February 8, 2018

Women who are looking to embark on a pregnancy journey will be interested to learn about new research that suggests that vitamin D plays an important role in both female and male fertility.¹

Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin. Our bodies obtain vitamin D from exposure to the sun. We may also obtain vitamin D from nutritional sources like fish and eggs. A recent study suggested that vitamin D influenced production and maturation of sperm cells in men, egg cell and uterine lining maturation in women, and sex hormone production in both sexes.¹ Vitamin D levels have been associated with in-vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes, some features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS ), and endometriosis in women.¹ In men, levels of vitamin D have been linked to semen quality and male hormone levels in both fertile and infertile men.¹ As demonstrated, vitamin D may play a larger role in both female and male fertility than previous thought.

The results add to our understanding of the effects of low vitamin D levels on testosterone. It also aids our understanding of how supplementing with prenatal vitamins that include vitamin D may impact the fertility of both sexes.

Tips for Conception

If you are trying to become pregnant, keep in mind that it takes two to tango. Both men and women should focus on their preconception health. Here are some tips to follow that may aid fertility:

1. Get a preconception check-up. This can help identify any issues or considerations that could impact pregnancy success.
2. Know your cycle. By tracking your cycle, you can begin to understand the days you are most fertile.
3. Reduce stress where possible. Eliminating all stress is not realistic. Instead, find the things that cause you the most stress and limit those triggers. Incorporate activities that you find enjoyable and help you unwind. Read a book. Go for a walk. Meditate. Explore what brings you inner peace and embrace it!
4. Play it cool. Men should skip saunas or hot tubs if they are trying to start or add to their families. They should also avoid tight-fitting underwear. All of these may negatively affect sperm quality.2
5. Limit soy. Avoid foods that contain soy, such as tofu or edamame, which may lower sperm concentration.2
6. Live a healthy lifestyle. Identify toxins or unhealthy habits that could prohibit positive pregnancy outcomes. Cut out things like cigarettes, alcohol and harmful chemicals. In addition, it’s important to incorporate regular exercise to achieve a healthy weight. A well- balanced diet can help support a healthy weight for both partners.

Preconception Nutritional Support

To fill nutritional gaps and help prepare their bodies for pregnancy, women who are trying to get pregnant or are in early pregnancy should take a daily prenatal vitamin. The Prenate^® Vitamin Family offers a line of prenatal vitamins that are designed to carry moms and their babies through preconception to pregnancy and into the weeks and months after delivery. These vitamins are specifically formulated to fit preconception and first-trimester needs:

• Prenate Pixie^® is our smallest softgel prenatal vitamin. It can be taken before conception and is mighty enough to support moms and babies through pregnancy.³
• Prenate Mini^® is a small but robust softgel prenatal supplement with 14 nutrients.⁴

Talk to your doctor to see if a Prenate^® vitamin is right for you.