Certain vitamins like folic acid are very important to a healthy conception and can prevent neural tube defects in the first trimester of pregnancy.  It is advised that a female trying to conceive incorporates regular folic acid supplements into the diet before pregnancy to prevent birth defects and improve fertility.  Studies have also shown that folic acid can also be beneficial to men in that the supplement will increase the number and quality of sperm.

Other vitamins to increase fertility also include B6 and B12, which are part of the B-complex family.  All of the B-family vitamins are important and essential to a woman’s reproductive health and can increase the chances of a healthy conception.  Vitamin B6 has been shown to boost fertility in woman and B12 is beneficial to men with a low sperm count.

Vitamin C has been shown to help a woman taking the fertility drug, clomiphene, increase the chances of fertilization.  Citrus fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C and can aid in fertility, and there are many other vitamins to increase fertility as well.  Zinc is a mineral that is important to the production of the male hormone testosterone and in women it assists in how the body uses estrogen and progesterone, important fertility hormones.

Selenium is an antioxidant, which helps and protects both men and women from the damage of cancer-causing free radicals in the body.  Selenium is also important in that the mineral helps prevent birth defects and increases sperm count in men.  The incorporation of selenium into the diet can come from red meat, tuna, chicken, whole grains and enriched whole wheat pastas.

The diet of a woman trying to conceive has a direct impact on whether or not conception will occur.  When trying to conceive and become pregnant, it is important for a woman to watch their diet, eat the right foods and do proactive things to enhance her chances.  Vitamins and minerals not only impact the health of the female, but can also have a direct bearing on the reproductive system and the ability to conceive.