What Are the Benefits of Vitamin E for Infertility?
Approximately 6.1 million people in the United States experience infertility, which is defined as trying to get pregnant for at least a year without success, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Infertility can occur for any number of reasons, but certain nutrients can increase your odds of conception.
Approximately 6.1 million people in the United States experience infertility, which is defined as trying to get pregnant for at least a year without success, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Infertility can occur for any number of reasons, but certain nutrients can increase your odds of conception. Vitamin E is one such nutrient.
About Vitamin E
An antioxidant, vitamin E helps defend your cells from free radicals, which are substances that can damage your cells and leave you susceptible to certain health problems. The vitamin also plays a role in gene expression and cell signaling, which are crucial functions for getting pregnant and supporting a healthy pregnancy. Healthy adults need 15 milligrams of vitamin E each day to support these functions.
For Men
A vitamin E deficiency can interfere with normal reproductive functions in men, according to Salman Azhar's article "Alpha-Tocopherol and Male Fertility," published in "The Encyclopedia of Vitamin E." The deficiency can lead to testicular damage, which can inhibit normal hormonal secretion necessary for reproduction. Vitamin E might also play a role in sperm quality and motility. An increase in vitamin E and selenium at the same time might also improve sperm quality and motility, according to a 2011 article published in the "International Journal of General Medicine."
For Women
Increasing intake of vitamin E might prevent ovulation decline, one reason many older women have trouble getting pregnant, according to Michael Dooley, author of "Fit for Fertility." Taking vitamin E before undergoing fertility treatments might also boost the success rate of pregnancy. The vitamin plays a role in the formation and maintenance of the placenta, according to a 2012 article published in "Advances in Nutrition." A healthy placenta is essential for supporting a healthy pregnancy.
Increasing Your Intake of Vitamin E
If you're experiencing infertility, talk to your doctor about the potential benefits of increasing your vitamin E intake. Food sources include wheat germ, sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts, peanut butter, spinach, kiwi and mangoes. If you're worried that you don't get enough vitamin E from your diet alone, speak with your doctor. Don't take a supplement without getting his approval. Taking too much vitamin E in supplement form can cause hemorrhage and bleeding, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements, and the upper limit for vitamin E is 1,000 milligrams per day for healthy adults. Too much vitamin E might also raise the risk of prostate cancer in men.