When was the last time you walked down the supplement aisle in your local store? Did you feel completely overwhelmed?
What supplements do I actually need?
In what quantity?
And from what brand?
Whether you’re trying to conceive or working with a client who is, the topic of supplements is bound to arise.
I believe that the most important way to support health and fertility is through nutritionally dense foods (more on that here and here). But we all fall short in some areas and need a boost to get our bodies to an optimal place.
Here are some of my tops tips for supplementation that I share with my clients and with my students in Fertility Coaching Academy:
Only take what you need! It’s so easy to over-supplement, which is why I always recommend working with a medical provider to get up to date lab work done. My favorite supplements to support fertility are:
Cod Liver Oil - This might be a new one for you, but it’s a great source of Omega 3s and can help optimize hormones and sperm production.
A multivitamin or prenatal sourced from real food - It should include nutrients like folate, choline, calcium, and iron, which are essential for a growing baby.
A probiotic - You may need to try a couple of different brands to find one that works well for you and your gut health. This is especially important if you’ve been on antibiotics for extended periods of time. You’ll know it’s working if you notice decreased bloating, improved digestion, and regular bowel movements.
Vitamin D - This is a fat soluble vitamin (it builds up in your body, unlike Vitamin C), so it’s important to get your levels tested to find out how much you need to take for optimal health.
Antioxidants like CoQ10, which help to improve egg and sperm health.
Find a quality brand that you can trust. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so it’s important to choose a reputable brand. You can find some of my favorites here!
Know the difference between daily value and optimal value. The daily value on the label may be more or less than what your body actually needs. This is why working with a medical provider is always recommended!
And be sure that your partner is in optimal health too! Supplements like Zinc, Omega, Vitamin D, CoQ10, and a quality multivitamin can help support sperm health. (Sperm supply is replenished approximately every 60-70 days, so it’s much easier to improve than egg quality!)
Unfortunately, some medical providers don’t recognize the amazing benefits that supplements can provide. This is where a fertility coach can advocate for the couple and help them navigate both the doctor’s office and the supplement aisle.
What supplements have you found to be most helpful for you or your clients in their TTC journey? Did any of my favorites surprise you? I’d love to hear from you, friends! Send me a DM on Instagram, and let’s connect.
PS: If you’re interested in learning more, I dive deep into supplementation and optimizing health in my Fertility Coaching Academy. Helping clients improve their overall health for a successful pregnancy is a huge part of coaching, and something I’m so passionate about!
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