Doctor Mayumi Sariputra
Conceiving is never just the woman but always for both man and woman. When a woman says she is pregnant, that certainly means she and her husband both are pregnant. So, this is how we all should look at it, couples share this journey and support each other, so this is the most beautiful thing about experiencing parenthood.
Importance of Vitamins While Conceiving
During pregnancy, the baby gets nutrients and vitamins from the mother. So, a mother may need it more during pregnancy more than she needed before pregnancy. Taking vitamins and eating healthy foods can help a mother and the father, the nutrients their baby needs. Vitamins they consume must have folic acid, iron, and calcium in it.
When it comes to reproduction, the health and fertility of the would-be parents remain very important. Just like the general health of the body, reproductive health also requires attention. The Doctor advises women to take prenatal vitamins when they consider expanding their family, but we don’t know that even men need to take prenatal vitamins.
Fertilization takes place when men have a healthy sperm count. Folic acid levels in semen are associated with sperm count and health. Studies suggest that low folate levels in semen are associated with deprived or poor sperm DNA stability. Therefore, states that folate plays a role in sperm health. Folic acid levels are likely to boost the sperm count.
Studies suggest that the male prenatal vitamin is likely to support a man’s reproductive health by making his sperms healthy leading to a natural pregnancy. Multivitamin, which comprises of all the nutrients and antioxidants that can make the sperms healthy. For example, vitamins like vitamin C, and vitamin E, and zinc.
Why Men Should Take Vitamins?
If a man is struggling with his reproductive health, then he should consider taking prenatal vitamins. So, the growth and development of the baby depend upon the right amount of nutrients. Multivitamins and zinc are taken during pregnancy to help lessen birth-defects. Vitamins are a requirement for women, but men have these only when there are infertility issues.
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 (niacin), B-6 (pyridoxine), B-9 (folate or folic acid), 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 (known as folate or folic acid) 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 (LC), 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.
- Coenzyme Q10 – Studies suggest that coenzyme Q10 improves sperm concentration and motility in men who suffer from infertility.
Before concluding, please visit your physician. Proper dosage and guidance are of utmost importance before blindly following any protocol you read.
Take care!
