Does Taking Certain Vitamins Help with IVF Success?
Men and women who are trying to start families of their own often wonder if there are certain foods they should be eating or supplements that should be taking in order to increase their chances of successful pregnancy. While we at the Center for Fertility and Gynecology want to stress that there is no magic bullet for pregnancy, we have provided patients through the greater Los Angeles with dietary tips and advice that has seemed to help them to a certain degree. This applies to those who are trying to conceive naturally or people who are undergoing advanced reproductive medicine treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). We'd like to use this post as an opportunity to consider some helpful vitamins and minerals for pregnancy.
Which vitamins are helpful for fertility and IVF treatment?
Research has found that these vitamins and minerals have been particularly helpful when it comes to enhancing fertility and preventing birth defects.
Vitamin C - Vitamin C helps improve the overall quality of a man's sperm, preventing potential birth defects as well as the sperm clumping together.
Vitamin E - Vitamin E has been noted to boost IVF success, with some suggesting that it improves general fertility.
Folic Acid - Folic acid is crucial for preventing birth defects in children, particularly those that affect the fetus in early stages of development.
Selenium - Selenium has shown a remarkable ability to prevent birth defects and also boost sperm count.
Zinc - Zinc is crucial for the proper function of male and female sex hormones, improving fertility in the process.
Iron - If a woman suffers from an iron deficiency, iron is key for improving health and fertility.
Beta-Carotene - Beta-carotene is essential for protecting the eggs and sperm from free radicals, and in the process potentially preventing birth defects.
Should I be taking vitamin supplements to improve my fertility?
While taking vitamins can be very helpful for your fertility, we suggest that you consult with your physician before undertaking any sort of supplement regimen. Each person is different, and so are his or her dietary needs.
Eating Healthy and Leading a Healthy Lifestyle Is Ideal
In many cases, it's ideal for people to be eating healthy foods rather than just taking supplements since there are many other benefits to eating right that can potentially improve your fertility and chances of getting pregnant.
In essence, eating healthy and leading an active and healthy lifestyle are both crucial for overall wellness. If you are trying to conceive, be sure to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and that you eat lean meats and foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Exercise is also very important for maintaining a healthy weight and ensuring that you feel your best.
Find Out About Your Fertility Treatment Options
If you would like to learn more about all of your options for starting a family of your own and enhancing your fertility, be sure to contact our reproductive health and fertility specialists today. Our entire team looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve your goals of starting a family.
