The best fertility supplements recommended by Fertility Dietitian UK  

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Fertility is a journey, and navigating the vast array of supplements available can be overwhelming. As a Fertility Dietitian in the UK, I often get asked about the best fertility supplements and prenatal vitamins. In this blog, I will provide evidence-based recommendations on the best fertility supplements to help you make informed decisions. Let’s dive in!

The best prenatal vitamins

If you’re trying to conceive, a high-quality prenatal supplement is one of the best investments you can make. Prenatal supplements are multivitamins that contain essential nutrients to support fertility. We recommend starting a prenatal supplement three months before trying to conceive to enhance egg quality and fill any nutrient gaps.

Why take a prenatal supplement 

Evidence shows that taking a prenatal supplement alongside a fertility-supporting diet can significantly boost your chances of conception. Here are some benefits:

  • Reduce Nutrient Deficiencies: Prenatal supplements help cover any nutritional gaps, lowering levels of certain nutrients linked to unexplained infertility and increased time to pregnancy.
  • Strengthen Antioxidant Defences: They protect eggs from damage.
  • Reduce Ovulatory Problems: Ovulatory issues are a common cause of infertility, and supplements can help mitigate this.
  • Support AMH Levels: Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels, a marker of ovarian reserve, can be supported with the right nutrients.

How to choose the best prenatal fertility supplement for you 

With many products on the market, it’s important to choose one that fits your needs. Here’s what to look for:

  • Vitamin D: Lower levels are associated with infertility. Ensure your supplement contains at least 10mcg.
  • Folate or Folic Acid: Critical for DNA production, egg quality, and implantation. Look for at least 400mcg.
  • Antioxidants: Look for vitamins C, E, and selenium to combat oxidative stress.
  • Zinc: Essential for the egg maturation process.
  • Iodine: Important for thyroid function and reducing the risk of unexplained infertility.
  • B Vitamins: Vitamins B12 and B6 are crucial, as insufficient levels are common in infertile women.

Which is the best prenatal vitamin to buy?

There are many different products on the market but our top recommendations include

  • Proceive – Contains high levels of fertility-supporting ingredients, including 400mcg of methyl folate. Great for those starting their journey.
  • Proceive Max – Offers higher nutrient amounts, ideal for those seeking maximum support.

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  • Pregnacare– Includes 400mcg of folic acid and 10mcg of vitamin D, along with 17 other fertility-supporting nutrients.
  • Pregnacare Max – Contains methylfolate and omega-3 fatty acids, offering a comprehensive 2-in-1 solution.
  • Zita West Vitafem – Provides a thorough mix of nutrients, including 400mcg of methylfolate, B vitamins, zinc, selenium, and more.

Methyl folate vs folic acid 

Prenatal supplements may contain vitamin B9 in its natural form (methylfolate) or its synthetic form (folic acid). A risk factor for neural tube defects is to have low folate levels. Both forms increase blood folate levels which corrects the risk factor of folate deficiency, but currently, public health guidance recommends folic acid to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. If your prenatal supplement contains methylfolate you can safely add 400 mcg of folic acid if you wish.

Methyl folate may be considered over folic acid in some situations, for example, people who carry the MTHFR gene may not be able to convert folic acid to the active form of folate in the body. There is also some evidence to suggest that methyl folate could be explored in situations of recurrent miscarriage or recurrent implantation failure.  

Our other top fertility supplement recommendations 

For specific needs, other supplements might be beneficial. Here are our top recommendations to help you on your fertility journey.

The best coq10 supplements for fertility 

If you are over the age of 35, adding a coenzyme q10 supplement to your regime can be one of the best fertility supplement choices you can make. CoQ10 is crucial for energy production and can help support egg production, maturation, and quality. 

  • Zita West Kaneka Ubiquinol- Ubiquinol is the active form of CoQ10 and is up to 70% more bioavailable than ubiquinone making it a potent choice to enhance your fertility efforts.

Fertility supplements for PCOS

For those with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), myoinositol can be particularly beneficial. It helps regulate menstrual cycles, restore ovulation, improve egg and embryo quality, and enhance clinical pregnancy rates. With regards to doses, 4mg/day of myo-inositol alone or a combination of myo-inositol and d-chiro inositol in a 40:1 ratio can support outcomes. 

This supplement has also been shown to increase clinical pregnancy rate in women undergoing IVF by improving egg and embryo quality and improving response to ovarian stimulation. 

Here are our top recommendations for the best myoinositol for PCOS and to support IVF outcomes: 

Myoinositol alone:

  • Inofolic alpha – The recommended dose provides 4g of myoinositol and 400 mcg of folic acid in sachet form. 
  • My ova – contains 4g of myoinositol alongside 200 mcg of folate, a small amount of vitamin B6, and chromium in tablet form. 
  • Nature’s best – 4g provides 4g of myoinositol in powdered form, can be stirred easily into drinks. 

Myoinositol + D chiro inositol in a 40:1 ratio:

The best omega-3 supplements for fertility

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that must be consumed through diet or supplements. They are beneficial for supporting ovarian reserve, egg quality, and improving IVF outcomes. Omega-3 supplements are particularly important if you do not consume 1-2 portions of oily fish weekly. Research indicates that even those who consume omega-3 through food can benefit from supplementation.

We recommended to consume around 500-1000mg per day. . 

The Bottom Line

Choosing the best fertility supplements can be a game-changer on your journey to conception. Always consult with your healthcare provider or a fertility dietitian to tailor the best approach for your specific needs. With the right support and supplements, you are taking control of your journey.