If you're trying to get pregnant you should be taking extra vitamin D and folic acid. And, if you're finding it hard to get enough of the other vitamins in your diet, multivitamin supplements in the form of preconception vitamins can be a useful way of topping up your intake. Ideally though, the best way to get enough vitamins is by eating a varied and balanced range of foods. This should include plenty of fruit and vegetables, as well as starchy carbohydrates, protein-rich foods and dairy. Be sure to include foods rich in iron, such as meat, fish, pulses and fortified cereals. Show What preconception vitamins can I take?If you do want to take a multivitamin supplement, opt for a preconception multivitamin. This is because it's specially designed for women who are trying to conceive. Your preconception vitamin should supply no more than the RDA of each vitamin and will not contain the retinol form of vitamin A. If you’re not sure, ask your pharmacist for advice. One supplement you should take as soon as you start trying for a baby is a daily 400 micrograms (mcg) dose of folic acid. You can take this alongside eating foods with naturally occurring folic acid, called folate, such as spinach, broccoli, beans and oranges. Folic acid protects your unborn baby from developing a potentially serious neural tube defect (NTD), such as spina bifida. Take folic acid while you are trying to conceive and, once you’re pregnant, for the first 12 weeks. If you're known to be at a higher risk of having a baby with an NTD, for example if you're very overweight or have had a baby with an NTD before, your doctor will recommend a higher dose of folic acid that is only available on prescription. If you're taking a preconception multivitamin supplement it may already contain folic acid, so check the label and speak to your pharmacist to make sure you're getting the right amount. You should also take 10 mcg of vitamin D every day. As with folic acid, this is often included in preconception vitamins, so speak to your pharmacist if you're unsure. Can I take megavitamins while trying to conceive?No, only take a preconception vitamin so you know it's safe while trying to conceive and in pregnancy. Megavitamins contain very high levels of certain nutrients, often many times more than the recommended daily allowance (RDA). Such large amounts may be harmful to you and, once you’re pregnant, to your developing baby. This means that you shouldn't take megavitamins while trying to conceive. In particular, too much vitamin A in the form of retinol may increase the risk of birth defects in your baby. Retinol is also found in high doses in liver and liver products, such as pate, so it's also a good idea to avoid these while trying to conceive. However, the type of vitamin A that's found in fruit and veg, beta-carotene, is perfectly safe to eat during pregnancy and when trying to conceive. Other nutrients can also be harmful in large amounts, including the vitamins C and E. So it's best to avoid having more than the RDA of any vitamin or mineral while you're trying for a baby, unless your GP recommends it. Once you do get the big fat positive on your pregnancy test, you may be eligible for free vitamin supplements through the government’s Healthy Start scheme. Go to Healthy Start or call the helpline on 0345 607 6823 for more information. You may also like:
Polly Logan-Banks is an experienced editor with a keen interest in producing evidence-based content. Polly is passionate about ensuring that every child gets the best start in life. When trying to conceive, doctors may suggest a variety of things to help optimize one’s health and taking vitamins and supplements is typically on the list.
Daily intake of certain supplements could help in many ways for those trying to conceive, including boosting the overall quality of a woman’s eggs and a male’s sperm, as well as the overall health of a woman’s pregnancy. Below, is a list of a few important vitamins and supplements to consider taking when you’re trying to conceive. It’s important to note that you should be receiving many of your daily vitamins and minerals from food sources. But if you have trouble getting all of the
recommended daily amounts through food, supplements are a great addition to your diet. Also, many of these listed below, such as folic acid, B12, B6, and iron, can already be found in prenatal vitamins. But if your prenatal vitamin doesn’t include some of these important standalone vitamins and supplements, you might want to consider adding a few to your daily intake. As always, consult with a primary care doctor if these vitamins and supplements are right for you. Taking these vitamins and supplements can be beneficial before conception, during the pregnancy, and beyond. It’s important to talk to your doctor about what supplements might be right for you, and how they can increase the chance of conception and a successful pregnancy. Maintaining a healthy balance of these vitamins can be beneficial in your fertility journey, but in your overall health as well. What vitamins should you take while trying to conceive?In fact, many nutrients have been shown to support certain aspects of fertility and reproductive health, including:. L-carnitine. ... . Vitamin B12. ... . Folic acid. ... . Vitamin C. ... . Vitamin D. ... . CoQ10. ... . Iron. ... . How can I boost my fertility to get pregnant?16 Natural Ways to Boost Fertility. Eat foods rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants like folate and zinc may improve fertility for both men and women. ... . Eat a bigger breakfast. ... . Avoid trans fats. ... . Cut down on carbs if you have PCOS. ... . Eat fewer refined carbs. ... . Eat more fiber. ... . Swap protein sources. ... . Choose high fat dairy.. Which vitamin helps in fertility process?Vitamin B9 (Folate)
One of the most important B vitamins for fertility and healthy fetal development is folate or B9. Folate is vital to both male and female fertility.
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