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We all know that folic acid is extremely important for fertility. If you’re pregnant (or trying to get pregnant!), then you need to consume enough folic acid – that’s a given. But folic acid aside, what are some of the other vitamins that also play a role in enhancing your fertility? Read on to find out!
#1: Iron
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Iron is crucial to the production of haemoglobin, which is a protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen to the rest of your body. If your iron levels are too low, this will result in less oxygen being transported to your body’s tissues and organs (including your fallopian tubes and uterus). This reduces your chances of conceiving, as well as carrying a baby to term.
How much to take? All women should consume at least 18 mg of iron per day, and pregnant women should consume 27 mg of iron per day.
#2: Omega 3 Free Fatty Acid
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You probably already know that Omega 3 is great for reducing your risk of heart disease, but interestingly enough, these fatty acids also help to boost your fertility.
How exactly does Omega 3 help boost fertility? It’s said to regulate the hormones in your body, increase cervical mucus, and promote ovulation. On top of that, a 2011 study published in the Fertility and Sterility Journal also shows that women who consume more Omega 3 develop better quality embryos. These women also produce less follicles, leading to lower estrogen levels. Seeing as an overabundance of estrogen in a woman’s body may deter embryo implantation, having less follicles results in a greater likelihood of conception.
How much to take? Consume 250-500 mg of EPA and DHA (combined) per day. EPA and DHA stand for eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid respectively; both of these are Omega 3 fatty acids.
#3: Vitamin D
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Several studies have linked a Vitamin D deficiency with infertility in women. Research recently published in the Human Reproduction journal, for example, shows that women who have sufficient levels of Vitamin D are more likely to achieve conception as well as live birth.
Corroborating these findings is another 2018 study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology journal. This shows that women who consumer adequate vitamin D are 10% more likely to get pregnant, and 15% more likely to carry the child successfully to term. On top of that, the participants in the study who became pregnant had a 12% lower risk of pregnancy loss for every increase of ten nanograms per millilitre of Vitamin D taken during preconception.
How much to take? Typical supplementation doses are 2000-4000 IU daily of vitamin D3 daily.
Fertility consultation with BeNatural’s fertility coach, Marie Otsuka
If you and your partner would like to learn more about conceiving, come down for a 45-minute consultation with Marie Otsuka, BeNatural’s fertility coach. In this session, Marie will seek to understand the couple’s situation, and offer insights she’s gained through her 10 years of experience in working with infertile Singaporeans. Slots are limited and on a first come first serve basis; contact us here to schedule an appointment!
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