Fertility supplements directory

Supplements can play an important role in supporting male and female fertility, particularly when used alongside acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, an optimised diet and a healthy lifestyle. The right combination of supplements at the right dose can improve egg and sperm quality, regulate hormones, address specific deficiencies, and support a healthy pregnancy.

This directory provides individual profiles for each of the major supplements covered in my book My Fertility Guide. Each page covers what the supplement does, recommended daily dosage, food sources, fertility benefits and any cautions or contraindications. Always consult with a fertility specialist or your doctor before starting new supplements, particularly if you are taking medications, have a chronic health condition, or are already pregnant.

I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a fertility specialist with over 25 years of clinical experience. I provide individualised supplement recommendations as part of fertility consultations at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire, and via online consultations.

On this page

1. Vitamins
2. Minerals and trace elements
3. Antioxidants and mitochondrial support
4. Bee products
5. Algae and protein
6. Amino acids and inositols
7. Essential fatty acids
8. Herbal supplements
9. Hormonal supplements
10. Related pages

1. Vitamins

• Vitamin A — for sexual health and fertility
• Vitamin B1 (thiamin) — energy and red blood cell production
• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) — helps PMS and energy production
• Vitamin B3 (niacin) — energy production and oxygen use
• Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) — adrenal hormone production
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) — helps PMS and over 60 enzymes
• Folic acid (vitamin B9) — prevents birth defects, the only supplement universally recommended
• Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) — cell division, low sperm count, vegan deficiency
• Vitamin C — powerful antioxidant for sperm DNA protection
• Vitamin D — reduced fertility with low levels
• Vitamin E — antioxidant for sperm and egg protection
• Vitamin K — blood clotting, heavy periods

2. Minerals and trace elements

• Calcium — egg activation and bone health
• Chromium — glucose tolerance and sperm count
• Copper — iron transport and fat metabolism
• Iodine — thyroid hormone production
• Iron — haemoglobin, blood building, common deficiency
• Magnesium — over 300 enzyme functions, hormone receptor regulation
• Manganese — fertility hormone production and blood clotting
• Selenium — the most important trace element for fertility
• Zinc — sperm DNA, sexual maturity, ovulation

3. Antioxidants and mitochondrial support

• Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) — powerful antioxidant that recycles vitamins C and E
• Beta-carotene — antioxidant precursor of vitamin A
• Coenzyme Q10 — mitochondrial function for egg and sperm
• Lycopene — sperm count, motility and morphology
• Melatonin — the most powerful antioxidant for egg quality
• Ubiquinol — the active form of CoQ10
• Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) — rejuvenates egg quality in older women
• Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) — creates new mitochondria

4. Bee products

• Bee pollen — rich in protein, EFAs and B12
• Royal jelly — nourishes Jing, Yin and Blood; supports egg quality

5. Algae and protein

• Chlorella — nourishes Jing, ideal for sperm quality (men only)
• Spirulina — high-protein super-food (men only)

6. Amino acids and inositols

• L-arginine — nitric oxide, sperm motility and uterine blood flow
• Myo-inositol — PCOS and egg quality
• Choline — baby's brain development
• Biotin — metabolism and PCOS support

7. Essential fatty acids and related

• DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) — baby's brain development and sperm quality
• Cod liver oil — omega-3 plus vitamin A (men only when trying)

8. Herbal supplements

• Agnus castus (chaste tree) — PMS and irregular cycles
• Bromelain — from pineapple stems, anti-inflammatory for endometriosis
• Dong quai (dang gui) — tonifies Blood and regulates the cycle
• Ginseng — energy, leptin regulation, immune support for implantation
• Green tea — powerful antioxidant
• Horny goat weed (yin yang huo) — libido and fertility
• Maca — energy, libido, sperm quality and LH support
• Passionflower — libido and sperm count
• Tribulus terrestris — testosterone and sperm production
• Turmeric (curcumin) — anti-inflammatory for endometriosis

9. Hormonal supplements

• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) — for low AMH and poor egg quality (see hormones directory)

10. Related pages

• Fertility hormones directory
• Fertility problems
• How to improve egg quality
• Fertility advice
• Fertility treatments
• Chinese food therapy
• My Fertility Guide — the book this directory is based upon

Important medical disclaimer: The information on these pages is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult with your doctor or a qualified fertility specialist before starting any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, taking medications, or have a chronic health condition. Recommended dosages may vary between individuals and supplement quality varies between brands.