The truth about fertility supplements by Dr Ishola Agbaje

In recent years, as more people have begun to invest in their own health and wellbeing, we’ve witnessed an increase in individuals turning to self-help options for a variety of ailments and conditions, often using advice they’ve sourced online or even social media platforms. When it comes to trying to conceive, this attitude is no different, with many opting for so-called fertility boosting supplements before seeking medical help.  

What are fertility supplements?  

 Fertility supplements are marketed to hopeful parents-to-be as a more accessible method of optimising their chances of conception. With a wide selection of vitamins, minerals and botanicals available both online and in store, these supplements make the same bold claim: to shorten time to pregnancy by improving egg quality and sperm motility, enhancing hormone health and aiding overall reproductive function.  

But the sad reality is, many of these supplements lack objective scientific evidence to support their claims to be egg or sperm enhancing. And with the potential to cause more harm than good, it’s important to exercise caution and seek professional advice before taking any supplements that have not been prescribed.  

How effective are fertility supplements?  

Without additional research, it’s difficult to say how much benefit fertility supplements provide. However, as many of these supplements contain the same ingredients as a wide range of multi-vitamins you can buy at a fraction of the cost, it’s important to check how well supported their claims are, and if you’re ever unsure, ask a medical professional for advice. 

Now, that’s not to say that all fertility supplements on the market have no merit. In fact, there are a few known vitamins and minerals that we would recommend as a way of supporting natural conception and a healthy pregnancy, and may even add benefit to those undergoing fertility treatment too.

For women, this includes: 

• Folic acid - Although this doesn’t directly improve conception rates, it is essential for early fetal development and so is important for anyone currently trying to conceive and throughout your first trimester. 

• Coenzyme Q10 - Is a naturally occurring antioxidant that helps to protect both eggs and sperm from oxidative damage. Whilst evidence is mixed, some studies suggest this can improve egg quality and may be recommended to those with a low egg reserve or those undergoing IVF. 

• Vitamin D - Adults in the UK struggle to receive adequate levels of vitamin D without supplementation which can impact many aspects of our health. Vitamin D is important pre-conceptually and throughout pregnancy as deficiencies have been associated with miscarriage and poorer reproductive outcomes.  

• Omega-3 - Omega-3s are fatty acids that are an important part of a balanced diet. Foods such as oily fish are rich in Omega 3. The evidence around their use as a fertility enhancer is more limited but practically, their intake is best considered as nutritional optimisation.  

 For men, this includes: 

• Zinc and selenium - These elements are linked to sperm production, motility and protection against oxidative stress. There is some evidence to suggest that they may help increase sperm count and improve motility in men who are deficient but there is less evidence in men with normal levels and excess intake can be harmful. Some food sources are particularly rich in these elements, including fish, nuts, eggs, and seeds.  

• L-carnitine - Is an antioxidant and is important in energy production. It may protect sperm from oxidative damage and improve sperm motility.  

• Coenzyme Q10 - Some evidence suggests that CoQ10 can improve energy production which helps sperm move towards the egg more effectively.  

Supplements of any kind can be expensive, so it’s important to recognise that it can take more than three months for these to have a positive impact, and they shouldn’t be seen as a quick fix when trying to conceive.  

Can self-directed help delay your chances of conception?  

As medical professionals, we often advocate for people to pay more attention to their lifestyle and daily habits, and to consider the impact these may have in the future. There is plenty of sage advice out there that falls under the ‘self-help’ category that can provide benefit to those currently trying to conceive. This includes following a balanced diet, reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, exercising regularly and prioritising good quality sleep.  

When it comes to supplements, the advice has to be a little more cautious. The main concern is that spending too much time on self-directed options aimed at improving fertility can potentially delay a person from seeking much-needed medical help. This is particularly important for those with underlying medical conditions that are known to impact fertility, for example, endometriosis, PCOS or a low sperm count.  

For many individuals and couples, the journey to conceive isn’t always straightforward. It can be filled with uncertainty, and even desperation, as months go by without success. It’s only natural that you may wish to turn to a fertility supplement as a way of taking control of your fertility. But if you’ve been trying to conceive for longer than 12 months, or have any concerns regarding your fertility, speaking with your doctor or a fertility specialist is the best method for accessing the care and support you require.