidants have been shown to increase live birth rates in women undergoing medically assisted reproduction (MAR) and/or trying to conceive spontaneously compared to placebo, standard, or no treatment, with very low certainty evidence 2.
- L-carnitine, coQ10, melatonin, myo-inositol, NAC, and vitamin D have been found to increase clinical pregnancy rates in women with PCOS and/or undergoing MAR compared to placebo, standard, or no treatment, with very low certainty evidence 2.
- Selenium, L-carnitine, and acetyl-L-carnitine combined, as well as co-enzyme Q10, have been shown to improve semen parameters in men with infertility, with significant improvements in oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, and teratozoospermia 3.
- Folic acid and zinc supplementation have not been found to significantly improve semen quality or live birth rates in couples undergoing infertility treatment, with no significant difference in live birth rates between treatment groups 4.
- A diet rich in dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, plant-based protein, and vitamins and minerals, such as the Mediterranean dietary pattern, has been found to have a positive impact on female fertility 5.
- Vitamin D and iodine supplementation may be necessary for women of childbearing age, as many people experience deficiency in these nutrients 5.
- Phytoestrogens may have a positive influence on female fertility, although more research is needed to confirm this 5.
Nutritional Factors Influencing Fertility
Various nutritional factors have been found to influence fertility in both men and women, including:
- High intake of saturated fats, trans fatty acids, and proteins of animal origin, which may have a detrimental effect on fertility 6
- High intake of complex carbohydrates, fiber, monounsaturated fats, and omega-3 fatty acids, which may have a beneficial effect on fertility 6
- Adequate intake of folic acid, B12, vitamin A, D, C, and E, calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, and iodine to prevent impairments in fertility 6