Many couples who have trouble getting pregnant may assume that they need assistance from a fertility doctor, but there are other methods to try before going that route. For those who prefer natural remedies, vitamins for fertility may seem appealing. Fortunately, there are various vitamins on the market that claim to improve the chances of pregnancy, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and B-12.
Vitamin C is considered helpful for men to take when trying to conceive a baby with their partner. Not only does it decrease the incidence of sperm clumping together, but it also neutralizes the amount of abnormally shaped sperm that cigarette smoke causes. Therefore, vitamin C can enhance sperm mobility and reduce the amount of damaged sperm. It is recommended that men take up to 1000 mg of this vitamin per day to see results. Note that women should only take the amount of vitamin C that is in a prenatal vitamin, since too much of this substance can dry up cervical mucus, decreasing fertility.
Among the best vitamins for fertility is vitamin E, which is known to improve egg quality in women. Females are advised to take at least 400 i.u. of this kind of substance. Men can also benefit from these vitamins for fertility, as vitamin E can improve the potency of sperm. Men should take the same amount as woman each day, and it is helpful to take it with vitamin C to increase absorption.
Male fertility is also assisted with zinc, since a deficiency of this substance can cause low testosterone levels and unhealthy sperm. To improve sperm count and quality, men should take at least 15 mg per day with a full glass of water. While zinc is not known as one of the top vitamins for fertility for women, it is often found in prenatal vitamins, so additional zinc is not usually needed to increase female fertility.
Another of the little-known vitamins for fertility is B-12, which is especially helpful in men. Males who smoke or ingest lots of processed foods are usually deficient in this vitamin, so adding at least 100 mcg to their diet daily can help with fertility. It is known to help ensure that the right amount of testosterone is present, resulting in optimal sperm count. Women can also benefit from an increase in vitamin B-12, and as a bonus, it is known for decreasing the rate of neural tube defects in unborn babies.
