Supplementing Your IVF Journey

Thousands of couples embark on the in vitro fertilization (IVF) journey every year. Infertility is a challenge for many couples, while singles are choosing to turn to IVF for various reasons. IVF is a multi-step process that seeks to create multiple embryos in a fertility clinic by extracting sperm and eggs. Healthy embryos are then implanted in the uterus for pregnancy. During each step of IVF, maintaining a healthy body is vital for long-term success. Avoiding vitamin and mineral deficiencies, which can disrupt reproductive health, can be a game-changer on the path to parenthood.

The impact of vitamins on IVF

Fertility and reproductive health are dependent on specific hormones produced by multiple organs. The proper nutrients are needed for women and men to produce eggs and sperm. These nutrients and hormones are especially crucial for individuals with fertility challenges like low sperm count or diminished ovarian reserve. The right vitamins and minerals are also necessary to support egg quality and implantation. Meeting vitamin requirements is often challenging due to stress, diet, or health challenges. Supplements specific to IVF and a healthy pregnancy may improve the success rate.

Essential vitamins for IVF

In vitro fertilization requires the extraction of multiple eggs from the woman and a sperm sample from the man. Fertility medication will help increase egg production, but added vitamins and minerals can help further. Folic acid, a B vitamin, helps with cell metabolism and production, including those in the ovaries. Women also require folic acid for improved embryo quality, reduced miscarriages, and a healthy pregnancy. This B vitamin can also help with sperm production in men. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in hormone optimization and regulation. As IVF requires multiple forms of hormones, vitamin D may be essential. Other valuable vitamins and minerals include vitamins C, E, and zinc.

Increasing implantation success

After creating the necessary embryos, the fertility specialists will transfer the specimen to the woman’s uterus. After 2 weeks, the team will test for pregnancy. Fertility medication will be required to prepare for implantation, but specific vitamins and minerals also support this process and the future pregnancy. Iron, for instance, helps with oxygen transport and blood cell formation, essential for a healthy uterine lining. Zinc and magnesium also help with deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis and hormone regulation, creating the right balance for pregnancy. Minerals like magnesium are also great for stress reduction, which is necessary during this challenging process.

Consider a compounded fertility multivitamin

Taking multiple vitamins and minerals along with fertility drugs can be difficult and unsustainable. Therefore, a multivitamin that contains all the essential vitamins and minerals is an excellent option during the IVF journey. While there are many over-the-counter (OTC) multivitamins available specific to pregnancy, consider a compounded option. This approach can provide a custom-made pill based on individual requirements. Compounding ensures the ideal doses of each vitamin and mineral in the best form for the user, with minimal side effects. As a result, the chance of supplement adherence increases, creating a perfect environment for pregnancy.

Boost your IVF treatment

The in vitro journey is complex, challenging, and stressful. Individuals and couples going through the process want to ensure the highest success rate for each cycle. A healthy diet, exercise, and supplementation are excellent ways to support the journey. Speak with a pharmacist to create a custom vitamin and mineral solution. With the right habits and supplements, a healthy pregnancy is possible.