Vitamins are organic compounds that are required for the metabolic process in humans and animals. They are usually not synthesized by the body or are synthesized in small amounts and are therefore obtained from the diet. One area where vitamins play an important role is in the area of fertility. There are several factors that can affect both male and female fertility including ovulation disorders, hormonal disorders, and damage to reproductive organs, age and low sperm count.
Vitamins play an important role in helping to keep the organs and the nervous system functioning and also in regulating hormonal levels in the body. A healthy diet can go a long way in providing the required amounts of vitamins and minerals needed for the maintenance of fertility in both men and women.
The vitamins that have been found to be beneficial in aiding and boosting fertility include vitamins C, D, E, B6, B12 and folic acid as well as the minerals zinc and selenium.
Along with these, essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids also play a role in aiding fertility.
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a water soluble vitamin that is required for the growth of cartilage, bones and teeth. It is also essential to the healing process and helps to support the immune system. A lack of vitamin C may affect sperm motility and can cause difficulty in conceiving. Its antioxidant properties help to help to neutralize the effects of toxins such as cigarette smoke that may be a contributing factor to infertility. Vitamin C has also been found to be beneficial to women who are taking the fertility medication clomiphene and can actually increase their chances of conceiving.
Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits, sweet peppers, broccoli, tomatoes and strawberries. Couples who are having trouble conceiving can supplement their dietary intake of vitamin C by taking and additional supplement of vitamin C.
Vitamin D or cholecalciferol is a compound that facilitates the absorption of calcium from the intestines. It is usually synthesized by the body with the help of sunlight but is also present in low concentrations in some foods. Nowadays, many ready to eat foods such as cereals come fortified with vitamin D.
Vitamin D may also play a role in boosting male fertility as it has been associated with increased levels of testosterone and sperm count and motility. Low levels of vitamin D may also increase the risk of female infertility which is why taking a vitamin D supplement can help to increase the chances of conception.
Vitamin E or tocopherol is a fat soluble vitamin that is found in vegetable oils, green leafy vegetables and whole grain cereals. This antioxidant has been found to be effective in preventing the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids and in maintaining the integrity of cell membranes. It is also nicknamed the “anti-sterility vitamin” since its deficiency can lead to reproductive problems. Studies have shown that taking vitamin E supplements can increase the chances of conception in the case of couples undergoing IVF treatment. Foods that are rich in vitamin E include broccoli, sunflower seeds, almonds and wheat-germ oil
Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine is a water soluble vitamin that is essential for the metabolism of proteins. It plays an important role in the reproductive health of women and helps in maintaining hormonal balance which is essential for conception. Studies suggest that vitamin B6 can stabilize levels of progesterone in women who are having trouble conceiving and can help to lengthen the luteal phase. This is the time from ovulation to menstruation and needs to last from 11 to 16 days for conception to occur.
Vitamin B12 or cobalamin is a water soluble vitamin that is involved in numerous metabolic activities. It also plays an important role in maintaining a healthy sperm count and motility. However, more studies are required to see whether vitamin B12 has any role to play in boosting fertility.
The term “essential” refers to nutrients that essential to life and are not synthesized in the body but must be obtained from food. Diets deficient in these essential nutrients will eventually lead to a deterioration of health. Essential fatty acids are one such group of essential nutrients that are required for the good health and also play a role in the maintenance of a healthy reproductive system.
Essential fatty acids help promote the flow of blood to the uterus. They also help to facilitate communication between the pituitary gland and the ovaries. The pituitary gland is responsible for secreting hormones that are an essential component of the reproductive system. Deficiencies in these essential fatty acids can lead to problems during menstruation including cramping and excessive bleeding and can also make it difficult for a woman to conceive.
They can be found in foods such as deep sea fish, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and oil.
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