8 Best Fertility Vitamins, According to a Dietitian

A quick look at the best fertility vitamins and supplements

Healthline’s picks for the best fertility supplements

Comparing fertility vitamins

How we chose the best fertility vitamins

The products included in this article were selected based on the following criteria:

• Ingredients: We looked for supplements that contain high quality ingredients and are free of unnecessary additives, fillers, and dyes.
• Effectiveness: All supplements include ingredients or nutrients that have been shown to support fertility or reproductive health.
• Third-party testing: All the products included in this article have been tested by an independent lab to ensure safety and quality.

Additionally, every brand and product on our list has been vetted to ensure it aligns with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. Each product in this article:

• adheres to allowable health claims and labeling requirements, per Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations
• is manufactured in facilities that adhere to current good manufacturing practices established by the FDA
• is produced by a medically credible company that follows ethical, legal, and industry best standards
• is made by a company that provides objective measures of trust, such as having its supplements validated by third-party labs

How to choose a fertility supplement

It’s important to consider several factors when deciding which fertility supplement is right for you, such as the types of nutrients included, the supplement form, any special dietary needs, the price, and quality testing.

Nutrients to look for

There are several nutrients to look for when shopping for fertility supplements.

In fact, many nutrients have been shown to support certain aspects of fertility and reproductive health, including:

• L-carnitine: This amino acid may help boost sperm motility.
• Vitamin B12: Some research indicates that vitamin B12 can improve sperm quality.
• Folic acid: Folic acid supplementation is often recommended for women before getting pregnant. In addition to promoting fertility, supplementing with folic acid may help protect against neural tube irregularities in a developing fetus.
• Vitamin C: According to one 2022 meta-analysis, taking vitamin C with vitamin E may help improve sperm quality and motility.
• Vitamin D: Some research suggests vitamin D deficiency could be associated with fertility issues in both men and women. If you have low levels of vitamin D, taking a supplement may be beneficial.
• CoQ10: Although your body produces this antioxidant, a 2021 review found that taking CoQ10 supplements could improve ovarian response in women undergoing IVF. Plus, it may improve sperm concentration and motility in men.
• Iron: One small case study from 2023 found that increased iron intake was associated with a lower risk of ovulatory infertility. However, while supplementation may be beneficial if you have an iron deficiency, it’s not typically necessary if you get enough iron in your diet.
• Zinc: A 2019 review found that lower blood levels of zinc were linked to a longer time trying to conceive in women. Zinc is also necessary for the formation of sperm, though studies have turned up mixed results on its effects on male fertility.
• Selenium: Though more research is needed, a 2023 review and meta-analysis concludes a selenium deficiency may be a factor in miscarriage and semen quality. Selenium may also support the health of follicular fluid around women’s eggs and may improve semen quality when taken with vitamin E.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: According to a 2019 review, studies suggest that this heart-healthy fat might help improve semen quality and sperm motility in men, but better research is needed. A 2022 study also found that women taking omega-3 supplements were more likely to conceive.

Keep in mind that you can also get many of these nutrients from food. Supplementation may not be necessary if you generally follow a balanced and nutritious diet.

Additional considerations

In addition to checking for certain nutrients in your supplement, there are a few other factors to consider, including:

• Type: Consider whether you’re OK swallowing pills or would prefer a gummy supplement. Certain products are designed to be easier to swallow or gentler on the stomach.
• Dietary needs: If you have any specific allergies or dietary restrictions, be sure to check the ingredient label carefully or look for supplements that are certified vegan, hypoallergenic, or gluten-free, depending on your needs.
• Price: You can compare prices to find a product within your budget. Some companies may offer subscriptions or bundles at a discounted rate, which can help reduce the total cost.
• Testing: When possible, look for supplements that have undergone third-party testing. This type of testing can ensure supplement safety, strength, and purity.

Role of micronutrients in fertility

You might assume that experts have the role of vitamins in fertility all figured out by now. However, that’s not quite the case.

Because fertility is a complex equation and each person’s body is different, the science around micronutrients and conception is still in its infancy.

That said, some promising studies have begun to shed light on the role of vitamins in conceiving and having a healthy pregnancy.

Vitamins play important roles in female reproductive health. They’re essential for many functions, including:

• menstruation and ovulation
• thyroid function
• energy production
• immune function
• egg quality and maturation

For this reason, adequate vitamin and mineral intake is critical when trying to create the right environment for a healthy pregnancy.

Additionally, some nutrients may even reduce symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common underlying cause of fertility issues.

In men, studies have shown that certain supplements may increase sperm count and motility, helping the little swimmers reach their target.

However, keep in mind that more research is needed and these supplements should be paired with a nutritious, well-rounded diet and a healthy lifestyle for best results.

When to see a fertility specialist

If you’re under 35 years old and have been trying to conceive for 1 year or more without success, talking with a fertility specialist may be beneficial.

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, evaluation and treatment from a fertility specialist may also be recommended after 6 months of trying to conceive for women over 35 years old and even sooner for women over 40.

You may also want to consider consulting a fertility specialist if you or your partner:

• has had three or more miscarriages
• has difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
• has irregular periods, a heavy period, or no periods
• has a history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), like chlamydia or gonorrhea

Learn more about when to talk with a fertility specialist and what to expect during your visit.

Frequently asked questions

The bottom line

Many factors behind fertility you can’t control — your genetics, your age, and an unpredictable cycle, just to name a few.

However, providing your body with the best possible nutrition, including vitamins and minerals, is one area where you can take the reins.

You can work with a healthcare professional to choose the right balance of vitamins to boost your chances of a healthy pregnancy.