The Top 3 Supplements for Fertility: Backed by Research

Trying to conceive? While food, lifestyle and hormones all play major roles, certain key supplements can support your fertility journey, especially when used under professional guidance.

Below are five of the best-evidenced supplements for fertility and how they may help. But as always, consult with a naturopath or clinical nutritionist for tailored planning as everyone's needs will look different on their fertility journey. 

1. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)

One of my all time favourites, NAC is a powerful antioxidant and amino-acid.

How it works:

• Reduces oxidative stress, as a powerful antioxidant this leads to improving egg and sperm quality.

• Researched for recurrent pregnancy loss.

• Noted to improve ovulation rates, balance hormones, and lower insulin resistance in women with PCOS.

• Clinical tip: Often included in pre-conception protocols, but dose and timing should be individualised.

2. Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinol)

Ubiquinol (the active form of CoQ10) would be closely tied for 1st place when looking at supporting fertility outcomes in women. Heres why:

How it works:

• Studies in IVF show higher egg yield, better embryo quality, fewer cancelled cycles when CoQ10 is included

• Helpful for women with diminished ovarian reserve

• Can improve egg quality by protecting eggs from oxidative damage and supporting mitochondrial function

• Clinical tip: Often included in pre-conception protocols, but dose and timing should be individualised.

3. High-Quality Prenatal

Prenatal vitamins aren’t just about during-pregnancy support, they can enhance outcomes in both healthy and infertile women.

Key nutrients to check:

• Methyl-folate (rather than synthetic folic acid)

• Active B12

• Iodine (for thyroid and reproductive function)

• Choline (supports hormone balance and fetal development)

• Clinical tip: Choose a prenatal with bioavailable forms of nutrients and start before conception (ideally 3 + months ahead).

Putting It All Together: A Pre-Conception Protocol

Before you begin taking any supplements, consider this roadmap:

• Start early: Off your contraception and start your pre-conception regime at least 3 months before planned conception.

• Test first: Assess micronutrient status, hormone levels, thyroid and optimise these.

• Choose quality over quantity: Opt for supplements with evidence, high bio‐availability, and used under practitioner supervision.

• Lifestyle integration: Supplements support but don’t replace diet, sleep, stress management, movement and gut health, all of which are foundational for fertility.

• Monitor & adjust: Re-assess after ~3–6 months and tweak your protocol based on response, labs, and changes.

What Next?

These three supplements offer strong research-based support, but remember: the real power lies in integration (labs + diet + movement + sleep + stress) and personalisation.

If you’d like help tailoring a pre-conception supplement protocol (aligned with your labs, history and fertility goals), book an appointment