The journey to conception is an incredible and complex process, with female fertility at its core. In recent years, the role of prenatal supplements in supporting women trying to conceive has gained significant attention. This blog post explores the science behind how prenatal supplements contribute to female fertility, why they are essential for women on the conception journey, and how to identify a quality prenatal supplement.
Understanding Pregnancy Nutrients: Deficiencies, Risks, and the Role of Prenatal Supplements:
Female fertility is a delicate interplay of various factors, including hormonal balance, nutrient status, and overall reproductive health. To set the stage for a successful conception, women must ensure that their bodies are equipped with the necessary nutrients. Prenatals bridge the gap that may be lacking in your diet for extra nutrient needs in pregnancy.
Throughout pregnancy, the depletion of nutrient levels, encompassing vital vitamins such as A, C, D, K, B1, B3, B5, B6, folate, biotin, B12, choline, and DHA, alongside essential minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium, and zinc, is a common occurrence (1)(2). This decline in nutrients elevates the risk of various pregnancy complications and health issues for the infant. Research underscores the connection between inadequate vitamin intake and a spectrum of complications and conditions, including anemia, c-section, depression to gestational diabetes, hypertension, infertility, miscarriage, and preeclampsia. The repercussions of these nutrient deficiencies extend beyond the mother, impacting the infant with potential issues such as asthma, autism, low birth weight, heart defects, impaired development, neural tube defects, rickets, hypothyroidism, and facial or oral defects (1)(2).
Prenatal supplements help address deficiencies by providing targeted nourishment and strategically meeting the heightened nutrient demands during pregnancy. Prenatal supplements can significantly contribute to the healthy development of the fetus, influencing critical factors such as neural tube formation and organ development. Furthermore, a well-rounded prenatal supplement is meticulously crafted to enhance the immune system, ensuring a robust response during pregnancy.
Key Nutrients in Prenatal Supplements:
- Folate: Folate, a pivotal B vitamin found in numerous prenatal supplements, stands as a cornerstone for early pregnancy. Its significance extends to the prevention of neural tube defects and the promotion of overall maternal well-being during pregnancy (3).
- Vitamin B12: B vitamins play a crucial role in preserving hormonal homeostasis. A deficiency in B12 has been linked to challenges in conception (4). When combined with folate, vitamin B12 has shown an association with an increased likelihood of successful pregnancies and live births (5).
- Vitamin E: Oxidative stress can influence the quality of eggs, a concern often addressed by prenatal supplements incorporating antioxidants such as Vitamin E. This essential nutrient has demonstrated its positive impact on fertility by safeguarding reproductive cells (6).
- Vitamin A: Keeping a close eye on Vitamin A intake is crucial for preventing birth defects, but a delicate approach is paramount. The ideal prenatal supplement should deliver a precisely measured dose of Vitamin A in its most absorbable form, fostering organ development without the concern of potential excess doses (7).
- Choline: Choline, an indispensable nutrient, plays a pivotal role in the intricate development of the fetus. Its impact extends to crucial aspects such as the development of the spine and brain, underscoring its status as an essential nutrient for optimal fetal growth and well-being (8).
- Iodine: Iodine, a vital trace mineral, helps shield against the risks of miscarriage, stillbirths, and birth defects. Its pivotal role in maintaining the stability of thyroid hormones is not only crucial for the overall well-being of the mother but also plays a fundamental role in the development of the growing baby (9).
Identifying a Quality Prenatal Supplement
- Active Forms of Nutrients: Select a prenatal supplement that incorporates the active forms of nutrients in the most natural state. For instance, prioritize folate over folic acid, considering that folate is the naturally occurring form of the vitamin and is more easily absorbed. And take it one step further by choosing a supplement with the methylated form of nutrients, such as folate in the form of methylfolate, or vitamin B12 as methylcobalamin cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12). Opting for these active forms ensures optimal absorption, particularly beneficial for individuals with specific genetic variations influencing nutrient metabolism.
- Third-Party Testing: Reputable prenatal supplements undergo third-party testing for quality and potency. Certifications from organizations like NSF, Informed-Choice, or USP indicate that the product meets stringent quality standards.
- Free from Contaminants: Quality prenatal supplements are free from contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and additives. Certificates of analysis or independent testing results can provide insights into the purity of the supplement.
- Comprehensive Nutrient Profile: A quality prenatal supplement should have a well-rounded nutrient profile, addressing the key requirements for female fertility. This includes a balance of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Consider Individual Needs: Every woman's body is unique, and individual nutritional needs may vary. Consider factors such as pre-existing health conditions, dietary restrictions, and lifestyle when choosing a prenatal supplement.
In conclusion, prenatal supplements play a pivotal role in supporting female fertility throughout the conception journey by providing essential nutrients essential for reproductive health. However, it's important to note that supplementing with a prenatal does not exempt one from maintaining a nutritious and varied diet. A commitment to a balanced diet remains integral for overall well-being, fertility, and pregnancy.
For women trying to conceive, choosing a quality prenatal supplement is a proactive step toward creating an optimal environment for conception and a healthy pregnancy. As we navigate the complexities of fertility prenatal supplementation provides a tangible way for women to support their bodies during their fertility journey. By understanding the key nutrients involved and identifying a high-quality supplement, women can empower themselves with the knowledge to make informed choices on the path to conception.
Learn more about our Prenatal Supplement and other basic supplements to support fertility with our Fab For Life Naturals Fertility Collection.
- Adams, J.B., Kirby, J.K., Sorensen, J.C.et al. Evidence based recommendations for an optimal prenatal supplement for women in the US: vitamins and related nutrients. matern health, neonatol and perinatol 8, 4 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40748-022-00139-9
- Adams, J. B., Sorenson, J. C., Pollard, E. L., Kirby, J. K., & Audhya, T. (2021). Evidence-Based Recommendations for an Optimal Prenatal Supplement for Women in the U.S., Part Two: Minerals.Nutrients, 13(6), 1849. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13061849
- Greenberg, J. A., Bell, S. J., & Guan, Y. (2011). Folic Acid supplementation and pregnancy: more than just neural tube defect prevention. Journal of Nutrition, 141(3), 477-478.
- Agbalalah, T., Robert, F. O., & Amabebe, E. (2023). Impact of vitamin B12 on the reproductive health of women with sickle cell disease: a narrative review.Reproduction & fertility, 4(3), e230015. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1530/RAF-23-0015
- Cirillo, M., Fucci, R., Rubini, S., Coccia, M. E., & Fatini, C. (2021). 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate and Vitamin B12 Supplementation Is Associated with Clinical Pregnancy and Live Birth in Women Undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology.International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(23), 12280. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182312280
- Showell, M. G., Mackenzie-Proctor, R., Jordan, V., Hart, R. J. (2017). Antioxidants for female subfertility. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 15(1), 1-9.
- West, A. A., Caudill, M. A., & Sasso, A. H. (2002). Maximizing the benefits of vitamin A in prevention of iron deficiency. Nutrition reviews, 60(6), 176–185.
- Zeisel S. H. (2006). Choline: critical role during fetal development and dietary requirements in adults.Annual review of nutrition, 26, 229–250. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.nutr.26.061505.111156
- Mathews, D. M., Johnson, N. P., Sim, R. G., O'Sullivan, S., Peart, J. M., & Hofman, P. L. (2021). Iodine and fertility: do we know enough?.Human reproduction (Oxford, England), 36(2), 265–274. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deaa312
