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Should Men Take Prenatal Vitamins

Vitamins That Help You Get Pregnant Faster

Should I take prenatal vitamins even if I’m not pregnant?

Can the taking of any type of vitamin or supplement actually help you conceive a child faster than those who dont take vitamins? Can vitamins actually increase your fertility? The answer is yes if you ask experts at the Texas Fertility Center. According to fertility specialists, you need a good nutritional status in order to help your body conceive a child. This seems to hold true of both men and women.

For women, it may mean just taking a good prenatal vitamin. Research has indicated that taking a prenatal vitamin can not only decrease your chances of having a preterm birth and decrease your chances of pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting, but it can maximize your fertility.

In one recent study, women who were trying to get pregnant through fertility treatments got pregnant faster than women who didnt take prenatal vitamins. In fact, the participants who took prenatal vitamins had a doubling of their chances of becoming pregnant when compared to participants who just took folic acid prior to conceiving.

What this means is that it is possible to get pregnant faster if you take a prenatal vitamin, although research hasnt been done on women who arent undergoing fertility treatments and who take a prenatal vitamin. Prenatal vitamins can be purchased over the counter and cant hurt you, even if you take them while not pregnant.

These particular vitamins have the ability to enhance your fertility. You can take them alone or as a part of the total prenatal pill package:

Why You Should Trust Us

Every brand and product on our list has been vetted to ensure that it aligns with Healthlines 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 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
  • Dosage: 2 capsules per day
  • Included nutrients: folate, biotin, choline, iron, iodine, magnesium, boron, omega-3 DHA, and vitamins B12, D3, E, and K

Created by women for women, Ritual Essential Prenatal Multivitamin provides 12 key nutrients to help support you and your baby before, during, and after pregnancy.

Specifically, the prenatal offers more than 100% of your daily needs for folate, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. It also includes docosahexaenoic acid omega-3 from algae, so its a suitable option for those following a vegan diet.

As a bonus, the lemon-scented capsules are designed to be easier on your stomach than some other supplements, so you can take them with or without food.

Just keep in mind that one serving provides only 10% of the recommended amount of choline, so its still important to include , such as eggs, in your diet.

Nutrients Often Missing In Prenatal Supplements

Most prenatals contain all or most of the micronutrients neededduring pregnancy.

However, many prenatals fall short in a few areas, which is why its important to do your research before purchasing a prenatal supplement.

In particular, prenatal supplements are often lacking in these nutrients that are important during pregnancy (

  • omega-3 DHA and EPA

Since each pregnancy is unique, your doctor or a registered dietitian may suggest a specific prenatal supplement based on your health needs.

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Which Vitamins Should Men Take While Trying To Conceive

Following are the vitamins a man should take when trying to conceive:

  • Vitamin B B-3 , B-6 , B-9 , and B-12. B vitamins play a dynamic role in the development and proper working of red blood cells. B-12 deficiency can cause anemia. Nerve function is also dependent on healthy levels of B vitamins. When it comes to fertility, B-6 and B-9 are the most essential B vitamins.
  • Vitamin C Citrus fruits, berries, and peppers contain vitamin C. This vitamin helps preserve healthy connective tissue and is also very important for wound healing and regulate immune function. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. These antioxidant properties play the chief role in infertility. Antioxidants decrease the negative impact of free radicals, dropping the cellular damage in the body. Frequently combined with vitamin E has been found to improve sperm health.
  • Vitamin D Low levels of vitamin D have an association with infertility. Both the female and male reproductive organs comprise vitamin D receptors and metabolizing enzymes, signifying that vitamin D may be vital to healthy fertility.
  • Acetyl L-Carnitine Form of the amino acid L-carnitine , which occurs naturally in the body and converts fat into energy. Research has shown that both ALC and LC can enhance sperm motility in men. Consulting your doctor before supplementing with LC or ALC to ensure safety and proper dosing is always advisable.
  • Vitamin E Helps in increasing sperm count.
  • Take care!

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    Take A Daily Multivitamin

    Babystart FertilMan Fertility Vitamins for Men Page 1 of 0

    Robins tends to recommend that men take a daily multivitamin. There is little likelihood of harm and some potential benefits, he said. Many multivitamin formulations for men might include antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, and the minerals selenium and zinc. Some research has found that antioxidants may cause a slight increase in sperm count and movement, according to The American Society for Reproductive Medicine. It makes sense that antioxidants may improve sperm quality because they can protect against free radicals, which can cause damage to DNA within sperm cells, Robins said.

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    Why Would A Man Consider Taking A Prenatal Vitamin

    Researchers are finding that a man’s health and nutrition can play a role in his fertility and in his future baby’s health. For both men and women, taking in the right amount of nutrients before pregnancy can play a positive role in the growth, development, and long-term health of future babies, according to data published in The Lancet, a peer-reviewed medical journal. In fact, during the preconception period of both men and women, lifestyle choices like smoking and poor diet can negatively influence the risks of certain long-term cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurological issues for future babies, according to a different article published in the same journal.

    Adequate levels of certain nutrients for your fella may also play a role in your pregnancy outcomes. A study published in 2019 suggests that, for couples who are undergoing IVF, a man’s higher dietary folate intake is associated with slightly longer pregnancy for the female partner â which is a good thing! The results suggest that “preconception care should shift from a woman-centric to a couple-based approach.” So loading up on folate-rich foods, like avocados and certain nuts, is a great way for a dad-to-be to support his partner’s pregnancy even before she’s pregnant. Other dietary factors of the man can play a role in pregnancy outcomes. For example, a 2017 study indicates that men who are considered obese take a longer time to get a woman pregnant and have babies who are at higher risk of developing obesity.

    Things To Know About Prenatal Vitamins For Men

    If youre convinced that you should begin taking prenatal vitamins to increase your chances of pregnancy, there are a few things you should know.

    Firstly, mens prenatal vitamins are different from those given to women, so each party getting their own set, instead of sharing, is probably best for practical reasons.

    Secondly, to achieve optimal prenatal effect, micronutrients should be taken at specific dosages. As such, a specifically formulated prenatal supplement for men is likely to be more effective than a general multivitamin, which may contain lower dosages of certain micronutrients .

    Thirdly, the purpose of prenatal supplementation for men is to improve sperm health. Since it takes about 64 days, on average for the body to go through a full sperm renewal cycle, youll need to take prenatal vitamins for at least 2 or 3 months prior to trying seriously .

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    Should Men Take Prenatal Vitamins

    It’s well known that women are advised to take prenatal vitamins during pregnancy to support fetal health and development. But what about men? Can male partners support a healthy pregnancy by taking supplements? Do male prenatal vitamins even exist? Here, we cover everything you need to know about prenatal vitamins for men.

    The Mens Prenatal Vitamin That Started It All

    When should I start taking a prenatal vitamin?

    These days, mens prenatal vitamins are part of the fertility and conception conversation and they should be. Sperm health plays a big role in everything from conception to the health of future generations. But how did we get here? This is the story of Beli Vitality, the mens prenatal vitamin that started it all.

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    Make Sure Your Meds Are Fertility

    Before you start trying to conceive, you should make a list of all the medications your takingincluding prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplementsand check with your doctor. Some medications can affect the quality or quantity of your sperm. If you’re using a medication that could possibly interfere with your baby-making goals, your doctor should be able to recommend a more fertility-friendly alternative.

    What Are Some Common Causes Of Male Infertility

    There are many different factors that influence male infertility, and some men may experience infertility as the result of a combination of several factors. The three main categories of causes of male infertility include medical causes, environmental causes, and lifestyle causes.

    Medical causes of male infertility

    A variety of different health issues and medical treatments can cause problems with male fertility. These include:

    Environmental causes of male infertility

    Environmental causes of male infertility primarily result from overexposure to certain elements in the environment, including heat, chemicals, and toxins that impact the quantity or function of sperm. These causes include:

    Lifestyle causes of male infertility

    Lifestyle causes of male infertility are usually the easiest to remedy. Therefore, men should pay close attention to their lifestyles in order to reduce their risk of infertility. Lifestyle causes of male infertility include:

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    A Healthy Lifestyle Is The Building Block

    For starters, both of the doctors we consulted stressed the importance of general health, for both the father- and the mother-to-be.

    To conceive successfully, its important to optimize your own health as much as possible, says Dr. Colin Zhu, DO. A board-certified physician in family medicine and also a chef, Zhu also founded The Chef Doc, a lifestyle- and nutrition-focused brand.

    Important markers on the health journey for prospective parents include maintaining a healthy weight by consuming a fiber-rich diet striving for 150-300 minutes of moderately intense exercise per week drinking closer to 120 ounces of water a day , as per the Mayo Clinic and sleeping between seven to nine hours a night, as per the American Sleep Association, he says.

    Dr. Amos Grunebaum concurs. When trying to conceive, Its really important that both parties are equally healthy. Men often dont want to admit that it can be their problem when she cannot get pregnant, says the obstetrician, who is also a professor at the Zucker School of Medicine in New York and founder of babyMed, a site designed to facilitate healthy pregnancies.

    Both the quality and the quantity of a mans sperm are key to conception, Grunebaum points out. Therefore, his initial advice to men who are trying to become fathers: No smoking, no alcohol, no being overweight. Eat healthy food, manage stress. All of these factors, he says, can affect a mans sperm.

    Nutrients You Need When You’re Trying For A Baby

    Wellman Conception Review (2021)

    Recently, we had the pleasure of featuring a fertility smoothie post from the one and only Lisa Mastela, founder of Bumpin Blends. We were lucky enough to share some of our own insight about the key nutrients you need when you’re trying for a baby in a post published on the BB site, and we’re sharing some of it with you right here.

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    Does It Really Work

    There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the effectiveness of supplements will vary depending on the individual. However, there is some evidence that supplements can help improve male fertility in some cases.

    If youre considering taking a supplement for male infertility, its important to do your research and choose a product that has been proven to be effective.

    The best way to determine if a particular supplement is right for you is to speak with your doctor. They can help you choose the right supplement and advise you on whether Its likely to help improve your fertility.

    The Line Up At A Glance

    Best for Improving Sperm Quality

    • Helps with overall energy levels
    • Protects the heart
    • Since Coenzyme Q-100 is water-soluble, its possible that taking too much could lead to loose stools or diarrhea

    Natalist CoQ-Max is a top-quality male fertility supplement that contains 100 mg of coenzyme Q-Max. This vitamin-like nutrient is found in every human cell and is essential for energy production. CoQ plays a vital role in sperm health and function.

    This product also has other beneficial ingredients, including selenium and zinc. All of the ingredients combined product can help improve sperm count and motility and improve the overall health of your reproductive system.

    Natalist CoQ is available online and in health food stores. The recommended dosage is two capsules per day. It can be taken with or without food.

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    Prenatal Vitamins: The Hairy Situation

    According to the Mayo Clinic, beyond folic acid and iron, prenatal vitamins can contain many additional key nutrients, from calcium and zinc to vitamins A to E, many of which are shown to individually potentially affect your hair for the better.

    Two such nutrients, biotin and zinc, may actively improve your hair growth, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Moreover, zinc, along with B vitamins, also play a role in the health of your follicles.

    Vitamin D could also potentially help you grow new hair follicles, the Cleveland Clinic says. And, for its part, iron, too, is crucial to the well-being and growth of your mane, because an iron deficiency can contribute to hair loss, the Cleveland Clinic adds.

    Finally, omega-3 fatty acids are also thought to boost the health of both your scalp and your hair, Cleveland Clinic says.

    But before you speed off to the pharmacy, the potential boon of specific nutrients in prenatal vitamins to help your scalp be more budding than balding doesn’t necessarily speak to their effect when packed together in a prenatal vitamin package.

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    Dr Tobias Omega 3 Fish Oil Triple Strength Supplement

    According to Dr. Gersh, taking 1 to 2 grams of omega 3 fatty acid daily can help improve sperm and enhance fertility. Dr. Tobias Omega 3 Fish Oil Triple Strength Supplement is one of the more popular options with more than 21,000 reviews on Amazon of which 79 percent are 5-star. Many of the reviewers mention that, unlike competing products, this supplement is easy to swallow and doesnt cause burping/an upset stomach.

    Promising review:I was dreading it because all others that I have tried produced disgusting burps/diarrhea. These taste great, go down easy, no burps or stomach upset. As an added bonus, after one week of taking them, my arthritis has disappeared. I take as directed, two pills, three times a day, with a meal. Thank God for these miracle pills! Steve

    Do Prenatal Vitamins Have Side Effects

    Can men take prenatal vitamins to be more healthy, or are they for women only?

    A lot of people wonder about about prenatal vitamins side effects. Some people get nauseated or constipated from taking prenatal vitamins. If this happens to you, talk with your doctor about changing brands or the types of vitamins youre taking.

    Prenatal vitamins come in tablets or capsules, so finding the kind that works best with your body can help ease side effects. Your doctor or midwife can help you find a prenatal vitamin that will work best for your body.

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    Understanding Preconception Care What It Is Why It Matters And What To Do

    Preconception care should begin way before youre shopping for pregnancy tests, because maximizing your health at least six months before you start trying can make an enormous difference on everything to come. Heres what to understand about preconception care, including what it is, why it matters, and what to do.

    Do Prenatal Vitamins Help You Get Pregnant

    Research shows that prenatal supplements have a beneficial impact on fertility, including increasing the chance of becoming pregnant and decreasing the time it takes to become pregnant .

    Whats more, nutrient deficiencies can impact your ability to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy.

    For example, deficiencies in vitamin D, vitamin B12, and folate can impact your ability to become pregnant .

    Additionally, supplementing with a well-rounded prenatal that includes methylated folate and B12 may improve the effectiveness of assisted reproductive technology treatment .

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    Micronutrients For Male Fertility Outcomes

    There are many factors that can benefit the health of both egg and sperm in fertility . However, there is a lack of human clinical studies investigating the role of paternal intake of vitamins and micronutrients on fertility success and the health of the subsequent children . A variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids are suggested to benefit sperm health and subsequently male fertility . For example: zinc, L-carnitine, folate, selenium, CoQ10, vitamin C, vitamin E, myo-inositol, and fish oil have shown promise in optimizing sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and DNA integrity .

    It is also important to note that although men can make millions of sperm every day, it takes about 74 days for the sperm to mature and ready to fertilize an egg . Anything ingested today will impact the sperm of over 2 months from now, so a regular focus on healthy foundations is always important. Many of the basics of healthy living can make the biggest impact such as regular exercise, healthy nutrition, avoiding cigarettes and excess alcohol or substance abuse, environmental contaminants, managing stress, and addressing any underlying conditions that can affect hormonal or testicular health .

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