Goals ›

Fertility

Conception and a healthy pregnancy.

Strongest evidence: Iron, Omega-3 fatty acids and Fish oil.

Supplements for fertility

Each supplement gets the grade of its strongest fertility benefit. Open one to see each benefit.

StrongModerateWeakNo trials
SupplementMain effects in studiesEvidenceBenefits studied
IronHb/ferritin ↑, anemia↓, +0.7 g/dL HbStrong1 of 2
Omega-3 fatty acidsBigger babies, longer gestation, Affects preterm riskStrong1 of 2
Fish oilDHA/omega-3 blood status, Preterm birth + growthStrong1 of 2
Vitamin B9Pregnancy support: NTD/birthweight↓, Counseling: folate use↑ +26.5ppStrong1 of 2
Folic AcidKnowledge+uptake +26.5pp, Defects −47% / −36%Strong2 of 2
Vitamin DMaternal+cord 25OHD, ↑24.6 nmol/L; +48ppStrong1 of 2
CalciumHypertensive risk ↓, BP↓, Birth/preterm benefits, +240gStrong1 of 2
IodineLow iodine status -80%, Supplementation raises UIC +46Strong2 of 2
CarnitineSperm motility, +pregnancy, DNA damage, +pregnancyStrong1 of 2
L-CarnitineSperm quality, pregnancy, Erectile function, PDE5Strong1 of 2
Showing 10 of 39 supplements.

What fertility covers

2 benefits that studies measure, and the supplements with the strongest evidence for each.

Fertility

The ability to conceive. In men it is measured by sperm count, motility and shape; in women by ovulation, cycle regularity and hormone levels; and in couples by pregnancy rates.

22 supplements, 8 strong
  1. CarnitineStrong, 44
  2. L-CarnitineStrong, 44
  3. InositolStrong, 25
  4. Folic AcidStrong, 20
  5. IodineStrong, 20

Pregnancy support

The health of a pregnancy, for the pregnant person and for the baby. It is measured by nutrient levels, by birth weight and gestational age, and by complication rates.

20 supplements, 15 strong
  1. IronStrong, 284
  2. Omega-3 fatty acidsStrong, 262
  3. Fish oilStrong, 252
  4. Vitamin B9Strong, 178
  5. Vitamin DStrong, 160

Protocols for fertility

What studies used, for this goal or for a group of people. Not advice: talk to a doctor first.