quick clicks

preconception articles

preconception q&a

community & groups

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

Expert Q&A

	By Allison Gamble Nutritionist/Diet Technician Highland Park Hospital, Illinois

Is it true that taking certain vitamins can help a woman conceive?

It is true that being well nourished improves fertility. All vitamins and minerals are essential to fertility. Singling out a few of the vitamins would be unfair since they all work together to keep us healthy.

I donŴ know of one specific miracle vitamin or mineral responsible for increasing fertility, but I did read that zinc, a trace mineral, plays an important role. One of its many functions is in the formation of DNA and RNA (i.e., growth and development). Zinc is important in sperm and normal fetal development. DonŴ forget men are equally important in pregnancy! Men also need to have a healthy diet and lifestyle prior to getting pregnant!

The RDA (recommended daily allowance) for zinc is 12 mg for women, 15 mg for men. During pregnancy it increases to 15 mg for women. Good sources of zinc are protein containing foods: meats, fish, poultry, grains, and vegetables.

Remember, all vitamins and minerals work together. A deficiency of one can throw a lot of important functions out of whack. So, eat a variety of foods, and try a good vitamin supplement to cover your bases."

View more Q&A by this Expert