Struggling with fertility is one of the most heartbreaking things a couple can experience. There are lots of reasons women struggle with infertility, from lifestyle choices to hormone imbalances and even genetics. One of the most proactive steps you can take is to get a couple of blood tests done to determine if you’re lacking any essential nutrients. If you are, here are a few over-the-counter supplements you can try to help increase your chances of conceiving.
Iron and Zinc
Zinc is crucial for hormone balance, regulating menstrual cycles, and supporting the development of egg cells. A deficiency can impair cell division and disrupt hormone balance, leading to irregular ovulation in women, potentially causing fertility problems.
Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, which may impact fertility. For many, eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods can help with the intake of Iron and Zinc. If this is not an option for you or if genetics are limiting you, over-the-counter supplements can also be a great alternative.
Folate for pregnancy
Folate is the fuel for vitality. Doctors often recommend folate because it provides fuel for a fetus to form and grow. It can reduce the risk of neural tube defects in developing babies, regulate the ovulation and menstrual cycle, and increase progesterone levels, all of which are important to increase the chances of conception and having a healthy baby.
Studies also show that women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) can benefit from taking folate to improve embryo quality, thereby increasing the chances of pregnancy. It’s a good idea to start taking folate a month before conception and throughout the first three months of pregnancy for the most effective results. If you’ve been trying to conceive and are struggling with getting that positive test or are experiencing miscarriages, you can start taking folate before trying to conceive again.
Methyfolate supplement
If you have been taking these vitamins and are still struggling with infertility, it could potentially mean you have a genetic complication, like an MTHFR mutation. This mutation prevents the body from converting the nutrient, folate, into the precise enzyme form you need for downstream processes, like conception and fetus growth. Your body is constantly going through different conversions, but those with an MTHFR mutation can encounter wellness complications, including fertility. Methylfolate supplements offer immediate bioavailability and help your body bypass the gene mutation, so you get the bioidentical nutrient form required without having to undergo the conversion steps. Methyfolate is a foundational nutrient used in the process of RNA and DNA synthesis. Taking methyfolate before planning to conceive helps the body regulate and prepare for pregnancy.
It’s important to consult your doctor before taking a methylfolate supplement. It is a vitamin, so the risks are low. However, if you have other conditions like cancer or Psoriasis, you could find the nutrient intensifying unwanted symptoms.
Another side effect to be aware of is that methylfolate increases your body’s detoxification processes by boosting glutathione, which can cause skin rashes, headaches, or flu-like symptoms because your body is trying to eliminate toxins. Methylfolate can also make you feel jittery or experience heart palpitations, a similar feeling to having too much caffeine, if you take more than your body can metabolize. Start with a lower dose, then work your way up.
Vitamin B12 and Hydroxocobalamin
Vitamin B12 supports fertility by supporting ovulation, supporting egg and embryo development, and regulating hormones essential for conception. It helps protect the health of reproductive tissues, aiding fertility.
Vitamin B12, however, can contain cyanide, a toxic chemical. The good news is that the amount found in B12 is so small that the body typically converts it naturally to thiocyanate and excretes it in the urine. There are, however, people who can not efficiently eliminate the cyanide found in vitamin B12. This often occurs in people with genetic mutations that affect B12 metabolism. It’s recommended that these individuals take hydroxocobalamin, as it’s a more bioavailable option. Considering methylcobalamin and/or adenosylcobalamin as other bioactive B12 options is also highly recommended by naturopaths. Combining all three active forms of B12 (hydroxocobalamin, methylcobalamin, and adenosylcobalamin) may be the best option for people who don’t eat meat, are anemic, or struggle with B12 sufficiency.
Conceiving a child doesn’t always just happen. Genetic mutations and a lack of the correct nutrient forms can cause significant obstacles when trying to conceive. Thankfully, there are several options to help you get around that limitation. Get a couple of blood tests done to determine if you’re lacking any key nutrients. If taking Iron and B-12 supplements isn’t affecting your blood tests, it’s a good idea to get checked for the MTHFR gene mutation as well as determine if you’re taking the most effective and bioavailable forms of the nutrients available. If you’re going to spend time and money on nutritional supplements, be sure you’re getting the right bioidentical versions to help you move the needle when it comes to fertility.
Jamie Hope, Founder and CEO of Methyl-Life, turned a personal health journey into a mission to improve lives. After uncovering how some key genetics contribute to chronic illness, Hope partnered with medical experts to identify highly effective nutrients and ultimately built a company dedicated to advancing health and quality of life.
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