Vitamin A: 5000 IU (international
units)
This vitamin contains important antioxidants
to fight toxins. It is also important for
DNA replication. It is important to have
good levels of vitamin A at the time of
conception since it is vital to the developing
embryo. Prenatal vitamins contain the vegetable
version of vitamin A or beta carotene. This
is a healthy form of vitamin A and should
be taken to benefit you and your coming
baby. Be sure to avoid animal form of vitamin
A or retinol. An excess of vitamin A can
be damaging to the growing fetus.
Vitamin B: B1 (1.5 mg), B2 (1.6
mg), B3 (17 mg), B6 (2.2 mg), Folic (400
mcg-1mg), B12 (2.2 mcg), Pantothenic acid
(5 mg), Biotin (35 mcg)
This family of vitamins is vital for maintaining
a healthy nervous system, for the production
of DNA and for proper hormonal balance.
Most prenatal vitamins contain them. They
regulate hormone balance, especially progesterone.
Research shows that B vitamins raise progesterone
levels in women with irregular periods and
consequently boost their fertility.
B12 has been instrumental in improving male
sperm count. It is critical to red blood
cell formation and nervous system function.
Insufficiency may cause anemia and affect
ovulation.
Folic is very important and all women are
advised to take it when planning to have
a family. It reduces the risk of spina bifida
and other neural tube birth defects and
helps in the prevention of cervical dysplasia.
Folic is also important for the formation
of healthy cells, which is necessary for
DNA production and cell division.
Vitamin B6 helps the body metabolize excess
estrogen, produce sufficient progesterone
and lower prolactin levels. Deficiency in
B6 can cause miscarriage to occur as estrogen
levels shoot up and progesterone levels
drop.
B2 helps in the thyroid function which is
necessary for ovulatory and menstrual health.
B1 is necessary for proper metabolism and
is vital for the release of energy from
carbohydrates, fats and generally aids digestion.
During pregnancy it helps in fetal growth.
Vitamin C: 500-1000 mg
Another important antioxidant, it helps
your body fight infection and strengthens
your immunity. It is needed to assimilate
iron; vitamin C helps in the absorption
of this mineral so it should be taken with
iron. In right doses vitamin C is known
to aid in the ovulation process. However
an excess can interfere with ovulation since
research shows that it can dry up cervical
mucus and prevent sperm from reaching the
egg. It becomes especially important for
people who smoke.
Vitamin D: 400 IU
Vitamin D is required for the necessary
metabolism of calcium and phosphorus. Excessive
amounts can result in birth defects.
Vitamin E: 200 IU
Also termed the anti-sterility vitamin,
it has been linked to increased fertility
in both men and women. It is a potent antioxidant
that balances hormone production and ensures
regular ovulation. Vitamin E plays a vital
role in the reproductive function. It aids
in the production of cervical mucus, boosts
the sperm quality and helps in preserving
your fertility longer.
Iron: 30 mg of ferrous fumarate
Iron is responsible for the production of
hemoglobin. It is important to maintain
good levels of iron at the preconception
stage since baby will draw on your reserve
of irons during pregnancy. Iron taken with
vitamin C (this vitamin increases its absorption
power) improves fertility. Insufficiency
can cause anemia which in turn will interfere
with menstrual function and ovulation. Iron
supplement can cause constipation so up
your water and fiber intake.
Zinc: 30 mg
An antioxidant, this mineral plays a vital
role in normal cell division. In pregnant
women it is important for the development
of fetus. Zinc is needed for the proper
processing of genetic materials. A lack
can prove damaging to the FSH and LH hormones
and interfere with the thyroid function
as well. Deficiency can lead to an increased
risk of infertility. Zinc plays a major
role in sperm motility and in females it
helps in the proper balance of estrogen
and progesterone.
Calcium: 1200 mcg
Deficiency may create ovulation problems.
This mineral is also required for strong
bones and teeth. It is important to build
reserves as your baby will draw from it
during your pregnancy.
Selenium: 100 mcg
Another antioxidant, selenium minimizes
the risk of miscarriage and prevents damage
to the sperm. It helps prevent chromosome
from breaking and damage to the DNA which
are responsible for birth defects and miscarriages.
Women deficient in this mineral are likely
to face fertility problems. Again, selenium
helps sperm production in the male.
Magnesium: 300 mg
According to research it is one of the most
important minerals affecting a woman's ability
to conceive and maintain the pregnancy itself.
It helps correct unexplained infertility.
Chromium: 100 mg
This mineral is required for proper metabolism
which results in adequate functioning of
the reproductive system.
Copper: 2 mg
Copper aids in the body's use of iron which
then prevents the incidence of anemia and
the disruption to ovulation.
Iodine: 170 mcg
This mineral is crucial to proper thyroid
function which is important for the mother-to-be.
Vitamins and minerals need to work in harmony
for optimum results; all nutrients depend
on each other to function properly. Fertility
supplement becomes effective in rebalancing
your hormones and improving overall health
and fertility if key nutrients are packed
together. It might be a good idea to meet
up with a good healthcare professional who
can guide you appropriately, especially
when infertility is an issue with you but
you wish to try conceiving the natural way
i.e. through good diet and fertility supplements.
