My partner and I have been trying to conceive, what supplements could we take to help?

Q: My partner and I have been trying to conceive, what supplements could we take to help?

A:

It is estimated that around one in seven UK couples have trouble conceiving, with poor diet being one of the major contributory factors. Unfortunately, despite its importance for conception and fertility, a lack of nutrition can often be overlooked with the most common cause of infertility frequently being labelled as ‘unexplained’.

The nutritional status of an individual, either male or female, has a huge impact on the ability to conceive and there are certain nutrients known to be of paramount importance to conception as well as the health of the foetus whilst in the womb and the long-term development of the child.

For her:

Female fertility and the production of a normal oocyte (egg) relies on a healthy balance of all female hormones particularly oestrogen and progesterone.

Our Pregna-Plan is a comprehensive multivitamin and mineral, specifically formulated to provide nutrients for preconception planning and hormonal balance as well as all stages of pregnancy and breastfeeding including:

• Vitamin C - In females it is thought to help the endocrine system balance oestrogen and progesterone more effectively and thus aid ovulation.
• Folate supplementation is known to prevent several congenital malformations such as neural tube defects, but also has other effects on fertility and in combination with other B vitamins (such as Vitamin B12 and Vitamin B6), it has an important role in the production of DNA and RNA.
• Iodine plays an important role controlling the hormone cycle in women.
• Vitamin E can help regulate the production of cervical mucus, which is important for conception, due to its ability to keep sperm alive for several days. Vitamin E supplementation may aid in increasing the thickness of the uterine lining.
• Zinc - plays an essential role in the production and transport of reproductive hormones.

Acidophilus Plus - the gut is responsible for the excretion of oestrogen and if it is not working efficiently oestrogen, which is destined for excretion, can be reabsorbed into the body (particularly in cases of constipation). This can lead to a higher ratio of oestrogen to progesterone, known as oestrogen dominance, which has been shown to have a negative effect on fertility. A probiotic can help support healthy digestion and excretion.

Vegan Omega 3 provides fatty acids associated with supporting normal hormone production. DHA is particularly important for the cognitive development of the growing foetus.

For him:

Some of the most important factors when considering male fertility are;

• Sperm count – the amount of sperm
• Sperm motility – ability to move correctly and sufficiently
• Sperm morphology – form, shape and structure of the sperm

The above are directed by hormonal control and availability of essential nutrients for sperm production. Our new Male Fertility Support is a comprehensive multivitamin and mineral, specifically formulated with excellent levels of the vital nutrients required to optimise male reproductive fertility including:

• N-Acetyl-Carnitine - plays a vital role in providing energy to sperm cells as well as preventing oxidative damage.
• CoQ10 is found in high concentrations within sperm cells and can help to promote motility, foster sperm survival, and provide optimal energy.
• Zinc – used in sperm creation and adequate levels are needed for correct morphology, sperm count and function.
• The antioxidants Selenium, Vitamin E and Vitamin C can protect the sperm from oxidative damage
• Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant, found in high concentration in the testes and semen.
• Vitamin B6 is essential for testosterone production and Folate and Vitamin B12 are responsible for DNA synthesis so can support sperm production.

Vegan Omega 3 provides fatty acids which are very important for the cell membrane of the sperm, ensuring adequate fluidity of the membranes to support motility.