Vitamins and Supplements to Help You Get Pregnant
By Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto | Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Wokingham
The supplement market for fertility is enormous and confusing, with hundreds of products making claims that range from evidence-backed to entirely speculative. After 25 years of treating fertility patients and reading the research, I want to give a clear, honest overview of the supplements that have genuine clinical evidence — and those that are less well supported. The right nutritional foundation, combined with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, gives each conception attempt the best possible chance.
For Women
Folic Acid / Methylfolate (400–800mcg daily)
The most well-established fertility and pregnancy supplement. Folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube defects and supports cell division in the developing embryo. Women with the MTHFR gene variant absorb folate more efficiently in the active methylfolate form. Start at least three months before trying to conceive.
CoQ10 — Ubiquinol (400–600mg daily)
The most important supplement for egg quality. Supports mitochondrial energy production in the developing oocyte, reducing chromosomal errors. Particularly important for women over 35 or those with low AMH. Must be taken for at least three months.
Vitamin D (2,000–4,000 IU daily)
Vitamin D receptors are present throughout the reproductive system. Deficiency impairs follicular development, reduces implantation rates, and increases miscarriage risk. Most women in the UK are deficient. Target blood level of 100–150 nmol/L.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (2g EPA/DHA daily)
Improve oocyte membrane quality, reduce inflammation, and support the development of the embryo. Also beneficial during pregnancy for foetal brain development.
DHEA (25–75mg daily)
Evidence specifically for women with diminished ovarian reserve undergoing IVF. Improves ovarian response and egg quality. Discuss with your IVF clinic before starting.
Vitamin E (400 IU daily)
Antioxidant protection for developing follicles. Also has evidence for improving uterine lining thickness in women with thin endometrium.
Inositol (Myo-inositol 2–4g daily)
Particularly beneficial for women with PCOS and insulin resistance. Improves insulin sensitivity, supports ovulation, and improves egg quality in PCOS patients. The combination of myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol in a 40:1 ratio has the best evidence.
For Men
CoQ10 (400mg), zinc (25mg), selenium (200mcg), vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and L-carnitine all have evidence for improving sperm parameters. Antioxidant combinations addressing sperm DNA fragmentation — including vitamin C, vitamin E, and N-acetyl cysteine — are important for men with elevated DNA fragmentation. See our full article on how to boost male fertility.
TCM and Supplements Together
In traditional Chinese medicine, the nutritional deficiencies that supplements address correspond to patterns of kidney jing deficiency, kidney yin deficiency, and blood deficiency. Chinese herbal medicine addresses these patterns at a deeper level than supplements alone — it is not an either/or choice. The combination of targeted supplementation, acupuncture, and bespoke herbal treatment is consistently more effective than any single approach.
For a personalised fertility supplement and treatment plan, contact me or book a consultation in Wokingham.
