One of the most common questions we hear from our members as they go through fertility treatment is, “What supplements should I be taking?” Having a balance of the right vitamins and supplements can prepare your body for ovulation, implantation, and pregnancy. Here are our top 5 supplements you should consider starting before trying to conceive.
Always discuss any new supplements with your doctor before starting.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is often called the “sunshine vitamin” because our bodies produce it when our skin is exposed to sunlight. But since many of us spend most of our time indoors, about 50% of people have low vitamin D levels.
Our trusted partners at Bird&Be offer a range of prenatal and fertility formulations that contain the doctor-recommended 1,000 IU dose of vegan Vitamin D3 as well as a separate Calcium, Magnesium +Vitamin D Boost.
Getting enough vitamin D is especially important when you’re trying to conceive or going through fertility treatment. Studies show that healthy levels of vitamin D can boost clinical pregnancy rates, support follicle growth and AMH production, and lower the chances of creating abnormal (aneuploid) embryos. All of these factors are very important for trying to conceive with and without assisted reproductive technology.
CoQ10
CoQ10, also known as CoEnzyme Q10 or Ubiquinone, is a fat-soluble antioxidant produced by our bodies. CoQ10 makes up part of our cellular membranes and is involved in energy production at the cellular level—and it’s the preferred energy source for both eggs and sperm.
Taking CoQ10 supplements can help protect cell membranes from damage and also improve blood flow. CoQ10 is backed by plenty of research, and a 2020 clinical study found that taking 600 mg of CoQ10 daily can increase IVF pregnancy rates (by 130%), double the number of eggs retrieved and contribute to higher quality embryos, and increase ovulation and pregnancy rates in those with PCOS (by 325% and 464%, respectively)!
Folic Acid
Folic acid is one of the most common doctor recommendations you hear for pregnant people and people trying to conceive. Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate, which is a B vitamin that is vital in cell division, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell production.
Folic acid is included in most prenatal multi-vitamins because it has been shown to decrease the risk of neural tube defects in fetuses by more than 70%.
According to the CDC, people who are trying to conceive or are currently pregnant should consume 4,000 mcg of folic acid daily, which is much higher than the standard recommendation of 400mcg.
You should always read the label of your prenatal vitamin to be sure that it contains all of the necessary vitamins and supplements you need and in the recommended dose. If you’re unsure, bring your prenatal along with you to your next clinic visit for your practitioner to review.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids (DHA)
Omega-3s—most commonly DHA—are a great addition when you're trying to conceive, are undergoing fertility treatment, or are pregnant. These healthy fats are part of cellular membranes and help cells function and communicate properly.
When trying to conceive, omega-3s have been linked to lower risks of pregnancy loss during ART cycles. And once you’re pregnant, they help with fetal brain, eye, and nervous system development, and may even reduce the risk of preterm delivery.
Inositol
Inositol is a type of sugar that works a bit like a vitamin and is often recommended as a supplement for people with PCOS. For the PCOS population, it helps regulate insulin levels and neurotransmitters, which can improve ovulation patterns and ease PCOS symptoms.
Check out Bird&Be’s Inositol Cycle Support that helps regulate PCOS and support ovulation all while easily dissolving into any beverage.
Even beyond PCOS, inositol has been shown to improve embryo quality in fertility treatments. Some research even suggests inositol “enhances the probability of achieving pregnancy and reduces the onset of adverse maternal effects and neonatal outcomes”.
Key Takeaways
It’s recommended to start a consistent supplement routine even before trying to conceive (doctors recommend starting at least 3 months before). It's also important to review any new supplements with your doctor before starting to confirm their safety and effectiveness for your personal diagnosis and medical history.
And lastly, do your research. Make sure that the supplements you purchase are made from clean, science-backed ingredients and contain the appropriate dosage. That’s why Berry recommends supplement companies like Bird&Be. Their simple and clean ingredients formulated with the expertise of fertility specialists, like OB/GYNs and naturopathic doctors, help provide exactly what you need to support your body on your path to parenthood.