The Ultimate Guide to Fertility Supplements: Boosting Fertility with Science

By Deana Saleh, Nurse/Clinic Manager

If you’re trying to conceive or even just starting to think about it, chances are you’ve already gone down the Google rabbit hole. You’ve probably encountered a tidal wave of information that left you feeling more overwhelmed than a kid in a candy store with no budget. But don’t worry—we’re here to simplify things for you. Let’s focus on the basics: making a few lifestyle changes, understanding ovulation and timing, and getting your prenatal vitamin game on point.

Why Prenatal Vitamins Matter

While a healthy diet is a great foundation, certain nutrients and antioxidants in therapeutic doses can work wonders for egg quality and hormone balance. Ideally, you should start taking a daily prenatal vitamin three months before trying to conceive. Why three months? Because eggs take about 90 days to mature, and you want them to be in tip-top shape when the time comes. Not sure where to start? Let’s break down the must-have nutrients in your prenatal vitamins.

Folate: The DNA Builder

First up, folate. This superstar nutrient is essential for making DNA and assisting cell division—both critical for a developing embryo. Folate also helps prevent neural tube defects, which are crucial for your baby’s early brain and nervous system development.

Doctors recommend 400 to 1,000 mcg of folic acid or its bioavailable form, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF).

Think of folate as the architect of your baby’s foundation—it’s non-negotiable.

Vitamin D: The Sunshine Hormone

Vitamin D isn’t just a nutrient; it’s a hormone with receptors in almost every tissue in your body. While it’s famous for supporting bone health and fighting off the winter blues, it also plays a key role in fertility.

Vitamin D helps to develop ovarian follicles (where your eggs hang out before ovulation) and thickens the uterine lining. Studies show that higher Vitamin D levels (above 75 nmol/L) are linked to more positive pregnancy tests and live births. You should aim for 800 to 1,000 IU daily, though some studies suggest up to 2,500 IU can be beneficial.

Bonus: It also supports your baby’s bone development.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: The Hormone Helpers

Omega-3s, are anti-inflammatory powerhouses that also help produce sex hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone. Since your body can’t make Omega-3s on its own, you’ll need to get them from your diet (hello, salmon and sardines!) or supplements.

Aim for at least 200 mg of DHA daily. Higher Omega-3 levels have been linked to better IVF outcomes, and during pregnancy, they’re essential for your baby’s brain and nervous system development.

Think of Omega-3s as the multitasking overachievers of the nutrient world.

CoQ10: The Energy Booster

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is like a personal trainer for your eggs, ensuring they have enough energy to survive and thrive after fertilization. It’s a powerful antioxidant that supports mitochondrial function (a fancy way of saying it helps your cells produce energy).

Since CoQ10 levels naturally decline after age 30, it’s especially important for those over 30 or with lower ovarian reserve. Typical doses range from 100 to 600 mg per day.

Bonus: It’s great for sperm health, too, so your partner can join the CoQ10 party.

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC): The Detoxifier

NAC is a potent antioxidant that protects eggs and sperm from oxidative damage caused by environmental stressors. It also improves the quality of cervical mucus, which is crucial for helping sperm reach the egg.

Daily doses of 600 to 1,800 mg have been shown to improve fertility outcomes.

Think of NAC as the bouncer at the fertility club, keeping the bad guys out and ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Melatonin: The Sleepy Superhero

Melatonin isn’t just for better sleep—it’s also a fertility powerhouse. This hormone has antioxidant properties that protect your eggs and regulate key reproductive hormones like LH and FSH.

Studies show that supplementing with 3 mg of melatonin before bed during IVF cycles can lead to higher-quality embryos and increased pregnancy rates. If you’re in your 30s or beyond, melatonin can be a game-changer for egg quality.

Why Choose Our Clinic’s Prenatal Vitamins?

Here’s the deal: not all prenatal vitamins are created equal. At our clinic, we offer FDA-approved, research-backed prenatal supplements that are specifically designed to support your fertility journey. We’ve done the hard work of finding the best ingredients so you don’t have to.

We highly recommend that all our patients take the supplements sold at our clinic.

Why? Because we know they work. Plus, they’re packed with everything you need to optimize your fertility and prepare your body for pregnancy.

Think of them as your fertility sidekick—always there to support you, minus the cape (but with plenty of science).

Ready to Find Your Perfect Prenatal?

At this point, you might be thinking, “Do I really need all of this?” The answer is yes—but don’t worry, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our prenatal vitamins include everything you need, from folate to CoQ10, Omega-3s, and even NAC. Soon, you’ll even be able to add melatonin to your formula.

Final Thoughts: Fertility with a Smile

Trying to conceive can feel like a rollercoaster, but remember—you’re not alone. With the right nutrients, a bit of humor, and a solid plan, you’re setting yourself up for success. And hey, if all else fails, at least you’ll have the healthiest eggs on the block. Cheers to your fertility journey!

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CARE Fertility and Women’s Health is a leading fertility clinic, offering personalized care and advanced reproductive technology to help individuals and couples achieve their dream of parenthood. With state-of-the-art genetic testing, individualized treatment plans, and holistic support, we specialize in complex fertility cases and boast some of the highest success rates in Canada.

Stay Informed!