Vitamins For The IVF Journey

For many women, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is the only pathway to successfully build or expand a family. Whether because of known or unknown fertility reasons, the most popular artificial reproductive technology (ART) has some of the highest success rates compared to other methods. Although IVF is incredibly effective at helping women and couples get pregnant, participants can boost conception odds by incorporating a healthier lifestyle before starting fertility treatments. Specifically, improving nutrition and adding select vitamins can go a long way towards improving outcomes. Here are a few key vitamins to consider discussing at that next fertility appointment.

Prenatal vitamins

Probably of all the vitamins a woman can take, the prenatal vitamin is considered the Holy Grail. However, where most individuals get the idea wrong is by assuming that only a pregnant person can take a prenatal. Yet, the opposite is true. Even for women and couples trying to get pregnant naturally, doctors usually recommend taking prenatal vitamins well before even attempting to conceive. The cornerstone supplement contains both DHA and folic acid, which are essential for fetal development. Adding a prenatal to a daily regimen before starting an IVF cycle can help prime the body and improve implantation odds after the embryo transfer step. Even men can benefit as research suggests that prenatal vitamins are good for sperm health.

The sunshine vitamin

Vitamin D is also casually referred to as the sunshine vitamin but deficiencies are one of the most common health issues people face. In many instances, not getting enough sun exposure prevents the body from properly processing the nutrient. Vitamin D is responsible for bone health as well as immunity. Some research suggests that having higher levels of the nutrient could potentially lower the risk of babies developing autism.

CoQ10

Another essential nutrient is coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and is a naturally occurring component found in the body. Even outside of fertility, the antioxidant is credited with preventing cell damage, and regulating metabolism. Women undergoing IVF may also reap additional benefits. Research has shown that CoQ10 can boost egg health for people that often have lower success rates, specifically older women and individuals with poor ovarian reserve. A recent study reviewed IVF participants and discovered that CoQ10 use tended to yield more clinical pregnancy results when compared against placebo groups.

Ask a doctor before popping a pill

Supplementation can be a smart way to improve conception odds, especially for women or couples that are facing lower success rates, when taken before and during an IVF round. However, not all vitamins are created equal. Likewise, underlying health concerns or even prescription medications a person is already taking might not interact well with certain supplements. So, before heading to the vitamin aisle, speak with a fertility specialist to get the full story.