Anyone going through their fertility journey will know how disheartening it can feel and as though you have no control over your body. That’s why many of us are choosing to take fertility supplements and vitamins to make sure we’re doing everything we can to boost our fertility before taking the next steps.
But do these fertility supplements really work and are they worth our money? Or can we get all the goodness from fertility superfoods? We caught up with Embryologist and Fertility Coach at Béa Fertility, Sandy Christiansen to get her expert opinion on everything fertility supplements to find out whether or not they’re something we should be taking.
Why should women take fertility supplements or vitamins?
We know that eating a nutritious and balanced diet is great for your health, and according to Sandy there is research to suggest certain nutrients can have a positive impact on your fertility.
“In the same way it impacts pretty much every area of our health, our diet can have an important role to play in supporting fertility. Taking certain supplements and vitamins can help to support this and may boost chances of conception. There is some research to suggest that different nutrients can have a positive impact on ovulation, implantation, and egg or sperm quality, for example.”
What are the best fertility supplements and vitamins to boost women's fertility?
www.vitabiotics.com
“Folic acid is an important supplement for female fertility. As well as preventing certain birth defects, it can help to support the reproductive organs, including the ovaries and encourage a healthy pregnancy."
Review: "I have to have these on a daily basis and I love how affordable these are. On top of how cheap these are, they do a deal buy two and get one free. I couldn't be happier."
Pros
- Suitable for men and women
- Also formulated with Vitamin B12
- Helps combat tiredness and fatigue
Cons
- Can sometimes cause bloating or wind
www.hollandandbarrett.com
“There is a fair amount of research to suggest that Vitamin D can have a positive impact on female fertility, and may help in particular with conditions such as PCOS and endometriosis."
Review: “I can see the difference! I was taking 1000IU in summer time and you know what I was still lack of vitamin D according to my GP but when started taking 4000IU I felt huge difference in my mood.”
Pros
- Keeps bones healthy
- Boosts mood
Cons
- Taking too much over a long period can cause a calcium build up
www.hollandandbarrett.com
“Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant and is thought to help protect egg quality by fighting against oxidative stress and free radicals."
Review: “I have ME/cfs and unfortunately a number of other health conditions that cause fatigue, so I wasn’t expecting much. I can’t really tell what these tablets do when I’m taking them, only that I notice a definite difference when I miss one or two (I’m usually bedridden with a horribly low mood when I forget to take one). They’re the only supplement I’ve tried that have done anything for my fatigue at all.”
Pros
- Good for a range of organs
- Supports energy levels
Cons
- Some customers found some capsules were missing from their bottles
www.hollandandbarrett.com
"Omega 3 fatty acids are thought to also be a helpful supplement to support regular menstruation, healthy egg quality and balanced hormones.”
Review: “I have been using these capsules for at least 3 years and that goes to say that I am pleased with the results. Once a day dosing it is convenient.”
Pros
- Supports heart health
- Supports vision
Cons
- Some customers found they left an unpleasant after taste
Are there any fertility supplements men can take?
It's not just your fertility you'll need to consider, your partners fertility matter too. While there are plenty of foods to boost his sperm count, it's also a good idea to have a chat with your partner to discuss the different supplements he could be taking to help boost your chances of conceiving.
“Just as with female health, vitamins and supplements can play an important role in supporting male fertility too.
“Zinc is thought to have a positive effect on sperm quality and production, and so are Omega 3 fatty acids. Meanwhile, vitamins C and E and Coenzyme Q10 are all antioxidants, which can help to protect semen from the impact of oxidative stress and free radicals, potentially improving sperm quality and boosting fertility as a result.”
www.hollandandbarrett.com
Not only can zinc help sperm quality, but it's also beneficial for the immune system, too. If you're not getting enough in your diet, it can impact your health.
Review: “I use various products from H&B and find them all beneficial we all need an extra boost to our immune system and I find these help”
Pros
- Boosts your immune system
- Good for bone health
Cons
- Some customers found them difficult to swallow
www.hollandandbarrett.com
Vitamin C is vitally important to our overall health and its antioxidant properties can help protect semen. Vitamin C is also great for skin and collagen production.
Review: “I take daily dose of Vitamin C and find this aids my overall immune system”
Pros
- Reduces tiredness and fatigue
- Boosts collagen production
Cons
- Tablets are large and may be difficult to swallow
www.hollandandbarrett.com
Ideal for helping the body's cells recover after exercise, Vitamin E is ideal if your partner enjoys regular intense exercise.
Review: “Helped me a lot with boosting my energy and keeping me fighting viral infections”
Pros
- Good for exercise recovery
- Recommended for those with sun damage
Cons
- Some felt they were difficult to swallow due to hard shell
Do you need to check with a GP before taking fertility supplements?
“It’s always a good idea to speak to your GP or fertility advisor before you begin taking any new supplements. They will be able to give you tailored advice based on your unique situation and medical history, and support you to navigate finding the right supplements for you and help you to use them safely.”
When is the best time to start taking fertility supplements?
“If you’re actively trying to conceive, the earlier you start taking fertility supplements, the sooner they are likely to have an impact on your overall health and fertility. Speak to your GP or a trusted health professional if you’re unsure whether or not to begin taking fertility supplements, or when. It’s good to know your options, even if you ultimately decide not to take any supplements during your fertility journey.”
Can other supplements interfere with fertility?
“Some supplements can interfere with thyroid hormones, which in turn can have an impact on ovulation and progesterone production so if you have a known thyroid condition, it’s particularly important to discuss supplements with your GP.
“You should also be mindful of protein shakes and powders, as excessive intake can have a negative impact on testosterone levels and sperm production.
Will fertility supplements affect my periods?
“Most fertility supplements shouldn’t interfere with your menstrual cycle. If you’re concerned, or you notice any unusual changes in your period, it’s important to make an appointment with your GP to make sure there is nothing else going on that might be affecting your menstruation.”
What are some of the side effects of fertility supplements?
“For the most part, if you’re taking vitamins or supplements to support your fertility, they shouldn’t be causing any nasty side effects. However, certain supplements - especially those containing hormones - may cause symptoms in some people. These can include nausea, headaches, stomach cramps and breast tenderness. If you experience any side effects, it’s a good idea to check in with your GP to make sure there’s no alternative cause, and to discuss whether or not you need to stop taking the supplement.”
Fertility supplements you may want to try
Whether you prefer to just take the one tablet or you think you're getting all your fertility-boosting nutrients from your diet and just need an overall fertility supplement to give you a boost, then there are many fertility supplements on the market you may want to try. Just know that they aren't cheap which is why it may be more cost-effective to target specific vitamins and nutrients you might be lacking through individual vitamins or a more balanced diet.
www.hollandandbarrett.com
These contain Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Zinc Oxide, CoEnzyme Q1O, Vitamin B6, Vitamin D3, Vitamin B12, Folic acid, Vitamin K1 and more.
Review: “So before I started taking these I had two children that I was lucky enough to conceive quite fast!! When we decided to have a third we thought the same would happen again but it didn’t. We were trying for about 10 months before I tried these. Coincidence or not I got pregnant with my third child on the second month of using these. We have just decided to have our fourth and last child and I thought I would take these from the start, and again two months after starting them I’ve just found out I’m pregnant again!! I definitely think these tablets had something to do with it! Obviously they might not work for everyone but they worked for me!”
Pros
- All-in-one supplement
- Only two tablets per day
Cons
- Don't work for everyone
myexpertmidwife.com
Contains folate, Vitamin C, Zinc, Vitamin D, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12.
Review: "I spoke to my expert midwife about a miscarriage I’d had and they were nothing but supportive to me and even sent me some supplements for myself and my partner, I’m so incredibly grateful and we’ve just finished our first months worth, onto the next month now, really praying this will be our lucky month! Can’t thank the team enough for their kindness, they really do care it’s clear to see."
Pros
- Option to open capsule and sprinkle into food
- Vegan
Cons
- Again, didn't work for everyone
About the expert
Sandy Christiansen, MSc is an Embryologist and award-winning fertility coach with over a decade of experience working in fertility clinics around the world. She is a HCPC registered Clinical Scientist, ESHRE certified Clinical Embryologist and highly experienced fertility coach.
Lorna White is the Senior Digital Writer for Mother&Baby. After running the Yours magazine website, specialising in content about caring for kids and grandchildren, Lorna brought her expertise to Mother&Baby in 2020. She has a keen interest in a range of topics from potty training and nutrition to baby names and early development and has a wide range of experienced medical experts and professionals at her fingertips. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her two young sisters, dog walking and enjoying the outdoors with her family.