Vitamin B12 for Fertility
By Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto | Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Wokingham
Vitamin B12 plays an essential role in DNA synthesis, cell division, and the formation of the myelin sheath that protects nerves — all processes critical to fertility and early embryonic development. Deficiency is more common than many people realise, particularly in vegetarians, vegans, those with gut absorption issues, and women who have been on the oral contraceptive pill (which depletes B12 alongside other B vitamins).
B12 and Female Fertility
B12 is required for normal cell division in the developing embryo — deficiency increases the risk of neural tube defects, miscarriage, and implantation failure. Research has shown that women with unexplained infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss have significantly lower B12 levels than fertile controls. B12 also supports the production of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), which is involved in DNA methylation — a critical epigenetic process in early embryonic development. In TCM terms, B12 deficiency corresponds to blood deficiency and kidney jing depletion.
B12 and Male Fertility
B12 is essential for sperm production and DNA integrity. Deficiency is associated with reduced sperm count, reduced motility, and increased sperm DNA fragmentation. Supplementation in deficient men improves semen parameters. The active form (methylcobalamin) is preferable to cyanocobalamin for both absorption and biological activity.
Supplementation
The recommended dose for fertility is 500–1,000mcg methylcobalamin daily. Vegans and vegetarians should supplement regardless of current blood levels, as plant foods provide no reliable B12. Testing serum B12 and homocysteine levels provides the clearest picture of B12 status — homocysteine elevation is a more sensitive marker of functional deficiency than B12 alone. High homocysteine is independently associated with miscarriage and poor fertility outcomes.
To discuss fertility supplementation, contact me or book a consultation in Wokingham.
