Written by: Dr. Amy Beckley, PhD, Founder and Inventor of the Proov test — the first and only FDA-cleared test to confirm successful ovulation at home.
What to Know About Nutrition, Supplements & Fertility
If you’re curious about the best fertility pills to get pregnant, then you’ve come to the right place! Today’s blog is all about the basics of nutritional supplements and vitamins to get pregnant.
Each of the recommended supplements are excellent for female reproductive health and increasing the potential of pregnancy, but they also have a lot to do with overall health!
Not shocking, since the reproductive system is only one of many systems that make up the human body. Health in one area is likely to benefit other areas of the body. Still, we advise consulting with your doctor before beginning any new supplement regimen.
With that said, let’s jump into the 8 supplements and vitamins that help you get pregnant!
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Vitamin D
While you read this article, we suggest enjoying a few minutes in the sun! The sun provides our bodies with Vitamin D, which is critical for the functioning of the body’s major systems.
Still, most of us can’t get the amount of Vitamin D that we need from simply being outdoors. In fact, it’s suspected that most humans have chronically low Vitamin D levels. Over the last few years, researchers began to suspect a relationship between Vitamin D levels and fertility outcomes.
While Vitamin D is available over the counter, it is possible to consume too much. So we suggest having your Vitamin D levels tested before supplementing, in order to get the perfect amount.
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Folic Acid
The same thing can be said about folic acid. Because folic acid is so critical to the health of early pregnancies (it reduces the risk of conditions like neural tube abnormalities), it’s been added to grain products in order to prevent that likelihood. Foods like enriched flours, pastas, breads, and cereals all contain added folic acid.
You want to get about 800mcg of folic acid a day for the health benefits of the baby, but anything over 1,000mcg is considered above the safe upper limit for most adults.
While you’re at it, check out methylfolate instead of folic acid. Methylfolate is the more natural form and is more effective for women with a genetic mutation called MTHFR, which prevents the body from processing folic acid.
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oils)
Although there’s more research to be done, early studies show that women taking Omega-3 Fatty Acids (often found in fish oils) are more likely to conceive. These studies have tested women undergoing IVF, as well as natural conceptions.
It’s not surprising when you think about what Omega-3 Fatty acids do for female fertility. Most specifically, Omega-3 fatty acids break down in order to support the developing egg. In fact, the more fatty acids found in the developing egg, the higher the ATP - which basically means that the egg is strong and healthy.
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Vitamin E
Vitamin E plays a critical role in the health of the entire body by counteracting stress caused by free radicals. (Free radicals are the frequent cause of the development of cancer, as well.) Free radicals can have an especially negative effect on the sensitive reproductive process required for early pregnancy. When the body undergoes high levels of oxidative stress, pregnancy complications are more common.
That’s why Vitamin E can be so helpful when trying to conceive!
Studies show that vitamin E fights oxidative stress from free radicals and reduces the incidence of oxidative stress related pregnancy issues. As further support, when Vitamin E was tested in abnormal pregnancies, the concentration was found to be low.
(P.S. Proov Balancing Oil contains Vitamin E!)
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CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10)
CoQ10 is an enzyme that is naturally produced by the body to support growth and maintenance, two very important aspects of the reproductive system. The body can begin to produce less of this enzyme as we age, so it can be helpful to supplement CoQ10 when trying to conceive.
Studies show that this supplementation benefits women trying to get pregnant, even those who are diagnosed with poor ovarian reserve or polycystic ovarian reserve.
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Selenium
Selenium is an underrated mineral that can pack a mighty punch when it comes to fertility and pregnancy success. Selenium contributes to the proper function of the immunological system (which is important in pregnancy). Without proper levels, the deficiency may lead to miscarriages, gestational complications, and nervous/immunological damage to the fetus.
But Selenium will benefit your entire body, not just your reproductive system! It’s known to reduce instances of cancer and protect the body against damage from heavy metals.
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Zinc
Like Vitamin E, Zinc helps the body fight against oxidative stress and free radicals. It plays an important role in reproductive development, ovulation, and the menstrual cycle overall. While it’s the second most abundant element in the body, it can’t be stored. So ensuring you have daily nutritional sources of zinc makes a big difference.
But did you know that zinc is especially important for male fertility? Yes, it still serves as an anti-inflammatory (fighting against those free radicals), but it also helps proper production of sperm, serves as an antibacterial agent in the male urethra, and reduces the production of abnormal sperm.
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Proov Herbal Supplements
Don’t forget the role certain herbs can play in helping to regulate and strengthen the menstrual cycle! At Proov, we’ve combined key herbs into powerful supplements with the goal of helping promote optimal hormone production!
Pro Herbal Supplement
Our Pro supplement combines vitex, ashwagandha, and maca to help support the progesterone production in your luteal phase. These herbs specifically support your body’s ability to produce healthy progesterone levels.
Block Herbal Supplement
Our Block supplement supports your body’s ability to metabolize estrogen, i.e. it helps the body rid itself of excess estrogen. Herbs DIM, grape seed extract, and black pepper fruit extract work together to accomplish this.
