Introduction
Whether you are trying to conceive (TTC) naturally or going through fertility treatments – there are no doubts that there are supplements that can’t help you on this journey. For example, adequate levels of B complexes like B12 and B9 are involved in the synthesis and regulation of estrogen. Estrogen is a crucial hormone for healthy egg development and ovulation.
But we bet that your question really starts with – do fertility supplements actually work? And if they do, what are the best fertility supplements to take?
Do Fertility Supplements Work?
Like any supplement out there, there are some supplements that are better than others based on factors such as the Vitamins and minerals that are included, are the right vitamins included, and what forms of those vitamins & minerals exist within the supplement.
Because we want to make this easy for you – we are going to tell you the best supplements to get pregnant but we are also going to give you the recommended supplement brands that we work with. This is because they are trusted based on their evidence-based research and quality of ingredients. Yes, this will also include prenatal vitamins for TTC!
Best Fertility Supplements
Omega- 3 Fertility Benefits
Omega 3s are a form of fatty acid that we often get from foods such as fish. High levels of inflammation have a correlation with infertility and omega 3s have been shown to reduce inflammation levels.
Research suggests that higher serum levels of omega-3 fatty acids are associated with a higher probability of clinical pregnancy in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles.
Having plenty of omega-3 fatty acids are also necessary to help us absorb Vitamin A, D, E, & K. Research indicates that women with sufficient vitamin D levels are more likely to produce high-quality embryos and achieve successful pregnancies through IVF compared to those with deficiencies. As well as In women with PCOS, vitamin D supplementation has been associated with higher ovulation and pregnancy rates, as well as lower levels of androgens, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and reduced early miscarriage rates.
How much Omega-3 do you need to have: there is currently no recommendation for the daily amount.
Foods that are high in Omega-3 fatty acids are flax seeds, salmon, chia seeds, and walnuts.
Myo-inositol PCOS fertility
Myo-inositol, a naturally occurring compound, has been extensively studied for its potential benefits in managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and enhancing fertility. Research indicates that myo-inositol supplementation can positively influence various aspects of reproductive health in women with PCOS.
Research indicates that myo-inositol is effective in normalizing ovarian function, leading to improved ovulation rates in women with PCOS. As well as Myo-inositol has been associated with improvements in oocyte and embryo quality in women with PCOS undergoing assisted reproductive techniques.
How much do you need daily: It is usually recommended around 1mg
Foods that are high in myo-inositol are foods such as cantaloupe, oranges, chickpeas, almonds, and peanuts.
Pre-Natal Vitamins for TTC
While there are individual supplements it is so important to find a supplement that has a range of healthy levels of a range of vitamins & minerals that are needed for not only a healthy egg to develop but also for a healthy mom to carry them for 9 months.
Our Trusted Fertility Vitamins
Needed
We highly recommend the brand Needed which has been formulated by registered dieticians (RD) for supplements to get pregnant. If your doctor does recommend other supplements specifically for you – this is a great brand to refer to. We highly recommend their
- Prenatal Multi-Essentials (Vanilla or Citrus)
- <a href="https://thisisneeded.com/products/prenatal-omega-3?srsltid=AfmBOorMS7KlgP6c8PG0RqEANbpPQx_bZiGRmg26q3NZ5lWK1xHiGbKi&variant=44366982938869" data-type="link" data-id="https://thisisneeded.com/products/prenatal-omega-3?srsltid=AfmBOorMS7KlgP6c8PG0RqEANbpPQx_bZiGRmg26q3NZ5lWK1xHiGbKi&variant=44366982938869">Prenatal Omega-3</a>
- CoQ10
Ritual
Ritual is another great brand that not only has regular health-based supplements but also caters to high-quality prenatal & pregnancy-based supplements. We recommend
Thorne
Thorne is a highly reputable brand that has a range of pregnancy products. But the main reason we wanted to point you towards Thorne is for their myo-inositol which also has additional benefit fertility ingredients. We recommend
Fertility Supplements That May Not to Be Worth Your Money
There is no doubt there are supplements that don’t have an abundant amount of research but have still supported women’s fertility journey. There are several supplements that have not been well-researched and hence are not supported by doctors. But the important thing to remember here is that women were not included in research until the 1990s meaning that there has been a high priority of research on supplements for women’s health let alone their fertility. So there is still limited research and while these supplements don’t have enough research to support that they are in fact beneficial, these are the supplements your doctors are likely not to recommend for you.
Evening Primrose Oil
Often marketed to improve cervical mucus and balance hormones, evening primrose oil lacks substantial scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness in enhancing fertility.
Vitex (Chasteberry)
Promoted for regulating menstrual cycles and improving fertility, Vitex has insufficient high-quality studies validating its efficacy in fertility enhancement
What’s the best time to take fertility supplements?
Starting supplementation at least one month prior to conception is recommended to ensure adequate levels of essential nutrients, particularly folic acid, which is crucial during the early stages of fetal development.
Folic acid supports early neural tube development from the time of conception and in the first 3-4 weeks after conception. Since folate takes some time to build up in the body and since most women don’t know they’re pregnant until around 2 weeks after conception (around the time of their first missed period), taking folate regularly before pregnancy can help avoid a gap.
It is almost always recommended to take your supplements with foods and away from medications (unless otherwise advised by your doctor). While there is no particular time of day women often opt to take their supplements during breakfast or lunch.
IUI for Fertility
When preparing for intrauterine insemination (IUI), it’s advisable to begin taking prenatal vitamins and any recommended fertility supplements well in advance.
Starting supplementation at least three to four months before the planned IUI procedure is beneficial. This timeframe allows essential nutrients to accumulate in your body, supporting optimal reproductive health and enhancing the quality of both eggs and sperm.
Again, it is almost always recommended to take your supplements with foods and away from medications (unless otherwise advised by your doctor). While there is no particular time of day women often opt to take their supplements during breakfast or lunch.
IVF for Fertility
When preparing for in vitro fertilization (IVF), initiating supplementation well in advance can be beneficial. Starting prenatal vitamins at least three months before attempting to conceive is generally recommended.
This preparation ensures that essential nutrients, such as folic acid, are adequately present in your body to support early fetal development. It’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any supplementation regimen to ensure it’s appropriate for your individual health needs and to determine the correct dosages.
FAQ
Are there any risks or side effects associated with fertility supplements?
You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare professional before taking any supplements. There are certain supplements that can have elevated levels of certain vitamins & minerals that can cause harm. Additionally, it is always important to check your ingredients to ensure there are no allergies included.
Do I need a prescription to take fertility supplements?
You don’t! The only time that you would need a prescription is if your doctor needs to give you a certain dosage which they would have the authority to do.
Can fertility supplements interact with other medications?
Yes! This is why it is usually advised to take supplements at least 90 minutes away from any of your medications.
Is it safe to take fertility supplements during pregnancy?
It is always important to consult with your midwife or your doctor however, most supplements are safe during pregnancy. It may be advised that you change supplements once your baby starts developing more.
Why Plum is Your New Fertility Guide:
Plum is a safe, empowering space where you can find support, knowledge, and encouragement on your fertility journey. We created Plum to give you a place to connect with others who understand what you’re going through and access helpful tools like Lina—your AI fertility companion, always available to answer your questions.
Ready to Connect?
Check out our variety of Fertility Meal Plans & Recipes page on Plum (even chat with Lina for a custom one for you & your family), where you’ll find helpful resources to support your fertility journey. Whether you’re looking for fertility-boosting recipes, meal plans, or tips on nutrition, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s start a conversation:
What’s your go-to fertility meal?
Or share one nutritional tip that’s made a difference for you.
We’re here with you every step of the way.
Citations
Ben-Meir A, Burstein E, Borrego-Alvarez Á, et al. Coenzyme Q10 restores oocyte mitochondrial function and fertility during reproductive aging. Aging Cell. 2015;14(5):887–895. doi:10.1111/acel.12368. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8431086/
Gaskins AJ, Chavarro JE, Toth TL, et al. Dietary fatty acid intake and fertility in women undergoing assisted reproduction. Fertil Steril. 2018;110(6):1130-1137. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.07.1110. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29136189/
Unfer V, Facchinetti F, Orrù B, Giordani B, Nestler J. Myo-inositol effects in women with PCOS: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Endocr Connect. 2017;6(8):647–658. doi:10.1530/EC-17-0184. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5011206/
Wang S, Zhang S, Yang S, et al. Vitamin D supplementation improves embryo quality during ICSI: a randomized controlled trial. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2024;22(1):42. doi:10.1186/s12958-024-01156-y. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38580857/
Is evening primrose oil beneficial for female fertility? invitra.com. Published 2023. Available from: https://www.invitra.com/en/is-evening-primrose-oil-beneficial-for-female-fertility/
Is Chaste Tree (Vitex) helpful for fertility? Reproductive Science Center of the SF Bay Area. Published 2023. Available from: https://rscbayarea.com/integrative-medicine-blog/chaste-tree.html
Trying to Conceive Naturally (Folic Acid + Early Supplementation)
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Nutrition During Pregnancy. ACOG FAQs. Published April 2021. Available from: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/nutrition-during-pregnancy
IUI & IVF Supplement Prep (General Preconception Supplementation)
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements. Folate: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Updated March 24, 2022. Available from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate-HealthProfessional/
Prenatal Supplement Timing (3+ months preconception recommendation)
De-Regil LM, Peña-Rosas JP, Fernández-Gaxiola AC, Rayco-Solon P. Effects and safety of periconceptional folate supplementation for preventing birth defects. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(12):CD007950. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007950.pub3. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7036345/
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