Many women take prenatal supplementsa multivitamin containing nutrients essential for pregnancy and fetal developmentbefore and during pregnancy.
For supplements, men should focus on getting enough nutrients for their specific needs.
There are also additional nutrients that have been studied for male fertility support.
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Are Prenatal Vitamins Safe for Men?
Prenatal supplementscan contain a variety of ingredients and dosages tailored to female needs.
For example, prenatal supplements provide a lot more iron than males would typically need.
Additionally, some prenatal supplements may lack key nutrients for male fertility.
In this case, you may not be getting enough of certain nutrients.
Prenatal Vitamins vs. Men’s Multivitamins
Male and female nutrient needs are different.
Prenatal vitamins are meant to support female health and fetal development during pregnancy.
Supplements for male fertility would be taken before conceiving.
The nutrients that may help with male fertility differ from what is commonly added to prenatal vitamins.
For example, most men do not need supplemental iron.
Certain nutrients may be helpful to supplement while working through infertility that may not be found in prenatal vitamins.
Ideally, men should use a supplement designed for male fertility.
Taking a multivitamin may help ensure nutrient needs are met when couples are trying to conceive.
As a result, some supplement products may not contain the ingredients listed on the label.
Whenchoosing a supplement, look for products independently tested or certified by organizations such asNSF,U.S.
Diet modifications recommended for male fertility are no different from those recommended for the general public.
Diet recommendations include:
TheMediterranean dietis one diet that is recommended to align best with dietary intake goals.
Another study found that a “prudent diet” resulted in highersperm concentrationand higher levels of testosterone.
Opting for whole, nutrient-dense foods, while limiting added sugar intake, can help improve overall reproductive health.
Summary
When trying to conceive, both partners may need to make health changes.
In a food-first approach, diet changes similar to a Mediterranean diet may improve male fertility.
Supplements can also help to ensure certain nutrient needs are met.
Nutrient needs differ between males and females.
It is more sensible for men to take a supplement that is designed for male fertility.
In both cases, prenatal and male fertility supplements differ greatly among brands.
Discuss supplementation with an obstetrician or fertility specialist to understand what nutrients are needed and ideal dosages.
Verywell Health acknowledges thatsex and genderare related concepts, but they are not the same.
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