You should take a prenatal vitamin before you become pregnant, not just when you find out that you are having a baby. Along with prenatal vitamins, there are additional supplements that may improve your fertility health and help with conception. But it is best to start taking supplements a few months or more before conception, since it may take a few months to get their full benefits. There are so many supplements available. But to keep things simple, here are six that have the best chance of giving your fertility a boost and increase your chance of having a baby.

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Co Enzyme Q 10 (also called Coq10):

Coq10 is a natural antioxidant. It is the source of fuel for mitochondria and is needed for the basic functioning of cells. Our recommendation: If you are up to 37 years old take 200-400 mg and if you are over 37 years old take 400-600 mg.

Vitamin D3

Studies have shown that despite taking a prenatal vitamin, women were still low in Vitamin D. There is typically not enough Vitamin D added to a prenatal pill so it is important to check.  Low Vitamin D levels in early life is linked to schizophrenia, diabetes and skeletal disease. Appropriate levels of Vitamin D intake can prevent or reduce depression, dementia, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. Our recommendation: Take 2,000-3,000 IU daily.

Folic Acid:

Protects the baby’s neural tube development. One study showed that women who got at least seven hundred micrograms (mcg) a day of folic acid from their diet were forty to fifty percent less likely to have ovulatory infertility then women taking less than three hundred micrograms[1]. Our recommendation: Take a minimum of 400 mcg daily.

Selenium:

Selenium is an antioxidant and protects cells from damage. Preliminary studies have shown that when taken by women this supplement may help prevent miscarriage. For men it is recommended to ensure viability of sperm. Our recommendation: Take 200 mg daily.

Vitamin E:

Helps to boost fertility and is a natural antioxidant. Vitamin E can help the fertilized egg stay attached to the uterine wall. Our recommendation: Take 500- 800 IU.

Herbs:

If you are interested in taking herbal support: Vitex (chasteberry) or Ashwagandha are herbs and aptogens that can be used to boost fertility. Do your research before supplementing with herbs. For example, ashwagandha carries potential side effects that range from headaches to digestive issues. Our recommendation is to speak with your doctor or nutritionist before supplementing with herbs.

Looking for more supplements to boost your fertility?

Those listed above were our top six supplements for boosting fertility. But you should also consider the benefits of:

• Vitamins B6 and B12
• Vitamin C
• Zinc
• Omega-3s
• Iron
• N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
• L-arginine
• Acetyl L-carnitine

A naturopathic doctor can help you manage dietary and lifestyle changes to optimize your health and your fertility.

Recommended reading:

[1] Chavarro, Willett & Skerrett. (2008). The Fertility Diary: The Groundbreaking Research Reveals Natural Ways to Boost Ovulation and Improve Your Chances of Getting Pregnant. McGraw Hill.

Original post August 23, 2021
Updated May 30, 2023