How do vitamins affect fertility?
How do vitamins affect fertility?
Certain vitamins and nutrients play a significant role in supporting fertility in both men and women. These vitamins help regulate reproductive hormones, support egg and sperm health, and enhance overall reproductive function. Here’s how specific vitamins affect fertility:
Folate (Vitamin B9):
Folate is essential for DNA synthesis and cell division, making it crucial for reproductive health. Adequate folate intake is important for women trying to conceive, as it helps prevent neural tube defects in the developing fetus. Folate also supports ovarian function and may improve egg quality. In men, folate is involved in sperm production and quality. Ensuring adequate intake of folate through diet or supplements is important for both male and female fertility (Goh & Bollano, 2019).
Vitamin D:
Vitamin D plays a role in regulating reproductive hormones and supporting fertility. In women, vitamin D receptors are present in the ovaries and endometrium, and adequate levels are associated with better reproductive outcomes, including higher rates of successful implantation and pregnancy. In men, vitamin D is linked to improved sperm quality and motility. Supplementing with vitamin D can help support fertility in individuals with low levels (Holick, 2007).
Vitamin E:
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect eggs and sperm from oxidative damage, which can impair fertility. In women, vitamin E supports the health of the reproductive organs and may improve the chances of successful conception. In men, vitamin E has been shown to improve sperm quality and motility. Ensuring adequate intake of vitamin E through diet or supplements can help enhance fertility (Meydani et al., 2004).
Zinc:
Although not a vitamin, zinc is a crucial mineral for reproductive health. In men, zinc is essential for sperm production, testosterone synthesis, and overall sperm quality. Zinc deficiency can lead to low sperm count and reduced fertility. In women, zinc supports ovulation and the maintenance of healthy eggs. Zinc-rich foods include oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds, or supplements can be used to ensure adequate intake (Prasad, 2008).
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10):
Although not a vitamin, CoQ10 is a vitamin-like substance that plays a role in energy production and antioxidant protection. CoQ10 has been shown to improve egg quality and ovarian response in women undergoing fertility treatments. In men, CoQ10 supplementation has been linked to improved sperm quality and motility. CoQ10 supplements may be beneficial for individuals experiencing fertility challenges (Littarru & Tiano, 2007).
Conclusion:
Vitamins and nutrients such as folate, vitamin D, vitamin E, zinc, and CoQ10 play significant roles in supporting fertility. These nutrients help regulate reproductive hormones, protect against oxidative damage, and enhance egg and sperm quality. Ensuring adequate intake through diet or supplements can help improve fertility in both men and women.
References:
Goh, Y. I., & Bollano, E. (2019). Prenatal supplementation with multivitamins containing folic acid and the risk of congenital anomalies: A meta-analysis. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada.
Holick, M. F. (2007). Vitamin D deficiency. The New England Journal of Medicine.
Meydani, S. N., et al. (2004). Vitamin E and respiratory infection in the elderly. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences.
Prasad, A. S. (2008). Zinc in human health: Effect of zinc on immune cells. Molecular Medicine.
Littarru, G. P., & Tiano, L. (2007). Clinical aspects of coenzyme Q10: An update. Nutrition.